Theology of Christian Counseling, A [Paperback]

Jay E. Adams (Author)

Book Description

Series: Jay Adams Library | Publication Date: June 28, 1986

A Theology of Christian Counseling connects biblical doctrine with practical living. Salvation, that central concern of Protestant theology, is often too narrowly defined. It is thought of as 'being saved from the consequences of sin.' But God is doing much more. He is making something new out of the old sinful nature. He is, in Christ, making new creatures. 'No counseling system that is based on some other foundation can begin to offer what Christian counseling offers. . . . No matter what the problem is, no matter how greatly sin has abounded, the Christian counselor's stance is struck by the far-more-abounding nature of the grace of Jesus Christ in redemption. What a difference this makes in counseling!' In this book the reader will gain an insight into the rich theological framework that supports and directs a biblical approach to counseling. And the connection between solid theology and practical application will become compelling. This book is one-of-a-kind.

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

Dr. Jay E. Adams is Director of Advanced Studies and Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Escondido, California. He received his B.A. from Johns Hopkins University, his B.D. from the Reformed Episcopal Theological Seminary, his S.T.M. from Temple University, and his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri. In addition to having served as a pastor and then a Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Dr. Adams has been the Dean of the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation, Laverock, Pennsylvania, since its founding in the early 1970s. He has written over fifty books, translated the New Testament into English (The Christian Counselor’s New Testament), and lectured throughout the world. His books deal with many aspects of pastoral ministry and counseling as well as Bible study and practical Christian living

From the Back Cover

A Theology of Christian Counseling connects biblical doctrine with practical living. Salvation, that central concern of Protestant theology, is often too narrowly defined. It is thought of as "being saved from the consequences of sin." But God is doing much more. He is making something new out of the old sinful nature. He is, in Christ, making new creatures.

"No counseling system that is based on some other foundation can begin to offer what Christian counseling offers. . . . No matter what the problem is, no matter how greatly sin has abounded, the Christian counselor’s stance is struck by the far-more-abounding nature of the grace of Jesus Christ in redemption. What a difference this makes in counseling!"

In this book the reader will gain an insight into the rich theological framework that supports and directs a biblical approach to counseling. And the connection between solid theology and practical application will become compelling. This book is one-of-a-kind.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (June 28, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310511011
• ISBN-13: 978-0310511014
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #95,469 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jay E. Adams (PhD, University of Missouri) is a former director of advanced studies and professor of practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary, as well as a retired pastor. He has written over fifty books on pastoral ministry, preaching, counseling, Bible study, and Christian living. His books include Competent to Counsel, The Christian Counselor's Manual, and Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage in the Bible.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Applying Biblical Truths to the Heart, July 12, 2004

By 

George M. Nickles III (Cullowhee, NC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Theology of Christian Counseling, A (Paperback)

In this book, Dr. Adams identifies Biblical truths that relate specifically to problems that are faced by many people that go for counseling. He discusses how these truths, since they come from God's perfect revelation, are to be followed instead of man's faulty reason. Dr. Adams writes from the perspective of Reformed theology. Though he summarizes teachings from that perspective, it would be best for the reader to be familiar with it before reading this book (and the author says as much).

As a layman with only personal curiosity in the topic, I didn't know what to expect. This is the first book I've read in the area of Christian counseling, and so don't have background knowledge in the field to guide me. However, I found a very readable, in-depth survey of how Biblical doctrine applies to the counseling situation. If I were to give this book a different title, it would be: "Applying Reformed Theology To Our Everyday Lives." I learned a great deal about how doctrines such as original sin, the Trinity, and sanctification work out practically, and even found guidance for some personal struggles I was going through at the time. (I would not recommend this book as an alternative to counseling.) I also learned about the meaning and process of counseling as a Christian.

The paperback is a nice, sturdy one, printed on good paper. There are some typos throughout the book, but the correct meaning is usually clear.

I recommend this book for those with a background in Reformed theology and are interested in learning more about counseling and/or how that system of theology works our practically in the situations of life.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Building a Foundation, February 25, 2005

By 

Robert W. Kellemen "Doc. K." (Crown Point, IN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Theology of Christian Counseling, A (Paperback)

In, "A Theology of Christian Counseling: More Than Redemption," biblical counseling pioneer, Dr. Jay Adams, offers a solid theological foundation for Christian counseling. As he notes, many people have written theologies, many have written counseling manuals, but until his book, no one in the 20th century had attempted a focused theology of counseling.

Dr. Adams discusses the ten classic doctrines of the historic Christian tradition, providing an introduction to evangelical theology. He then relates each doctrine to the field of biblical counseling.

As his subtitle suggests ("More Than Redemption"), the Christian life does not end at redemption, but begins there. Thus, much of "A Theology of Christian Counseling" appropriately focuses upon sanctification (the doctrine of the Christian's growth in grace). Adams is at his best here as he dissects the process of putting off the old way (mortification or, as he calls it, "dehabituation") and putting on the new way (vivification or, as he calls it, "rehabituation").

In his introduction, Dr. Adams states that "A Theology of Christian Counseling" was meant only to be a first salvo. He asks that others come behind him and develop more in-depth theologies related specifically to biblical counseling. In this sense, Dr. Adams stated the one limitation of his own book--though an excellent start, its breadth of coverage leaves it lacking somewhat in depth of theology and in depth of methodological application. However, as an introduction to the field, there is none better.

Reviewer: Dr. Bob Kellemen, author of "Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction" and "Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."

20 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read For All Christians in the Counseling Field, October 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Theology of Christian Counseling, A (Paperback)

This wonderful, thought provoking book by Jay Adams has opened my eyes to new techniques in the Biblical Counseling field. He has given precise, accurate information that is easy to read from a more reformed position. A must read.