Theology of Christian Counseling, A Paperback – June 15, 1986

I enjoyed reading this book throroughly. I have a BS degree in Psychology and was considering getting a Master's Degree in Marriage an Family Therapy, but this book has opened my eyes to the need for couselors who will use the Bible as the basis for all of their counseling efforts. In studying psychology I never really placed much faith in the theories that were proposed by people like Freud and Skinner, and the like. As a matter of fact in looking for something concrete in any of these theories, I became bored with the subject matter. I believe after reading this book that I understand why: the basis for all of these theories is humanistic/atheistic ideals that do not tap into the real source of counsel that is found in God's Word. Adams really put the terms "godly counsel" and "ungodly counsel" into perspective in this book. A great read!

Theology and Counseling - Do they go together?

Absolutely! In fact, you can't have true biblical counseling without doctrine. Adams wrote this book almost 30 years ago to "convince the reader that truth and godliness are interrelated in such a way that it isn't possible to have one without the other, and that, therefore, counselors must become biblical theologians..." (pg 307) This is a follow-on to Adam's book "Competent to Counsel" that I have also reviewed and found to be very helpful.

I can recommend this book as generally beneficial but not as much so as "Competent to Counsel", "Instruments in the Redeemer's Hands" by Paul David Tripp, and "How People Change" by Timothy Lane and Paul David Tripp. The point of such nouthetic counseling books is that counseling must be grounded in Scripture, specifically in the Gospel of Jesus Christ who can transform the heart - to the ends that the soul finds satisfaction in the preeminence and glory of Christ Himself.

The book is laid out much like a systematic theology. Adams connects issues of counseling with various biblical doctrines. For example,

1. Related to the doctrine of the Scriptures (pg 16-56)...

All other eclectic counseling methods are setting up rival systems that compete with the Bible (v8-9). We must know what Scripture says and that it communicates authoritatively to counselees (pg 13). The authority does not come from the counselor (pg 20). Only the scriptures have the power to transform( 2 Tim 3:15-17) (pg 36-37). We understand our environment that surrounds us from the scriptures (pg 38-56).

2. Related to the doctrine of God (pg 57-93)...

The Believer can find encouragement in the names of God (pg 57-60). Counselees should understand that all that is happening is taking place in the presence of God, for His glory and they should be dependent on Him in Prayer (pg 61-87)...as opposed to self-sufficiency (pg 67). C.f. study of the words/synonyms for prayer - pg 71-74. God does hear hypocritical, resentful , pharisaical, self-centered, unbiblical, and self-addressed prayers (pg 78-87). I would have like to seen here more exposition of texts that boast in the glories of Jesus Christ Himself.

3. Related to the doctrine of Man (pg 94-173)...

Normally, in psychology, the therapist is determining the "standard" of behavior and how the counselee should live (pg 102). Rather, the standard is Jesus Christ in all of His perfections, and we should look unto Him and depend on His righteousness (pg 100-105). Man is basically a dichotomy of body and soul/spirit (unified yet two-fold) (pg 110-117). Man is responsible for his sin and totally depraved (in all parts and aspects, man is corrupt) (pg 141-143). God is NOT in the business of just "reforming" behavior but RENEWING through the Gospel in regeneration (pg 120-121).

4. Related to the doctrine of Salvation (pg 174-232)...

Adams coins the term "super redemption" to refer to Christ's amazing work of grace in elevating a person positionally in Christ. That same power allows us not to "settle" for anything less than what God designed for our lives. As a result of salvation, Christians are able to forgive and ask forgiveness of others (pg 184-232).

5. Related to the doctrine of Sanctification (pg 233-275)...

The Gospel results in change in person, not merely actions (pg 238). We are not merely to stop doing something. We are to "put off" and "put on" (pg 240), all grounded in the grace of Jesus Christ's work. We continue our walk in obedience (endurance) (pg 244). We must walk by the Spirit and depend on Him for the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5, 1 Tim 6:11, 2 Tim 2:22) (pg 249-262). We must take definitive, concrete action ("radical amputation") in dealing with our sin (Matt 5:27-30) (pg 263-270). We will also have a different view of suffering than an unbeliever and should be counseled that way (2 Cor 4:17) (pg 271-275). We need each other within the context of the church to aid in our growth through discipleship in the Word of God (pg 276-306).

The back of the books says it all..."No counseling system...can offer what Christian counseling offers...the Christian Counselor's stance is struck by the far-more-abounding nature of the grace of Jesus Christ in Redemption..."

great

I've read systematic theology books. I've read books on biblical counseling. Until know I haven't read one that connects the two into one book. I found it helpful how Adams brought forth the most relevant themes of theology and applied them to counseling believers.

It seemed that Adams used this book to defend his position against attackers. I was a little annoyed by how much time he devoted to calling out by name those who offer opposing views. I appreciated the analysis, just not the name calling.

Overall, this is a must read for all those who desire to offer wise biblical counsel.

Excellent material!

My husband and I are studying to become NANC-certified counselors and this is one of the books suggested to read for the theology requirement. This book is extremely helpful because it gives the theology of a topic then goes on to show the reader how to apply it in a biblical counseling settng. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants a deeper understanding of the Gospel and how to apply it to life and how to help others do the same.

A book for Christian and Christian Counselors. Good and System analysis of Counseling base on Bible.

Jay Adams explains theology in very basic terms according to application in biblical counseling. This is very helpful to be able to begin to understand how theology would be used in the counseling room. Academically, this is not the best theological text, but that's not what it's written to be. This is more of an aid than a textbook.