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John MacArthur Pastor's Library
Counseling: How to Counsel Biblically
The purpose of this text is to familiarize pastors and laymen with the principles and methods of Biblical counseling that they might apply them both formally and informally in the local body of believers.
300 pages, Paperback
First published June 9, 1994
301 people are currently reading
1260 people want to read
About the author
John F. MacArthur Jr.
1,344 books1,933 followersJohn F. MacArthur, Jr. was a United States Calvinistic evangelical writer and minister, noted for his radio program entitled Grace to You and as the editor of the Gold Medallion Book Award-winning MacArthur Study Bible. MacArthur was a fifth-generation pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California beginning in 1969, as well as President of The Master’s College (and the related Master’s Seminary) in Santa Clarita, California.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 87 reviews
January 19, 2023
The best overall book on showing the different aspects of biblical counseling. This series is very helpful for the pastor or anyone involved in a teaching or counseling ministry (elders, biblical counselors, bible teachers, etc.) Highly recommended!
May 24, 2023
The fact that it took me three years to read this probably could tell you a lot. Originally, I started out reading this book for a counseling course that I was taking, but never finished the book even though the course is long done. But, I was determined to finish reading it, however long that took. Once I got past the first part, it started to become more engaging for me. The first part is about the historical background of biblical counseling and the reading was pretty dry - the first chapter being written by John MacArthur and the third chapter written by John Street.
The third chapter by John Street, "Why Biblical Counseling and Not Psychology?" went a step further where I found myself flabbergasted at the way that he set up his argument: There was at least one time in this chapter, where Street would quote an opposing source, and then reiterate it with the words "In other words...", then proceeding to add words to what they were saying in what I felt like was a presumptuous way. For example, here is a quote he referenced from a Christian psychologist:
"'Despite its wealth of information about human beings, their universe, and their God, the Bible is not intended to be a psychology textbook...the Bible does not tell us about...the developmental stages of infancy, the fine points of conflict resolution, or the ways to treat dyslexia or paranoia. Psychology focuses on issues like these.' [Then Street responded with:] In other words, the biblical text is a shallow and imprecise psychology and must only be seen as the starting gate of a more informed therapeutic." (35). I do not see the former person as saying that Bible is imprecise or shallow psychologically, so I felt that Streets 'in other words' summary was an unfair assessment of the former's view.
Another issue I had was when John Street also brought up the story of Phineas Gage and how textbooks explain that his traumatic brain injury took him from being a "responsible, hardworking, mostly moral, and smart employee" (37) to "a cussing, carousing, irresponsible man who could not hold down a job or maintain good relationships with others. According to the theories in most psychology texts, the association areas of the cerebral cortex of Mr. Gage's brain were destroyed, an area where higher mental processes like thinking, language, memory, and speech occur. [Street interjects -] In other words, the texts make a case that morality is not a spiritual issue after all; it is an organic issue...The cases of traumatically brain-injured people like Phinehas Gage and others prove nothing. Again, psychology has made associations that appear to be related to causes, but there is no direct cause and effect between injury and immoral behavior." (38). I disagree with him on the case of Phinehas Gage - I think it is clear that messing with the brain (as TBI's tend to do) can create adverse effects and behavior. And I don't think that that's just psychologists saying that, but actual doctors as well. Street said that those textbooks teach that morality is determined in the brain, and with that I would disagree, but I certainly think there is a God-given restraint and regulation within our brain function.
The book significantly improved for me when I got to Wayne Mack's chapters - I thought these were well-done and very practically helpful and convicting. This rating is probably one star higher because of those chapters. The end of the book has a Personal Data Inventory Form example that counselors can use, which I thought was beneficial as well. I think it would be good to read more books from Wayne Mack. There are a lot of great biblical counseling materials and books out there nowadays, and so I would probably recommend something different than this one.
Overall, I would agree with a lot of what John Street (and the other authors in the book stand by) - that the Bible is sufficient and fully capable of guiding us in of life and godliness, that psychology is a secular pseudo-science, and that we need to offer biblical counseling to people rather than psychology. So the framework and the theological basis of this book is solid, I just had a few qualms with it - and that was probably more likely to happen when there is a book with more than one author.
The third chapter by John Street, "Why Biblical Counseling and Not Psychology?" went a step further where I found myself flabbergasted at the way that he set up his argument: There was at least one time in this chapter, where Street would quote an opposing source, and then reiterate it with the words "In other words...", then proceeding to add words to what they were saying in what I felt like was a presumptuous way. For example, here is a quote he referenced from a Christian psychologist:
"'Despite its wealth of information about human beings, their universe, and their God, the Bible is not intended to be a psychology textbook...the Bible does not tell us about...the developmental stages of infancy, the fine points of conflict resolution, or the ways to treat dyslexia or paranoia. Psychology focuses on issues like these.' [Then Street responded with:] In other words, the biblical text is a shallow and imprecise psychology and must only be seen as the starting gate of a more informed therapeutic." (35). I do not see the former person as saying that Bible is imprecise or shallow psychologically, so I felt that Streets 'in other words' summary was an unfair assessment of the former's view.
Another issue I had was when John Street also brought up the story of Phineas Gage and how textbooks explain that his traumatic brain injury took him from being a "responsible, hardworking, mostly moral, and smart employee" (37) to "a cussing, carousing, irresponsible man who could not hold down a job or maintain good relationships with others. According to the theories in most psychology texts, the association areas of the cerebral cortex of Mr. Gage's brain were destroyed, an area where higher mental processes like thinking, language, memory, and speech occur. [Street interjects -] In other words, the texts make a case that morality is not a spiritual issue after all; it is an organic issue...The cases of traumatically brain-injured people like Phinehas Gage and others prove nothing. Again, psychology has made associations that appear to be related to causes, but there is no direct cause and effect between injury and immoral behavior." (38). I disagree with him on the case of Phinehas Gage - I think it is clear that messing with the brain (as TBI's tend to do) can create adverse effects and behavior. And I don't think that that's just psychologists saying that, but actual doctors as well. Street said that those textbooks teach that morality is determined in the brain, and with that I would disagree, but I certainly think there is a God-given restraint and regulation within our brain function.
The book significantly improved for me when I got to Wayne Mack's chapters - I thought these were well-done and very practically helpful and convicting. This rating is probably one star higher because of those chapters. The end of the book has a Personal Data Inventory Form example that counselors can use, which I thought was beneficial as well. I think it would be good to read more books from Wayne Mack. There are a lot of great biblical counseling materials and books out there nowadays, and so I would probably recommend something different than this one.
Overall, I would agree with a lot of what John Street (and the other authors in the book stand by) - that the Bible is sufficient and fully capable of guiding us in of life and godliness, that psychology is a secular pseudo-science, and that we need to offer biblical counseling to people rather than psychology. So the framework and the theological basis of this book is solid, I just had a few qualms with it - and that was probably more likely to happen when there is a book with more than one author.
November 14, 2021
Well-written! Also an excellent resource to have and pick up later. Powerfully convicting to be well equipped in God's Word to counsel biblically.
November 29, 2013
This was a book I had to read for a counseling class I took at the beginning of the semester. Now, I'm going to lay this right out from the beginning--I don't agree with everything that MacArthur teaches, nor all his views. My professor made a point of saying that she didn't agree with everything either; however, she said that she thought it was probably the best single book that covers everything on the subject.
On her second statement, I would agree. I think that if you're looking for one book to give you a general knowledge base on the topic, this is a good book to pick up. It covers most of the bases, and explains things thoroughly, I thought. If you're looking for a book to get you started with Biblical Counseling, or just something to understand the subject better, this is a good place to start.
I bought this book, and therefore was not required nor asked to write a review, nor a positive one at that. I was not compensated for this review.
On her second statement, I would agree. I think that if you're looking for one book to give you a general knowledge base on the topic, this is a good book to pick up. It covers most of the bases, and explains things thoroughly, I thought. If you're looking for a book to get you started with Biblical Counseling, or just something to understand the subject better, this is a good place to start.
I bought this book, and therefore was not required nor asked to write a review, nor a positive one at that. I was not compensated for this review.
December 30, 2023
This is a useful treatise/manual for a vital yet often-neglected ministry of the local church.
I appreciated the foundation on Scripture alone, the focus on God’s glory, and the integral connection with the church. I was impressed with some of the contributing authors, including Douglas Bookman, David Powlison, Wayne Mack, and Ken L. Sarles.
However, there were some aspects which I felt may detract from its value as a “textbook.”
- Firstly, there are some blatantly polemical chapters. This is somewhat justifiable I suppose, given the quasi-pop-psychology-obsessed mainstream Christian audience which needs a clear wake up call to return to God’s Word. However, much of the polemic was overly-simplistic and merely seemed to straw-man psychological perspectives, instead of logically conversing with them. The likely effect of this is likely to inflict further confirmation bias on those who already agree with the authors’ premise, and, for those who are already sceptical of evangelical Christianity, instil more deeply an easy caricature of zany, close-minded conservatives.
- Secondly, the material was arranged in quite an eclectic format. There was fairly little structure from start to finish in terms of chapter arrangement. Much of this lack of cohesion is likely attributable to the multi-authorship.
- Thirdly, the material became repetitive to the point of suggesting that the authors had run out of enough reasons for their theology. Cliché proof-texts were reverted to innumerably—2 Peter 1:3 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17 being the favourites. Again, multiple authors probably exacerbated this.
These distractions were frustrating. I hold to the same convictions as the authors, but I don’t feel as though my view of God, Scripture, and the Church were presented in the best possible light in this book. Nonetheless, I am excited by the resurgence of interest in biblical counselling and the uptick of local churches investing in training their members to be able to counsel others with the genuine hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:23.
I appreciated the foundation on Scripture alone, the focus on God’s glory, and the integral connection with the church. I was impressed with some of the contributing authors, including Douglas Bookman, David Powlison, Wayne Mack, and Ken L. Sarles.
However, there were some aspects which I felt may detract from its value as a “textbook.”
- Firstly, there are some blatantly polemical chapters. This is somewhat justifiable I suppose, given the quasi-pop-psychology-obsessed mainstream Christian audience which needs a clear wake up call to return to God’s Word. However, much of the polemic was overly-simplistic and merely seemed to straw-man psychological perspectives, instead of logically conversing with them. The likely effect of this is likely to inflict further confirmation bias on those who already agree with the authors’ premise, and, for those who are already sceptical of evangelical Christianity, instil more deeply an easy caricature of zany, close-minded conservatives.
- Secondly, the material was arranged in quite an eclectic format. There was fairly little structure from start to finish in terms of chapter arrangement. Much of this lack of cohesion is likely attributable to the multi-authorship.
- Thirdly, the material became repetitive to the point of suggesting that the authors had run out of enough reasons for their theology. Cliché proof-texts were reverted to innumerably—2 Peter 1:3 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17 being the favourites. Again, multiple authors probably exacerbated this.
These distractions were frustrating. I hold to the same convictions as the authors, but I don’t feel as though my view of God, Scripture, and the Church were presented in the best possible light in this book. Nonetheless, I am excited by the resurgence of interest in biblical counselling and the uptick of local churches investing in training their members to be able to counsel others with the genuine hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:23.
March 11, 2025
Apesar de ser uma introdução, esta obra traz muitos aspectos importantes sobre o aconselhamento bíblico. Contem tbm perguntas e respostas que auxiliam o leitor nessa prática. Em alguns momentos achei cansativo, mas é uma boa obra.
September 2, 2024
A must read for biblical counselors, and everyone is a counselor whether you know it or not
January 25, 2021
A valuable book for those counseling others. MacArthur and others come together to give aid to the pastor on counseling individuals biblically. All of the advice here is practical, biblical, and helpful. The questions provided are specifically helpful and I will definitely reference back to them. However, this book does little to address issues of mental health. This is disappointing since we are now in what some would call a “mental health epidemic.” Large portions of this book are devoted to tearing down Christian psychologists or secular ones for that matter, and I believe this could be harmful when it comes to dealing with those who have genuine medical conditions, for if they were to read this book they may see it as unbiblical to go see a Christian psychologist. I disagree entirely with that sentiment. Biblical counselors must recognize there place, and they may find aid from someone who could diagnose medically what is wrong. Overall, not a bad book, yet I feel that there may be some better ones out there that expound more on the medical side of things.
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September 19, 2023Excellent material for those who are interested in Christian and biblical counseling. However, it is at the same time a good read for every Christian for, as it said several times in this book, counseling is vital to church.
There are counseling methods and an overall analysis of nowadays counseling. I strongly recommend it to pastors and church leaders.
There are counseling methods and an overall analysis of nowadays counseling. I strongly recommend it to pastors and church leaders.
September 20, 2021
An outdated and somewhat dry textbook for the year of 2021.
Occasionally profound and beautiful but more often than not monotonous and skim-provoking. Some chapters simply didn’t need to be included.
I think a large weakness of this book consists of the amount of authors - and the diversity of such. Particularly the whiplash one can get from the contrast between MacArthur’s writing style followed by Powlison’s gentle demeanor.
Not the best introduction to BC and wouldn’t be convincing if I did not have lectures associated with class.
(Read for Biblical Counseling in the Local Church with Dr. Johnson at MBTS.)
Occasionally profound and beautiful but more often than not monotonous and skim-provoking. Some chapters simply didn’t need to be included.
I think a large weakness of this book consists of the amount of authors - and the diversity of such. Particularly the whiplash one can get from the contrast between MacArthur’s writing style followed by Powlison’s gentle demeanor.
Not the best introduction to BC and wouldn’t be convincing if I did not have lectures associated with class.
(Read for Biblical Counseling in the Local Church with Dr. Johnson at MBTS.)
August 21, 2024
Books written by various authors can be uneven and repetitive. Books written by people who believe fiercely in 'neuthetic' counseling can be needlessly combative and exclusionary.
I'm not saying this book is without merit, but I am saying that much of the good that's in it could probably be got in other books that would be more practical, less polemical, and less-- what's the word I want-- the word that, say, would describe a position which is willing to esteem itself because it doesn't care about people's self esteem. You fill in the blank, gentle reader.
I'm not saying this book is without merit, but I am saying that much of the good that's in it could probably be got in other books that would be more practical, less polemical, and less-- what's the word I want-- the word that, say, would describe a position which is willing to esteem itself because it doesn't care about people's self esteem. You fill in the blank, gentle reader.
April 4, 2025
9/10
More nuanced and thoughtful than biblical counselors are ever given credit for being. The organization of the book allows polemics to be done only where necessary, and where the authors addresss misconceptions or opposing views, they do so incisively.
The sections on practicing counseling will challenge you to ask if you are willing to love your counselee’s to the end while establishing practical principles (but not a rigid method!).
Some references are dated, but the substance of the book is not.
More nuanced and thoughtful than biblical counselors are ever given credit for being. The organization of the book allows polemics to be done only where necessary, and where the authors addresss misconceptions or opposing views, they do so incisively.
The sections on practicing counseling will challenge you to ask if you are willing to love your counselee’s to the end while establishing practical principles (but not a rigid method!).
Some references are dated, but the substance of the book is not.
August 8, 2020
Tengo dos pensamientos, uno tiene que ver con el libro, si bien habia leido otros libros de consejeros nouteticos creo que no habian sido escritos en el calor del debate como este libro que si lo fue, por eso su batalla constante con la psicologia entre los capitulos, me dio una perspectiva mas amplia de la consejeria noutetica, pasando se verla como algo fria y "bibliasos" a ser una calida, personal, profunda y parte importante de la iglesia. El otro pensamiento que se me viene a la cabeza es que necesitamos otro libro de consejeria actulizado ya que este es de los 90' y creo que ha corrido mucha tinta en estos años, lo recomiendo enormemente.
November 22, 2022
Excellent book that I would recommend to anyone who is at all interested in Biblical counseling or asking questions about Christian integrationist counseling versus Biblical counseling. Didn’t agree with 100% of it, but an extremely practical and helpful book in considering and practicing Biblical counseling.
September 26, 2023
Pretty much a textbook on bib counseling. Really enjoyed… answers a lot of questions.
May 29, 2025
Excellent and Thorough Overview
Tears down falsehoods that abound in our psychotherapeutic culture at the root, lays a solid foundation for the "why" of biblical counseling, and gives feet to what this looks like in the counseling room.
Tears down falsehoods that abound in our psychotherapeutic culture at the root, lays a solid foundation for the "why" of biblical counseling, and gives feet to what this looks like in the counseling room.
March 12, 2022
A strong and comprehensive look at the world of biblical counseling. This book is a helpful introduction, unveiling the many joys, challenges, and nuances of counseling from Scripture. A great launching pad for anyone interested in counseling or becoming a counselor.
July 21, 2021
This book was a great explanation of the need for and history of biblical counseling. It does not go into depth as far as the process of counseling goes. Not an easy read, but definitely informative and helpful.
November 17, 2016
Just finished this book today! Without a doubt, this is definitely one of the best introductory books on biblical counseling out there. The textbook discusses the history, theory, and methodology of biblical counseling, as well as its significance to church ministry. It is an immense asset to the one desiring to learn about biblical counseling. Pastors and counselors: this definitely needs to be on your bookshelf!
February 17, 2018
This is an excellent book on counseling...perhaps the best I have read. In a world filled with pills and a lot of theory, it is good to see the call back to the Bible. God's Word is enough and, to quote the book, "Using psychology for soul-care is like dressing cancer with Band-Aids. It may temporarily relieve the pain or even mask the symptoms, but it will never penetrate the issues like the Word of God."
July 4, 2012
Incredible collection of writings that shed light on how we ought to counsel a brother/sister in Christ. I was really challenged by the need to know scripture like the back of your hand, because without scripture there is no hope! For it, and only it, contains everything pertaining to life and godliness!
December 21, 2016
One of the best counseling books that I have read.
Biblical, practical and extremely relevant. This book, written by a number of godly authors, has informed my understanding of Biblical Counseling as well as better equipped me to be a better Biblical counselor.
This book is a must read for any elder, teacher, shepherd, counselor in the Church.
Biblical, practical and extremely relevant. This book, written by a number of godly authors, has informed my understanding of Biblical Counseling as well as better equipped me to be a better Biblical counselor.
This book is a must read for any elder, teacher, shepherd, counselor in the Church.
April 8, 2024
Es un método de consejería basado en un estilo que usaban los puritanos. Sin embargo, hace una falacia del Hombre de paja de la Psicología.
Y parece estar enojado por la demanda en la que se vio involucrada su iglesia, cuando murió un joven, con un trastorno de depresión en el cual ni el aspecto psicológico con su terapia, ni la consejería funcionó, al final el joven se suicido.
Y parece estar enojado por la demanda en la que se vio involucrada su iglesia, cuando murió un joven, con un trastorno de depresión en el cual ni el aspecto psicológico con su terapia, ni la consejería funcionó, al final el joven se suicido.
January 18, 2024
Lire attentivement ce livre, c’est presqu’écouter lea premieres heures d’un cours d’introduction en counseling. Sa structure permet aussi de facilement y retourner comme référence. Parfois plus extrême que moi dans l’utilité de la psychologie. Je recommande
September 21, 2008
very shallow and scientifically inept
April 20, 2018
Great introductory resource for learning the history, theology, practice, and ministry of biblical counseling.
January 15, 2022
En général, il y a une bonne fondation pour débuter un temps soit peu un ministère de counseling biblique, mais comme la plupart des livres multi-auteurs, il y a des répétitions ennuyantes.
January 6, 2020
This book covers the basics of biblical counseling. If you believe in the sufficiency of the Bible to handle all of life issues, you will appreciate the perspective of this book. I agree with the basic perspective; however, I see several drawbacks to the book. Some of the drawbacks are:
-There was a lot of overlap as the book seems to be almost a collection of essays.
-There is an extra layer of dogmatism that I feel is unnecessary and hurtful to trying to restore people biblically.
-There is a lot of missed opportunity for helpful nuance in dealing with the world of psychology while at the same time continuing to be faithful to the Scriptures. The subtitle of this book could almost be, "A case for why there is nothing good in psychology and why it goes directly against the Bible. And, I know many would say, "That is absolutely correct!" My opinion is that is actually unnecessarily harmful. I have read many other biblical counseling books that do a better job with this.
I do appreciate several things about this book as well:
-There is an extensive list of books and resources at the end as well as some other helpful resources.
-I appreciate the extensive end notes.
-I appreciated the attention given to the history of biblical counseling.
-There was a lot of overlap as the book seems to be almost a collection of essays.
-There is an extra layer of dogmatism that I feel is unnecessary and hurtful to trying to restore people biblically.
-There is a lot of missed opportunity for helpful nuance in dealing with the world of psychology while at the same time continuing to be faithful to the Scriptures. The subtitle of this book could almost be, "A case for why there is nothing good in psychology and why it goes directly against the Bible. And, I know many would say, "That is absolutely correct!" My opinion is that is actually unnecessarily harmful. I have read many other biblical counseling books that do a better job with this.
I do appreciate several things about this book as well:
-There is an extensive list of books and resources at the end as well as some other helpful resources.
-I appreciate the extensive end notes.
-I appreciated the attention given to the history of biblical counseling.
March 23, 2019
The first half of this book was dull. The same three things all of these books have said:
1. Christians should only counsel other Christians
2. Psychology is laughably inept
3. God is great
There wasn't much to it until the second half when he got to the practical application. I'm not sure why we spend so much time trying to find excuses to not help people, and so little on providing basic ideas to help change someone's life.
The very cool part is that the helping is extremely basic and commonsense. Diet, exercise, and getting enough sleep is one way (well, three, but under one heading in the book) to help someone. A lot of problems I saw while teaching could have been fixed with those three things, and even when I had problems in my life they were easily worked through with those three tenants.
This becomes a call back to basics. To live as God intended us to live, and to help other people do the same. We create the problems in our lives by thinking we know better, and this puts the basics in order to gets things back on God's path for our lives.
1. Christians should only counsel other Christians
2. Psychology is laughably inept
3. God is great
There wasn't much to it until the second half when he got to the practical application. I'm not sure why we spend so much time trying to find excuses to not help people, and so little on providing basic ideas to help change someone's life.
The very cool part is that the helping is extremely basic and commonsense. Diet, exercise, and getting enough sleep is one way (well, three, but under one heading in the book) to help someone. A lot of problems I saw while teaching could have been fixed with those three things, and even when I had problems in my life they were easily worked through with those three tenants.
This becomes a call back to basics. To live as God intended us to live, and to help other people do the same. We create the problems in our lives by thinking we know better, and this puts the basics in order to gets things back on God's path for our lives.
October 2, 2024
• Have you told your counselees that you care for them? (Phil. 1:8).
• Have you prayed for them and with them? (Col. 4:12-13).
• Have you rejoiced and grieved with them? (Rom. 12:15).
• Have you dealt with them gently and tenderly? (Matt. 12:20).
• Have you been tactful with them? (Prov. 15:23).
• Have you spoken graciously to them? (Col. 4:0).
• Have you continued to love and accept them even when they have rejected your counsel? (Mark 10:21).
• Have you defended them against those who mistreat and accuse them? (Matt. 12:1-7).
• Have you forgiven them for any wrong they have done to you? (Matt.
18:21-22).
• Have you been willing to meet their physical needs if necessary?
(1 John 3:17).
(page 106)
• Have you prayed for them and with them? (Col. 4:12-13).
• Have you rejoiced and grieved with them? (Rom. 12:15).
• Have you dealt with them gently and tenderly? (Matt. 12:20).
• Have you been tactful with them? (Prov. 15:23).
• Have you spoken graciously to them? (Col. 4:0).
• Have you continued to love and accept them even when they have rejected your counsel? (Mark 10:21).
• Have you defended them against those who mistreat and accuse them? (Matt. 12:1-7).
• Have you forgiven them for any wrong they have done to you? (Matt.
18:21-22).
• Have you been willing to meet their physical needs if necessary?
(1 John 3:17).
(page 106)
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