The Gospel for Disordered Lives by Robert D. Jones, Kristin L. Kellen, and Rob Green is an introductory guide to the theory and practice of Christ-centered biblical counseling. It is a comprehensive guide for understanding the theology behind biblical counseling. It is faithful to Scripture and a trustworthy depiction of Biblical Counseling.
“[Biblical Counseling] is the Christlike, caring, person-to-person ministry of God’s to people struggling with personal and interpersonal problems to help them know and follow Jesus Christ in heart and behavior amid their struggles.
The book covers most, if not all topics necessary to understand in biblical counseling. While the book is very comprehensive, much more could be said in each chapter. Each chapter was intentionally kept brief but contains footnotes and references for a fuller discussion on each topic.
“Biblical Counselors argue that the Bible is the source of authoritative knowledge that drives and exhibits active functional control over our model. This means that biblical counseling is a system of care that emerges from the Bible.”
It may be confusing looking at the various counseling methodologies and descriptors that counselors use to describe their counseling. This book accurately defines what I believe to be faithful biblical counseling and also, the type of counseling I believe is the most beneficial and faithful form of counseling. The book rightly points out the conflicts and impracticability with integrating secular counseling methodologies with a Christian perspective. Many of theses methodologies come with their own worldview and presuppositions (authoritative knowledge) that are diametrically opposed to a Christian worldview. More importantly than the method of counseling, the content is equally important. The Christian message (the gospel) must be central to any counseling system that claims to be Christian. This is highlight by the book’s double emphasis of Christ-Centered Biblical Counseling.
“If an approach claims to take the best of all the resources available to help people and yet does not bring the gospel, then we wonder if they are taking the best from the Bible.”
“When systems of thought and practice claim to prescribe a cure for the human condition, they compete with Christ (Col 2:1-15).”
The book is written as a textbook to be used in an introduction to biblical counseling for colleges, seminaries and biblical counseling training centers. This makes the book perfect for Counselors, Pastors, Church leaders, and Christians who want to understand the theology, purpose, and application of biblical counseling. Part Four: Common Individual Problems and Procedures will also continue to serve as a quick reference for specific topics that are common problems covered in counseling, such as anger, addictions, eating disorders, fear of people, trauma, and several others. I found Chapter 14 particularly helpful and insightful even after counseling for several years. The Gospel for Disordered Lives will undoubtedly be formative in your life and increase your faith and hope in God in a fallen and broken world. If it is not on your bookshelf now, put one on order today.
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The Gospel for Disordered Lives: An Introduction to Christ-Centered Biblical Counseling By Robert D. Jones, Kristin L. Kellen & Rob Green |
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review. The opinions I express are my own and I was not required to write a positive review.