What do you think?
Rate this book
Making Christian Counseling More Christ Centered
"Martin Luther formulated his proclamation of the message of Scripture for his contemporaries between the poles of God's voice in the pages of the Bible and the needs and afflictions of his hearers and readers. Marrs brings twenty-first century readers into that exchange and demonstrates how Luther's insights into the gospel of Jesus Christ help bring healing and comfort to those struggling with guilt, shame, fear, loneliness, and other spiritual afflictions in our day. This volume provides those who are engaged in conversation with the troubled and distressed rich resources for fostering peace and joy in the midst of such trouble and distress."
Robert Kolb, professor of systematic theology emeritus,
Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis USA
"If all good theology is pastoral in its orientation, then this groundbreaking, practical, biblical study is well worth careful consideration by any pastor or Christian counsellor."
John W. Kleinig, PhD, Professor Emeritus,
Australian Lutheran College, University of Divinity,
Adelaide, South Australia
Many Christian counselors and pastors want to bring Christ's Gospel and forgiveness into their soul care, but don't know how. Luther's very Christ-centered theology, based in his desire for care of souls, can provide us with that foundation. Various techniques flowing from that foundation are shared.
Robert Kolb, professor of systematic theology emeritus,
Concordia Seminary, Saint Louis USA
"If all good theology is pastoral in its orientation, then this groundbreaking, practical, biblical study is well worth careful consideration by any pastor or Christian counsellor."
John W. Kleinig, PhD, Professor Emeritus,
Australian Lutheran College, University of Divinity,
Adelaide, South Australia
Many Christian counselors and pastors want to bring Christ's Gospel and forgiveness into their soul care, but don't know how. Luther's very Christ-centered theology, based in his desire for care of souls, can provide us with that foundation. Various techniques flowing from that foundation are shared.
260 pages, Paperback
Published September 13, 2019
25 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 15, 2020
Marrs’s book is one of the first I have seen that does not shy away from theology related to mental health. It’s so tempting to simply slap psychology and sociology onto Biblical text or vice versa without rooting around in the concepts. Marrs’s book expounds that God, the church fathers, and other theologians had much more to say about our sufferings and struggles, particularly with a compassionate voice, than we have in our modern context in the church. There is a lot of Luther in here, a lot. I appreciate Marrs’s recognition of Luther’s theology and contributions without over-assertion of his greatness. Marrs posits Luther as having particular insight because his theology addresses concepts that greatly impact our mental health, like paradox, suffering and wrestling, as well as shame, guilt, and grace, quite a bit more thoroughly than others' writings, including past theologians. This text is especially good for Lutheran pastors, deaconesses, Stephan’s ministers, and others who spiritually care or hope to even offer good advice to those hurting, but shouldn’t be limited within Lutheran circles. I look forward to the continuation eluded in the last chapter with various topics and application.
March 9, 2020
One of my favorite books of the year and one to refer to time and again. Gives a review of some of the great Lutheran theological paradigms through which we view Scripture - Law-Gospel, theology of cross vs theology of glory, etc., and then, specific, practical ways these can be used to help people deal with guilt, anger, anxiety, despair, hopelessness, etc. Stuff you can put to work right away and enormously helpful. If our circuit goes through a book next year, this will be it.
February 4, 2020
A much needed addition to the literature on Christian counseling. Provides a solid foundation for Christian caregiving.
April 20, 2023
Dr. Marrs gave me a free, signed copy of this book for helping him sell copies of it at Missouri’s 2019 All Pastors’ Conference while I was on vicarage. I’m glad for it, because when I didn’t have the time to take his electives on the subject at the seminary, this book makes up for lost time.
Whether before a pastor or a Christian counselor, the counselee is in dire need of the Gospel because of the guilt/shame they feel. Secular counselors all too often ignore these feelings, and if they don’t it is ultimately insufficient since the Gospel of Jesus Christ is missing, who alone can fully remove their guilt/shame. Other counselees receive more Law from their counselor or pastor because these soul care givers (Seelsorgers) lack the vital theological paradigm Marrs lays forth in this book: the practice of Law & Gospel. Dr. Marrs’ expertise in Christian counseling as both a pastor and a professional counselor is invaluable in this book.
In section B, Marrs delineates this theological paradigm that is extremely edifying for non-Lutherans unfamiliar with it and is an excellent reminder for seasoned Lutherans, whether pastor, Christian counselor, or some other professional church worker. Even if you think you have the Law/Gospel paradigm down, don’t skip this section; it is the whetstone for your own practice and understanding. After all, we never truly perfect the art of Law & Gospel. We are not infallible doctors of this prescription; we perennially remain students and patients of it ourselves. Marrs aptly begins this section with theological anthropology—that is, our creatureliness—into using the theology of the cross, paradoxes, the proper distinction between Law and Gospel, and other helpful theological frameworks for soul care.
In section C, Marrs provides some practical techniques in how the soul care giver might apply Law & Gospel and the other theological paradigms he covered—what techniques to use when they turn their faith into a work, or when they cling to a theology of glory, and other struggles. All these techniques are extremely edifying, and I’ve used some of them before, thanks in part to my training at the seminary. But there are definitely some new ones I personally will be putting into my own pastoral care.
There are helpful appendices in the back to guide non-Lutheran pastors and counsellors in understanding the Lutheran paradigm of Law & Gospel as well as our biblical views on the Sacraments. I would place this book as a must read for all pastors and counsellors, regardless of your religion or denomination.
Whether before a pastor or a Christian counselor, the counselee is in dire need of the Gospel because of the guilt/shame they feel. Secular counselors all too often ignore these feelings, and if they don’t it is ultimately insufficient since the Gospel of Jesus Christ is missing, who alone can fully remove their guilt/shame. Other counselees receive more Law from their counselor or pastor because these soul care givers (Seelsorgers) lack the vital theological paradigm Marrs lays forth in this book: the practice of Law & Gospel. Dr. Marrs’ expertise in Christian counseling as both a pastor and a professional counselor is invaluable in this book.
In section B, Marrs delineates this theological paradigm that is extremely edifying for non-Lutherans unfamiliar with it and is an excellent reminder for seasoned Lutherans, whether pastor, Christian counselor, or some other professional church worker. Even if you think you have the Law/Gospel paradigm down, don’t skip this section; it is the whetstone for your own practice and understanding. After all, we never truly perfect the art of Law & Gospel. We are not infallible doctors of this prescription; we perennially remain students and patients of it ourselves. Marrs aptly begins this section with theological anthropology—that is, our creatureliness—into using the theology of the cross, paradoxes, the proper distinction between Law and Gospel, and other helpful theological frameworks for soul care.
In section C, Marrs provides some practical techniques in how the soul care giver might apply Law & Gospel and the other theological paradigms he covered—what techniques to use when they turn their faith into a work, or when they cling to a theology of glory, and other struggles. All these techniques are extremely edifying, and I’ve used some of them before, thanks in part to my training at the seminary. But there are definitely some new ones I personally will be putting into my own pastoral care.
There are helpful appendices in the back to guide non-Lutheran pastors and counsellors in understanding the Lutheran paradigm of Law & Gospel as well as our biblical views on the Sacraments. I would place this book as a must read for all pastors and counsellors, regardless of your religion or denomination.
August 23, 2023
Helpful primer to Counselor & Counselee alike
• Good introduction by Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs on using the Law & Gospel approach of Martin Luther in counseling.
• The Law & Gospel approach of Martin Luther towards grappling with and understanding life situations will ultimately point both counselor and counselee to Holy Scripture, and therefore, Christ.
• Good use of example conversations between counselor and counselee which are helpful in illustrating concepts.
• Use of many good books to reference to aid in further study and amplify the concepts presented.
• References the use of letters between Martin Luther and those he counseled to help see how Luther utilized the Law & Gospel approach to aid others.
• Helpful book to read as one counseling, and helpful to read as one being counseled.
• Good introduction by Rev. Dr. Rick Marrs on using the Law & Gospel approach of Martin Luther in counseling.
• The Law & Gospel approach of Martin Luther towards grappling with and understanding life situations will ultimately point both counselor and counselee to Holy Scripture, and therefore, Christ.
• Good use of example conversations between counselor and counselee which are helpful in illustrating concepts.
• Use of many good books to reference to aid in further study and amplify the concepts presented.
• References the use of letters between Martin Luther and those he counseled to help see how Luther utilized the Law & Gospel approach to aid others.
• Helpful book to read as one counseling, and helpful to read as one being counseled.
September 16, 2021
Every pastor and therapist should read this book. Not everyone will agree with Marrs's theology, but every pastor and therapist will counsel people who believe as the Lutheran Church does. Pastors and therapists can learn valuable lessons in counseling from this book and also be aware of how to counsel those who are Lutheran, whether by affiliation or simply by belief.
August 31, 2023
Wonderfully written, great primer on the psychological “common cold” of Angectung. It’s Christologically Centered, the first part deals with Luther as sole caregiver. Later it delves into other Christian counseling. Great first steps of pastor as councilor
November 12, 2020
This book is interesting. The first half of it is a recap of Lutheran theology, most of which I could see alienating non-Lutherans. Also, remember that this is the author's interpretation of Lutheran theology. The second half is very solid recommendations for counselors and pastors with techniques applying Lutheran theology. This second half should not be missed, even if just to get the recommended reading which the author gives.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews