Of Good Comfort

by Stephen Pietsch

‘This is a feast for theologians, historians and Christian counselors. Pietsch examines 21 of Luther’s “letters of comfort” to explore Luther’s pastoral care for souls suffering with depression. Pietsch uses interdisciplinary tools of inquiry artfully to examine the letters, Luther’s pastoral care approaches and the history of the “melancholy tradition”. The practice of seelsorge emerges as an amalgam of art, spiritual gift, and understanding of affliction, all resting comfortably within the authority of scripture and the Lutheran Confessions. Pietsch’s volume is a significant contribution to spiritual care literature, underscoring the conviction of the early church that individual soul care is an essential response to serve those who despair. Offering pivotal pastoral care insights that are often lost, discredited or entirely absent in the work of caring for those who suffer with depression, Pietsch concludes that Luther has given us excellent tools to examine, learn and to teach as we assist souls to find hope, strength and healing in the gospel of Jesus Christ.’ Professor Beverly Yahnke Concordia University Wisconsin Executive Director of Christian Counsel, Doxology Lutheran Centre for Spiritual Care and Counsel

336 pages, Paperback

Published September 20, 2016

Reviews

[Glenn Crouch · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have meant to grab a copy and read this book for the last few years as the Author has been a significant mentor and teacher in my journey. So when I had an opportunity to audit one of his classes in the semester just finished (on Pastoral Care and Counselling), I thought it would also be a good time to grab this book and give it a read. My only regret is that I took this long to read it :)

The Author aims to give Pastoral Carers (not just Lutherans) insight and tools when it comes to dealing with depression today by taking us on a journey back 500 years, to see how Luther dealt with others who were suffering - and in particular through 21 letters that he wrote. Whilst most people are familiar with the mental health issues that Luther faced, it is good to see how this made him a better carer through having a window into his words to those suffering. The Author compares how Luther’s approach(es) fit in with modern psychological and sociological approaches, and has no problem pointing out where he thinks Luther’s way would be inappropriate today. However, there is much gold to be mined from just these 21 letters, and I thoroughly benefited from the journey that the Author takes us on.

This book is highly recommended to fellow Christian Pastoral Carers, and of great value for those who wish to learn a bit more about Depression and how it was treated throughout history - it is sometimes assumed that that history is all “bad” - and this book shows that is not the case.

I would also point out that the 21 letters available in English here are not part of the English Luther Work’s (at least not yet) - and this is a reason any Luther scholar (whose German is lousy like mine) should grab a copy of this as well :)

[Mmetevelis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review forthcoming - but an incredibly insightful book

[Christopher Raffa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A treasury of pastoral care and insight, specifically to the care of the souls depressed and despondent over life's great many sufferings and open wounds. I highly recommend this book. Gems comfort are found everywhere.

[Philip Bartelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong scholarship on a mostly unexplored area of Luther research