Counseling and Confession: The Role of Confession and Absolution in Pastoral Counseling

by Walter J. Koehler

For over 25 years, this book has provided an authentically Christian resource for enriching pastoral counseling and deepening a ministry of reconciliation. Walter Koehler weaves a multi-layered account of the relationships between psychology, pastoral counseling, and the theology of individual confession and absolution, igniting a conversation that has only expanded in the years since. (From https://store.csl.edu/books/counselin...)

91 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1982

Reviews

[Katie]

This was a timely read for me. As I prepare a talk on the being forgiven and the freedom we have in that forgiveness I desire to give the listeners actionable steps and tangible things to be reminded of the forgiveness we have on account of Christ. Going to a pastor or fellow Christian to confess and receive absolution is one point I'm diving into in the talks.

This resource was short and informative. It outlines the pieces of confession and absolution along with the benefits of each. It also does not neglect the mental health component of confessing and being absolved.

I see this as a resource I will go back to time and time again.

[Eric Estes]

I appreciated this small volume for how it covered the positives and negatives of pastoral counseling and its relationship to pastoral ministry. There is some good practical advice peppered throughout the book which is helpful for a pastor to consider in his own practice of giving and receiving Individual Confession and Absolution.

[Connor Longaphie]

The chapter on confesson and absolution is solid. The rest I found rather uninteresting, even though agreeable

[Theologia14]

Good on confession just ok on the rest.

[Luke]

This is a short book, but there is a lot in it. A lot was underlined. An enthusiastic cry for the increased practice of individual confession and absolution as a tool to help souls. "Through individual confesion and absolution a burdened soul is freed and delivered, as is possible through no other process, situation, or relationship. It is an awesome yet wonderful gift which the Lord has given, of which more should be made in the ministry and the cure of souls."
Highly recommended

[Pastor Don]

Good book for any Pastor or anyone who helps people in need.
Christ's peace!