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A Theology of Christian Counseling: More Than Redemption
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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
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Paperback, 352 pages
Published
June 15th 1986
by Zondervan
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There are some real gems in this work, but the whole suffers from imprecise theological writing, “word study syndrome,” and imbalance. At too many points, he presses the need for more writing on various subjects from a “biblical/nouthetic counseling” perspective, and he is overly defensive against his (unworthy) critics. The most glaring problem is that there is only one place in the whole book that I would characterize as distinctively trinitarian. The appendix on counseling unbelievers is help
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Competent to Counsel, The Christian Counselor's Manual and A Theology of Christian Counseling were instrumental in my journey toward becoming a biblical counselor. This is the theological why behind the what of counseling.
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Good Introduction to How Systematics Informs Counseling
For those wondering if Theology has anything to contribute to counseling, this is a great intro. Adams does a good job covering the basics of systematics and showing how they can and should inform every counseling situation.
All suffering is from sin, even if it's only Adam's (first man, not Jay), and as such the gospel is the only news that can bring about healing.
Adams begins with the Doctrine of God, moves into the Doctrine of Man, Salva ...more
For those wondering if Theology has anything to contribute to counseling, this is a great intro. Adams does a good job covering the basics of systematics and showing how they can and should inform every counseling situation.
All suffering is from sin, even if it's only Adam's (first man, not Jay), and as such the gospel is the only news that can bring about healing.
Adams begins with the Doctrine of God, moves into the Doctrine of Man, Salva ...more

When I was in Bible college I had to read a variety of systematic theologies throughout my various classes. I read Basic Theology by Charles C. Ryrie, Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem, and Understanding Christian Theology by Swindoll and Zuch.
There are three main problems all systematic theologies face: 1) in their zeal for getting theology right they can often forget or neglect to make it practical for the every day Christian, 2) they tend to be very lengthy, and 3) they excel in using large ...more
There are three main problems all systematic theologies face: 1) in their zeal for getting theology right they can often forget or neglect to make it practical for the every day Christian, 2) they tend to be very lengthy, and 3) they excel in using large ...more

To begin our pursuit toward certification as biblical counselors, my husband and I selected this title from a book list provided for the first phase of our study. The author lays out a defense for biblical counseling, as opposed to either secular or integrationist counseling, and he gives an overview of how various biblical doctrines relate to counseling practices. He deals with the doctrine of God, of man, of sin, of salvation, and more. Although his writing is unapologetically dogmatic and at
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I was disappointed by this book which is somewhat foundational to biblical counseling. First, it is not printed in an appealing way as all the text is packed on the page. Second, the author spends too much time focusing on what he is against, rather than showing what he is for. That makes for a laborious read.
I was particularly interested in the section on suffering which was super short and unsatisfying. If you are serious about biblical counseling, I would still recommend this as it does have ...more
I was particularly interested in the section on suffering which was super short and unsatisfying. If you are serious about biblical counseling, I would still recommend this as it does have ...more

Sep 07, 2020
Beth Peninger
added it
Originally I gave this title 4 stars. I am revising my stars to zero.
The reason I am doing so is that since reading this title, several things about my faith journey and expression have changed and I no longer subscribe to evangelical ideologies.
Additionally, I was trained to be a lay counselor using this bible-based (only) method and I have first-hand experience as a counselor and counselee that this method does more harm than healing, promotes toxicity, enables inequality between women and men ...more
The reason I am doing so is that since reading this title, several things about my faith journey and expression have changed and I no longer subscribe to evangelical ideologies.
Additionally, I was trained to be a lay counselor using this bible-based (only) method and I have first-hand experience as a counselor and counselee that this method does more harm than healing, promotes toxicity, enables inequality between women and men ...more

For a book written almost 40 years ago, this book is still relevant for applying God's Word to real life situations. Believing that God has given us the Bible to help us understand our thoughts and desires and lead us to redemption, this book helps you apply Scripture to real life problems. A key take away, is that true heart change only comes from God; any other change is a work of the flesh, no matter how effective.
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This book should be in each Christian’s home. Adams teaches through foundational Christian doctrine, like forgiveness, which passively disciples each reader in an age where “ignorance is bliss.” It would be best read with a small group in your local church where the Christian life could be walked out together.

This is a really, thorough book that explores various parts of the christian faith and practical examples of how to help counsel. Many thoughts were extremely helpful including work, forgiveness, and interactions within the church.
He can tend to spend lots of time to refute secular theorists but he also gives examples of situations to counsel which I find, extremely helpful
He can tend to spend lots of time to refute secular theorists but he also gives examples of situations to counsel which I find, extremely helpful

In many ways, this book can be seen as a handbook that addresses the many different facets pertaining to biblical counseling. It is a bit of a heavier read, but it is incredibly resourceful for those who put the time into reading it. Given how comprehensive it is, it is hard to provide any particular quote that would do this book justice (but I gave one anyway). If you are serious about becoming a better biblical counselor (whether professionally or informally), I strongly recommend this book.
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An excellent manual on the biblical, theological principles of using the scriptures and the power of God's Spirit to counsel. It will give church workers and Christians interested in counselling their brothers and sisters the confidence that, with sufficient Bible study on their part and the power of the Spirit working in them, they will be able to effectively counsel others. When you have read this book, you will desire to read other counseling books by Jay Adams.
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Jay Edward Adams is a Reformed Christian author. He has written over 100 books and these have been published in sixteen languages.
He received a Bachelor of Divinity from Reformed Episcopal Seminary, a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from Johns Hopkins University,a Masters in Sacred Theology from Temple University, and a PhD in Speech from the University of Missouri.
Adams' book Competent to Counsel l ...more
He received a Bachelor of Divinity from Reformed Episcopal Seminary, a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from Johns Hopkins University,a Masters in Sacred Theology from Temple University, and a PhD in Speech from the University of Missouri.
Adams' book Competent to Counsel l ...more
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Kerine Wint is a software engineering graduate with more love for books than for computers. As an avid reader, writer, and fan of all things...
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“Notice, again, it is not what one does that saves him—when it is judged, the tree is already a good tree—that’s why it bears good fruit (its fruit-bearing doesn’t make it a good tree). One’s works identify him as a good tree, wheat, a sheep, a Christian. Conversely, the bad tree, goat, tare and the unsaved man (like a child) is also “known by his doings” (Prov. 20:11). See Romans 2:6-8 in the light of this principle.”
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“Man was created as a being whose very existence is derived from and dependent upon a Creator whom he must acknowledge as such and from whom he must obtain wisdom and knowledge through revelation. The purpose and meaning of his life, as well as his very existence, is derived and dependent. He can find none of this in himself. Man is not autonomous.”
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