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Julius Ali Pastoral Theology On Kirwan
Julius Ali Pastoral Theology On Kirwan
Publishers U.S.A.
ASSIGNMENT:- You are to Critique 3 books as listed below. Submit a 2 page Summary. Due
BOOK:- Kirwan J. William, (1986), Biblical Concepts for Christian Counseling, Zondervan
Introduction:
theological seminary and clinical counselor at Psychiatric Associates in St. Louis. A regular
The author was able to provide a biblical and philosophical concept for pastoral counseling with
or treating an issue faced. He asserts that, the concept of inner change is not only the ultimate
goal of counseling but it is also a central concept of the gospel. He emphasize that the Biblical
counseling entails a scriptural understanding of the nature of change and aims at helping the
counselee change his/her inner life under the guidance of the holy spirit.
The author in what the researcher see’s as the strength of the book opined that we must
consider the biblical evidence regarding the relationship between Christianity and psychology. It
is to be noted first of all that scriptures designates human beings variously as soul, spirit, body
and mind. God’s words do not compartmentalize personhood, but presents a holistic view of
human nature. The Christians, therefore, must be careful to view the total person as God’s
creation. The bible reflects psychological realities, it does not ignore psychology.
In response, the researcher concur with the author view point of the Biblical Christianity
and psychology when rightly understood, there is no disagreement but stand for functionally
supportive positions. Especially in the emphases that by taking both spheres into account, a
mental health professional can help Christians avoid the inevitable results of violating
psychological laws structured into human personality by God. Our suicidal friend here was
exposed to all four approaches. She found lasting help, however, only from a counselor who used
an integrative approach.
An effort to pinpoint the weakness of this book without identifying the aspect of
aspect we need to make a clear assessment of the differences between these views and of the
individual strength and weakness. So before doing these things we must identify the
presuppositions that are fundamental to each of the four basic counseling positions.
In a way of summary, the author advice his readers that prayer should involved in any situation
and also includes some other people in the prayer session over a situation with emphases that if
more hands are joined together the answers are expected, making reference to Peter and the
The researcher, recommend this material to be used by seminarians, and pastors and also
church leaders in all Churches to read this material in counseling their members who are facing