Jay E. Adams: A Theology of Christian Counseling

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Chapter One

The first chapter of the book looks into the use of theology in counselling. The author argues that from the beginning, the human form was meant to receive some type of counselling. It can be agreed that human nature seeks understanding and revelation, and so, to some extent, the suggested premise is true. Due to the fact that man is dependent on his creator, it can, therefore, be concluded that there is significant need for the use of theology in counseling. One can also agree with the author that the first man brings out the importance of outside counsel in leading a positive life. In the case of Adam, he heeded bad counsel and this led to expulsion from the Garden of Eden.

Chapter Two

Adams (1986) gives an in-depth definition of theology and its relation to counseling in chapter two of the book. The author argues that when the scripture is not well interpreted, it can lead to negative actions after a theological therapy. This chapter is rich due to the fact that it provides practical examples that highlight both how scripture can be used for good and bad in counseling. Of course, the author explains that counselors who use theology should be careful in their description and analysis of scripture as pertains to their patient’s life in order to avert negative consequences.

Chapter Three

The author takes a hard stance on the influence and importance of non-theological counseling measures. Indeed, Jesus is referred to as a great counselor yet the Bible does not indicate that he used any type of modern (then) strategies. Towards this end, Adams (1986) is convinced that a counselor only needs to understand scripture in order to be good at their work. The premise purported by the scholar is harsh towards people of other faiths (who he refers to as non-believers). However, scripture does not shun these people away but encourages Christians to welcome them into the fold. This is not considered in the chapter, making the arguments presented incomplete.

Chapter Four

One of the striking elements of this chapter is the extensive use of evidence from the Bible. The author has used scripture to show the doctrine of God in relation to man’s basic environment. One can agree with the author that there are sinners who know that what they are doing is wrong. However, the author argues that all sinners are aware that what they are doing is wrong. This can be disputed strongly by the fact that when Jesus was on the cross he prayed and said “for they do not know what they are doing”. Additionally, the chapter assumes that people who need counseling are sinning in one way or the other. However, Christian counseling is not just about finding forgiveness for sin but also further understanding one’s self and his or her purpose.

Chapter Five

Chapter five is one of the shortest chapters in the publication. One interesting thing about the chapter is that it allows the reader to write his or her own ideas on the book. The author provides a page ad instructs the reader to write their thoughts on how the different names and representations of God in the Bible affect their perceptions. One can agree with the author that the name chosen by a patient (in prayer and therapy) to refer to God has an impact on the individual’s outcome of the sessions. Some of the names that have been sampled by the author include Jehovah Shammah and Jehovah Jireh.

Chapter Six

This chapter is a continuation of the previous two chapters. The author focuses on the role of prayer in Christian counseling. There are two main things that make the chapter stand out. The first is the importance that prayer is given in relation to the counselors own well-being. It can be agreed that the counselor has to pray for him/herself and also for his/her patients. This is a refreshing thought due to the fact that most counselors think only about their patients and not their own wellbeing. The second critical element of the chapter is the use of prayer in the therapy sessions. It is important to note that whereas the author insists on the importance of prayer during sessions, he refrains from dictating when such should be offered, which can be viewed as a positive thing.

Chapter Seven

Chapter seven reiterates the importance of using Christian counseling as opposed to traditional counseling to help patients. The author argues that even within Christian counseling, there are some strategies that work better than others. He argues that Christian counsellors have to use the principle of discipleship in order to attain favorable results during therapy sessions. One can agree that Christian counseling is founded on principles of discipleship. The scholar argues that the stated principle promotes a father-son context. It is debatable that this is the approach that should be used by Christian counselors. One can, however, agree that the issue of discipleship should be in relation to serving the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit through counseling.

Chapter Eight

In this chapter, the author insists that Christian therapists should only use scripture as basis for their anthological anecdotes and strategies. Critically, there are numerous literature that have been used to shape the idea of Christian counseling to date. In fact, this book under review is one of such literary works. Indeed, one can fully agree to the fact that the Bible should be the center of any Christian counseling sessions. However, one can disagree with the argument that Christian therapists should not use any other anthology literal works to help in their practice. Caution has to be made, however, in choosing some literary works that might help a client or even the counselor him/herself.

Chapter Nine

Indeed, there are times when patients who need counseling have committed a sin. This chapter analyzes how a Christian therapist should handle such individuals in light of the doctrines of man. Adams (1986) is categorical in stating that not all consequences of a person’s life are related to their sins. Sometimes, the sins of others affect their close family, relatives and even friends in such a way that they (the affected) need therapy. One can agree with Adams (1986) argument that due to this complexity, it is not encouraged to treat feelings alone. The scriptures that are selected should also be able to equip the patient with knowledge to sustain his or her faith.

Chapter Ten

Habit is a critical part of human everyday life. This aspect is clearly captured in chapter ten of the publication. The author believes that Christian counselors often ignore the importance of habit when dealing with their patients. One can argue that there are some habits that have to be changed in order to fully live a Christian life. Critically, and as the chapter denotes, some patients might not realize that it is some of their habits that lead to either their sinning or feeling emotionally and mentally unwell. It is, thus, the work of the counselor to help the patient figure out what bad habits they have and how changing them can positively affect their lives.

Chapter Eleven

The author takes time to note some of the ways sin can influence mental health. It can be stated that a true Christian who understands his or her actions will know if they have done something wrong. Indeed, as mentioned before, this might not be the case all the time. However, due to this, there are some mental challenges that might affect the patient based on this. The scholar identifies three elements such as lack of sleep, bodily incapability, and erroneous definition of scripture. It should be noted that the author fails to also highlight an attitude concern that is often common in Christians who are mentally ill due to sin.

Chapter Twelve

The importance of hope in Christian counseling is critical. This is fully highlighted in chapter twelve of the book. In the attainment of redemption, one has to forgive himself or herself of her sinful past. It is important to note that the author does explain the importance of forgiveness of self in the chapter. Additionally, Adams (1986) argues that there has to be a clear differentiation between past, present and future. One can agree that the three elements will ensure a wholesome healing for any patient. The chapter draws inspiration from several Biblical verses, making it highly impactful. It is always important for a theology therapist to draw motivation and even solutions from the scripture.

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter thirteen is a continuation of the previous chapter and looks at forgiveness in a more in-depth approach. The fact that the scholar starts by identifying what he refers to as the language of forgiveness in the Bible is important for both an average reader and a counselor. It is important to note that even though the chapter has focused on how counselors should use the language of forgiveness to help their clients, it is also critical for theology therapists to use the concepts in their own lives. This is due to the fact that there are numerous outcomes that can arise from a session and therapist must use a language of forgiveness for their own pasts in order to help their patients.

Chapter Fourteen

This chapter is significantly crucial for any Christian counselor. It provides a summary of some of things that are expected to change after a successful therapy. One advantage of the chapter is that the author considers the “dehabilitation” process. This is critical due to the fact that for scripture to help a patient, the affected has to first acknowledge the error in his or her ways. The writer gives the reader some space to also identify some things that can be classified under “dehabilitation” and those that can be classified under “rehabilitation”. The practical session breaks the monotony of reading and makes the chapter interesting to read. It is also important to note that the “dehabilitation” and “rehabilitation” aspects are tied to habits, which had been covered in the previous chapters,

Chapter Fifteen

Considering the doctrine of sanctification, this chapter provides the reader with in-depth analysis of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. Critically, many counselors might not use the fruits of the Holy Spirit in their sessions. However, the author creatively and strategically proves that any type of session can be centered on the stated fruits. This is important as it offers a different perspective and strategy that Christian counselors can use to help their patients. Additionally, the fact that this is ingrained in scripture makes it easier for patients to relate. Further, patients are able to uniquely use the same fruits of the Holy Spirit to live positively and in the light of the Lord.

Chapter Sixteen

The author argues that sanctification is often viewed as a way of getting rid of the old and adopting the new when in fact it is much more than that. This chapter is derived from the Biblical premise that if one hand causes you to sin, then cut it off. The issue of radical amputation is carefully considered in the chapter and encourages further distancing from things that will not only encourage one to sin but also to have mental challenges such as stress and confusion.

Chapter Seventeen

This chapter looks at the role of perseverance in counseling. Indeed, Christian scripture encourages mankind to persevere in the Lord and they will overcome anything. It can be agreed that an attitude of perseverance is critical in allowing patients to recover. The theology therapist and the patient each have to persevere in their own way in order to harness the desired results. It is important to note that the author fails to fully capture the essence of perseverance. It can be argued that one should tolerate and persevere not simply due to the reward at the end of the session but also to learn about one self and they endearment.

Chapter Eighteen

The concept of religion, counseling and suffering is often misrepresented. Indeed, there are numerous people who believe that believers have to suffer in order to be truly Christian. This chapter looks into how such notions can be dangerous and even cause more harm than good. The author explains that whereas such notions are wrong, there is a Biblical essence to pain. This is also supported by scripture. The author is categorical in noting that in the suffering one might go through, one still has to remember the presence of God. This is used both in therapy and can be further implemented in everyday life.

Chapter Nineteen

This chapter is dedicated to the process of counseling in the church. It is important to note that spiritual leaders have also been counselors since time immemorial. Counseling can be found within the leadership of the church and even within the congregation itself. The author gives importance to the role of using sermons to counsel congregations. Therefore, this is a more mass counseling type of approach. Thereby, sermons should not condemn behavior but rather guide on the right way of life in order to change behavior. Additionally, the author analyzes the role of the church in counseling sessions outside the church. Patients often find solace and relief if a Christian counselor is in synch with their pastors and priests.

Chapter Twenty

The author brings relevance to counseling new converts in chapter twenty. Adams (1986) argues that there is critical need for leaders of congregations to have therapy sessions with their new converts. Whereas one can argue that there are converts who would benefit from counseling, it is also important to sensitize the readers on the importance of consent. The new converts should be given the chance to attend therapy, but this should not be forcefully done. A critical part of healing is choosing to go to therapy. The cautious choice has to be arise from the person seeking the counseling services. All the church can do is inform of the services and encourage converts to take advantage of the same.

Chapter Twenty-One

This chapter is a continuation of the previous two chapters that have discussed the doctrine of the church. The chapter is critical as it brings in the influence of other people in relation to counseling a patient. The author argues that scripture states that when one’s brother sins, then they should be informed and corrected in private. However, this is rarely the case and due to this, one can argue that the Christian counseling done in churches is not only not effective, but also Biblically wrong.

Chapter Twenty-Two

In understanding how counseling is related to acts of mercy, one must first understand that there are people who believe they are doing good when in fact they are not. Counsellors should always bear this in mind due to the fact that there are different types of people who will seek their services. The ability to do good to all men at all times should be key in any Christian therapy sessions. This chapter emphasizes the need for this and how it also interlinks with trust that patients have towards their counselors. It is also important to note that at times, the primary counselor does not have the knowledge, tools or even capability to help the patient in one way or the other. In such cases, as an act of mercy, the counselor should incorporate other people in the patient’s team to aid with progress.

Chapter Twenty-Three

There is death with every living thing. There are numerous types of counseling that are needed when a person is close to dying. For instance, the affected person might need counseling to come to terms with his or her end of life. Further, the family of the affected might need therapy to understand the purpose of death in life. This chapter is critical as it analyzes these aspects and provides various strategies that can be used to successfully overcome the stresses and worries of death.

Chapter Twenty-Four

It is human to judge although scripture encourages mankind to avoid the same. There are numerous times even counselors find themselves judging others and this chapter analyzes this flaw in Christian therapy. It is prudent to note that Christian counselors are strongly discouraged from judging their patients. In fact, they are not supposed to guide the patient/congregant and not offer direct solutions. This is an intrinsic part of both traditional and Christian therapies.

Chapter Twenty-Five

This is the last chapter of the publication and offers a summary of the other chapters discussed.

Reference

Adams, E. J. (1986). A theology of Christian counseling: More than redemption. Harper Collins.

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