What counselors presuppose will ultimately dictate their philosophy and methodology of counseling. Historical biblical counselors presuppose only that which the Bible affirms. In Presuppositions of Biblical Counseling, Lou Priolo unpacks twelve presuppositions (originally postulated by Jay E. Adams) to help readers understand what sets biblical counseling apart from other theories (really, theologies) of counseling. It will also help those in counseling (or seeking counseling) determine if the counselors from whom they are seeking help are truly biblical.
LOU PRIOLO is the Director of Biblical Counseling at Eastwood Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, Alabama. A graduate of Calvary Bible College and Liberty University, he is the author of The Heart of Anger , and The Complete Husband. Lou is also a Fellow in the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors. He resides in Wetumpka, Alabama with his wife, Kim, and daughters, Sophia and Gabriella.
Addresses some of the most important things that defined Jay Adams’ nouthetic/biblical counseling. Really helpful to distinguish that from more modern versions. 3 starts because although I agree with all 12 presuppositions, I not convinced that Priolo’s defense of them would move the needle for folks who aren’t bought in already. Would recommend for anyone interested in learning what the biblical counseling movement is and was envisioned to be by Adams.
In my own understanding, BC is simply Van Tillianism applied to the care and cure of souls. And, without using Van Til’s language, this book makes that clearer than many other BC books.