This post on Taylor's blog is very insightful. If you haven't seen the "Stop It!" video you will have a chance to watch it and read comments from Dr. David Powlison.
The video is hilarious. Please take no offense. I am not laughing at folks with real problems. I find humor in Newhart's portrayal of a counselor.
There is much debate among Christians about counseling. Should it be done solely using the Bible? Do pastors dare incorporate anything from secular psychological research as they seek to counsel and do "soul care?" Is there a middle ground? There is a full range of opinions among Christian scholars on all of these questions.
Dr. Eric Johnson, who was one of my professors at SBTS, has written a new book entitled "Foundations for Soul Care: A Christian Psychology Proposal." This book will certainly add valuable insight to this discussion.
Here's what I know for certain: There are a lot of folks in our churches that are broken and hurting and they need godly counsel. Every pastor will be challenged to provide counsel, support and encouragement for these people. Simply giving them a pat answer loaded with Scripture may not be sufficient in every case. Of course the Bible is our primary guide for all things, but it is not a counseling text book. The church must be proactive in the area of soul care or our folks will seek answers someplace else.
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