Biblical Counseling Movement

The history and nature of pastoral counseling in the 20th century is largely unknown among Christians. David Powlison, himself a Christian counselor, here explores the trends and developments of the last 50 years, largely in terms of Jay Adams and his introduction of the nouthetic (or biblical) counseling method. While many were being extensively influenced by secular psychotherapists, Adams called for a return to understanding human problems as sin and the results of sin, and that the answer was Christ and not some kind of medical formula.

This radical stance led to deep rifts among Christian colleagues that are only now beginning to find resolution. Powlison is equitable in his treatment while not hiding his bias toward the nouthetic method as a follower of Adams. Originally a doctoral thesis, The Biblical Counseling Movement is intensely researched but also highly readable as the author follows changes in secular psychology, Christian practitioners, theology and treatment methods, bringing all these seemingly disparate elements together into a cohesive whole.

While an outsider could conceivably write a well-informed, factual account of Christian counseling, none could make it as compelling or personal as an insider. And though much of the information in this book might seem unimportant for the average layman, its core subject (human nature and the problem of evil, and how to deal with them) is relevant to anyone who follows Christ. Whether you're a student who needs to know, or a churchgoer who would like to, this is the best and most comprehensive account of biblical counseling available.