Theology of Christian Counseling, A

by Jay E. Adams

Connecting sound biblical doctrine to the practice of effective counseling. Jay E. Adams—vocal advocate of a strictly biblical approach to counseling and author of the highly influential book Competent to Counsel —firmly believes that the Bible itself provides all the principles needed for understanding and engaging in holistic counseling. But in order to bring the practice of counseling—whether by professional therapists or by the church—under biblical guidance, we first have to deepen our understanding of Scripture. A Theology of Christian Counseling is the connection between solid theology (the study of God) and its practical application. Each of its sections are devoted to increasing our understanding of counseling's potential by looking at it through the lens of doctrines such as: "No counseling system that is based on some other foundation can begin to offer what Christian counseling offers…No matter what the problem is, no matter how greatly sin has abounded, the Christian counselor's stance is struck by the far-more-abounding nature of the grace of Jesus Christ in redemption. What a difference this makes in counseling!" (Jay E. Adams). With this book, you'll gain insight into the rich theological framework that supports and directs your approach to how you help people change.

Genres: Counselling, Theology, Christian, Psychology, Religion, Christian Living, Nonfiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 1986

About the author

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 launched the nouthetic counseling movement, a movement whose aim was to use strictly biblical counseling methods. He is the founder of the Intitute for Nothetic Studies.

Reviews

[Zack · Rating 2 out of 5]

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 helpful. There are some truly useful and well-put passages, but this is the weakest JA book on counseling I’ve yet read. Though he sets out to systematize biblical counseling as a theologian, he tends to systematize theology as a biblical counselor. That’s not an unworthy task to prosecute, but his failure to pursue it with self-awareness weakens his work.

[Ligia Rus · Rating 5 out of 5]

În prezentul unei deschideri fără rețineri (și chiar fară discernământ) a bisericilor creștine față de filozofia psihologiei seculare, în "O teologie a consilierii creștine", Jay Addams încearcă să aducă puțină claritate asupra scopului, locului și metodologiei consilierii creștine.

În acest sens au fost prezentate punctele fundamentale ale teologiei sistematice, aplicate la domeniul consilierii: doctrina despre Scripturi, doctrina despre Dumnezeu, doctrina despre om, doctrina despre mântuire, doctrina despre sfințire, doctrina despre biserică și doctrina despre viitor. Unele tematici au primit mai mult spațiu decât altele, însă toate au fost abordate destul de cuprinzător, fiind oferite resurse suplimentare pentru un studiu mai amănunțit.

Addams nu doar că aduce în lumină modelul Biblic al consilierii, ci și accentuează faptul că orice model (în esență umanist) din psihologia seculară se află în opoziție cu învățăturile Scripturii, fiind o alternativă costisitoare a pocăinței (reale). Încă de la început e clarificat faptul că pentru consilierul creștin există două răspunsuri posibile față de psihologia seculară: conflict sau compromis - aspect nu fără implicații majore în ce-i privește pe specialiștii creștini din acest domeniu.

Autorul nu pretinde că a ajuns la desăvârșirea intelectuală, epuizând, prin lucrările lui (multe, de altfel), subiectele consilierii creștine, ci, ca un bun cercetător, recunoaște constant limitările propriului studiu și oferă numeroase direcții valoroase de cercetare (biblică, desigur) de-a lungul lucrării lui.

Limbajul folosit este accesibil, însă autorul pornește de la premisa că cititorul are deja o bază biblică solidă - cu accent pe "bază" -, iar familiaritatea cu paradigmele majore din psihologie poate aduce un plus de profunzime în înțelegerea conținutului.
E important de menționat că această carte se citește cu biblia în față, și cu disponibilitatea de a învăța arta exegezei biblice, profesia lui Addams (profesor de teologie practică) fiind un imens avantaj în acest sens.

Pe tot parcursul cărții se observă (iar la final e exprimată explicit) dorința autorului de a-și ajuta cititorii să înțeleagă nevoia consilierilor de a deveni teologi biblici, "dacă vor să-i vadă pe consiliații lor crescând prin harul lui Dumnezeu".

[Timo Cunha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uma obra introdutória e completa sobre o aconselhamento bíblico desenvolvido por Jay Adams.
O estilo de Adams é bem peculiar e na edição da Peregrino há muitos erros de digitação. Muitos mesmo. Mas ainda sim é um livro que precisa ser lido por quem quer se aprofundar no assunto.

"O pecado e seus efeitos são grandes (miséria, morte, etc.) - e nenhum conselheiro bíblico minimiza a natureza abundante do pecado - em vez de minimizar o pecado e seus efeitos, ele maximiza Cristo e sua obra redentora. A graça não pode ser comparada com o pecado - ela (a graça) "superabundou"." p251

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Katie Koppin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this for my Theology of Biblical Counseling class. I have a love/hate relationship with Adams. I’ve read some of his stuff before. While I don’t agree with everything, this is still a 5 star book and a must read for any serious biblical counselor. I learned a lot and was convicted and encouraged. It’s important to know how the B/C movement began and he wrote this in the 70s so context is also important. Spoiler alert: he hates psychiatrists and psychology. 😇

[Jessica Reisner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book, easy to understand and really made me think about counseling. Really great for theology studies as well. Really enjoyed this book, took me longer because I was highlighting so much good stuff.

[Dylan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book down in my journey to become a certified biblical counselor. The Word of God is so essential, and Jay Adams does an excellent job of detailing the theological aspects necessary for effective nouthetic counseling. As a former counselee myself, I have seen how powerfully the Holy Spirit can work in true biblical counseling. Excited to continue this journey!

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful. The author shows how the Bible applies to all sorts of relevant issues in daily life. For some of these issues the reader might be tempted at first glance to think that the Bible does not address them, but upon closer inspection Adams draws out valuable Biblical principles showing how the Scriptures are sufficient for ALL matters of faith and practice. The chapter on how to seek the will of God and make decisions addresses a major issue in the Christian life in a particularly freeing and challenging way.

Overall, the book is definitely targeted toward vocational counselors and pastors and at times gets a little too much in the weeds responding to particular counseling theories, but I would still recommend it for anyone who does any discipleship. Anyone who interacts with people is really counseling them (even informally) in one way or another, so as Christians we need to be sure that we are counseling as Christ would. The only other downside of the book is that Adams declines to address a handful of issues on which I would have been interested to hear his perspective. However, he does this because he addressed them in other places, which I guess just means I am going to have to read more of his stuff. Maybe that is not a downside after all.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the subject matter of this book and found it very enlightening. What annoyed me the most was the fact that Adams kept inserting random phrases into his writing. Although most of the stuff he inserted was true, it was not necessary to the book and made it harder to read.

[Christal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm rating this book a 3 star because, overall, I think the author made some really good points. However, I couldn't help but notice the heavily calvanistic soteriology and worldview. He, sort of, set up a strawman argument against arminian soteriology. I thought that was a cheap shot. Another issue I had was him calling things sin that aren't sin. In 1 John 3:4 We are told that sin is the transgression(violation) of God's law. If that's true, you can't call things like not getting enough sleep at night sin. Not getting enough sleep at night might not be healthy, but it's not sinful. Another thing that this author, and many others call sin that isn't sin is anger and worry. Worry isn't a transgression of the Law. Jesus worried enough to sweat blood and the Bible tells us that he never sinned. The scripture that tells us not to worry isn't telling us as a commandment; but rather instructing us that worry is not helpful and that; instead we should pray and give our worries to God and let him fill us with peace. When it comes to anger being classified as a sin; that's not true either. Ephesians 4 says, in your anger do not sin. It doesn't say that anger is the sin. In another passage it says that anger does not bring forth the righteousness of God. It's a dangerous emotion that should be kept in check; but, in and of itself, is not sin. Jesus certainly got angry with the Pharisees and turned over tables in the temple courts. Was that sinful? ...No. Turning over tables isn't sinful. Maybe, inconvenient and going against social norms; but not sinful according to God's laws. We have to look at the Ten Commandments as the law by which we set our standard.
1. Thou shalt have no other God's before me.

2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.

3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.

5. Honor thy father and thy mother.

6. Thou shalt not murder.

7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

8. Thou shalt not steal

9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

10. Thou shalt not covet.

I understand that some people might interpret these laws differently. That's to be expected. However, if something doesn't break these laws then it can't qualify as sin.

Romans 2:14-15 says that the Gentiles who have not the law do by nature the things contained in the law because they are a law unto themselves. They show that the law is written on their hearts. Their conscience condemning them when they do wrong and comforting them when they do right.

Keeping a pure conscience before God is what Paul did in Acts 23:1 and its what we all should do.

I enjoyed this book in so many ways and appreciated the insights. I just wanted to make known that I did have a few issues with it.

[Bo Cogbill · Rating 4 out of 5]

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, Salvation, Sanctification, the Church, and Eschatology. Adams argues that a biblical understanding of each of these topics is vital for the counselee to find "more than redemption," and therefore the counselor must equip him/herself accordingly.

I especially appreciate Adams's conviction that if these doctrines are embraced and obeyed by the counselee, he/she can actually trust that their situation won't just be "fixed," but that they will find themselves in an even better place than they were before the need for counseling presented itself.

As someone who struggles with fear of man, I also appreciate Adams's ability to call sin sin. I know his personality can rub some folks the wrong way, but I, personally, can learn to be more like him in this way.

I also believe Adams is right, that pastor(s) should be the best counselors, but I find myself intimidated by the professionals. I often struggle with insecurities, particularly in this sphere, but Adams work helped me see those feelings are rooted in my lack of faith in the sufficiency and authority of God's Word.

This book was a good reminder that God really has given us all we need for life and godliness, and He's done so in His Word and by His Spirit.

If you want an overview of basic theology and help applying a biblical framework to your life, all Christians could benefit from A Theology of Christian Counseling.

[James Fields · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 words and theological jargon. All of these issues combine to make most systematic theologies unapproachable to the average person. The end result is that most Christians never end up reading a systematic theology as they do not help with the everyday hardships of life and are too long and complex to grasp. Both Grudem and Swindoll and Zuch make strong efforts to be helpful to the every day Christian, but they still end up being over 1000 pages each. Whereas Ryrie in is brevity missing many useful points of theology.

When I picked up Jay E. Adams book on the theology of Christian counseling, I was blown away. I exclaimed to my wife frequently that this was a more powerful book than all the theology books I read in college. I exclaimed that this is the best systematic theology I've ever read.* Why is that? Adams targets practicality with his book; he targets usefulness to the average Christian. The goal of counseling is to find practical ways to solve everyday issues and Adams brings those to light throughout Scripture.

I went to a college that taught integrationist counseling methods. When we went through our psychology classes we were taught both ends of the spectrum, the views espoused by naturalist physchologists like Freud, Skinner, Erickson, Pavlov, and Rogers. And we were also briefly introduced to the ideas of Adams. I remember being told that Adams was completely against all secular psychology as he believed that all answers to life's problems can be found in the Bible. We discussed how many different things we've come to know about the world are not expressly taught in the Bible, but are merely assumed (math being a prime example). I along with the whole class embraced the stupidity of the argument that the Bible is sufficient to solve all our problems. The biggest issue here is that in their attempt to prove integrationism correct, our teachers did not go in depth on how Adams would have addressed things like depression or anxiety. They did go quite in depth with secular psychologists, but breezed through this theologian.

When you read his book, you can easily see that the answers to many of life's questions are found blatantly in the pages of Scripture. You can see that simplistic teaching I was shown in school of this view is reductionist and causes the whole of the Adam's philosophy of counseling to be missed. I remember the teachers inability to answer some of our questions about Biblical Counseling, which makes me think (in retrospect) that my professor never studied the system he was tearing down.

Adams spends large portions of the book pointing at all the different counseling options available in his day and showing how they are based more on philosophical insights into how we as humans operate than they are on science. And here's the thing, he's not wrong. Both secular and theological scholars agree that Freud's psychology was based on his own sexual fantasies more than anything else. If our counseling is going to be based on philosophies, as Christians, we ought to found them on Scripture. To this end, Adams scores Scripture and develops a systematic approach to counseling based on the words of God.

One of the main points Adams brings out is that habits are a strong part of our life. We form habits to do many menial tasks like brushing our teeth, getting dressed, or making a sandwich. Without those habits, we would have to rethink how to do the simplest tasks each day. Getting dressed would become much more of a chore: Would it be quicker to put the left leg in or the right? Or perhaps I should do both at once? If habits are such an important part of our life it would be very weird for the Bible to not address them in any fashion.

"You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body go into hell." ~Matthew 5:27-30

One thing that was amazing to me is how influential Adams has been even among people who have never read or heard of him. If you've ever heard Matthew 5:27-39 or 18:7-9 preached as a prescription for "radical amputation" you've been influenced by Adams. He coined the term in this book when he was talking about the process of sanctification (becoming more like Christ). He taught from Matthew 5 that sanctification had four parts: 1) Recognition that we will be tempted to repeat our sin. 2) Preparation to meet and defeat our sin. 3) Radical amputation - if part of the sinful process can be avoided, cut it out of your life. 4) Nothing must be spared in the amputation process, it must be a radical change. Only in making a radical change does the sinner distance himself from the sin. The goal is to make it extremely difficult for us to sin in the same way again.

This book provides chapter after chapter of gut punching truths to the sins we commit daily. Adams talks up the power of Scripture and compares it to the secular psychologists of his day, showing the weaknesses in what they bring to the table. If I have one criticism for this book, it's that I think he sometimes goes to far in his criticism. While he lacks grace and compassion in some of his statements, it must also be said that he was the first one through the wall... breaking into a new area of study, helping to lay the groundwork for modern Christian Counseling. The first one through the wall always get dirty.

*I should point out that this is not a systematic theology in the fullest sense. While it does tackle counseling from both a holistic and systematic method, it does not address all theological matters in that way, making a it a systematic theology of counseling book, not a full systematic theology like the others discussed above.

To see more reviews check out my blog: This Sporadic Life

[Natalie Weber · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 times dry, it was thought-provoking and a helpful first step toward developing my own understanding and philosophy of counseling.

He often refers readers to his other books and writings on various subjects, which is understandable because he has written extensively on some of the topics, but made this book feel incomplete. I appreciated the author's heart for upholding the word of God and for providing hope to counselees in even the most difficult circumstances. I'm sure it will be a handy reference for years to come!

[Beth Peninger]

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, and more.

[Lisa Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

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

[Trey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work is a balanced blend of theology and counseling to provide the reader with an adequate understanding of Biblical Counseling. It reads more like a systematic theology book with counseling applications then applied throughout. It is a tougher read than some other biblical counseling related works, however this is a must read for anyone seeking to know more within this field.

[Joe Molinari · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a must read for anyone interested in becoming a Biblical counselor, but it is also a truly valuable resource for the average person who is interested in how to make personal decisions or to offer advice to someone else. This book has taught me a great deal and I will return to it often.

[Josh Peglow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book but containing a smattering of bizarre statements like “God wears different hats.” Even as an anthropomorphism, that’s just bad. Definitely worth the read though for a solid foundation of biblical counseling.

[Bledar · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a cut between a book of theology and counseling. It is more in terms of how theology makes sense in the context of counseling.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty good. Worth reading again.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking!

[Sean Perron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classic. Worth your time.

[Travis Daggett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be on every Christian's shelf.

[Matthew Rawlings · Rating 5 out of 5]

The O.G. Must reading.

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

- The stance of the Christian counselor is a fundamentally asymmetrical; what he promises (and seeks to get the counselee to anticipate) is always more than he ever had before - a better situation than ever existed in the past. In some ways, a recognition and utilization of this fact in counseling is the greatest contribution that this volume can make; that is why the title strikes this note. The Christian counselor must never attempt to patch up what has fallen apart in his life, marriage, etc. Nor does he even offer a salvation like that of the JWs, who say that in Christ we have been returned to the state that Adam lost. The Christian counselor does not believe, strictly speaking, in mere renewal, or restoration or redemption (of what was lost); biblically, he believes in more than redemption. As a platform, upon which he develops his stance, he looks to a verse like Rom 8:20b. In that verse, Paul makes it plain that what Jesus Christ obtained for His people (by both His active and passive obedience) was more than they lost in Adam's sin and the fall of the human race. Sin and its effects are great (misery, death, etc) - and no biblical counselor ever minimizes the abounding nature of sin - instead of minimizing sin and its effects, he maximizes Christ and His redemptive work. Grace cannot be compared with sin - it (grace) "far more abounded".

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Butch · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very practical look at how good theology can provide a strong underpinning to the process of helping others with their problems. In the process, as with all these books, I found much practical help for me and my problems. Not difficult to read at all.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valuable reference, in many parts turning conventional thinking on its head.

[Adam Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jay Adams has an ability through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to make the Scriptures very practically apply to our lives. It will greatly benefit you to read this book.