
David Powlison, the editor of
The Journal of Biblical
Counseling, professor at
Westminster Theological
Seminary and faculty member at
the Christian Counseling &
Education Foundation, has
compiled a number of his
articles in this timely and
thoroughly biblical book. His
insight into the human soul is
a rare skill among counselors
today.
“[This book] will transform
your perspective and focus
your faith on the sufficient
truth of Scripture and on our
Scripture’s God.”- Elyse
Fitzpatrick (from the back cover).
“With fresh insight and
skillful creativity, Powlison
demonstrates that the Bible,
when rightly understood,
speaks with the full weight of
God’s authority.” – Wayne Mack
(from the back cover).
The book is divided into two
parts. The first is about how
Scripture opens blind eyes.
He presents 6 essays covering
Ephesians (Counsel Ephesians,
Who is God, & Godly Roles and
Relationships), Psalm
131(Peace, Be Still), Psalm 10
(Why Me? Comfort from Psalm
10) and Luke 12:22-34 (Don’t
Worry). In these few chapters
alone is enough insight and
counseling skill to help with
a lot of the issues counselors
face.
The second part is about
reinterpreting life. He
starts with giving a list of
x-ray questions: questions
designed to “help people
identify the ungodly masters
that occupy positions of
authority in their hearts”
(p.130). In the chapters that
follow, he discusses desire as
motivation, God’s “better than
unconditional” Love, human
defensiveness, feelings and
biological psychiatry.
There is one chapter, which if
it was the only chapter, would
make the book worth reading.
Chapter 14 is titled “Love
Speaks Many Languages
Fluently.” It is an extensive
review of the Five Love
Languages. Powlison does a
great job of pointing out the
few good aspects of that book
and an excellent job at
revealing the many weaknesses
throughout. If for no other
reason than this chapter, I
would recommend this book.
But fortunately, the entire
book is worthy of the time it
takes to read it and will
reinforce ones commitment to a
high view of the Word of God.
Read ‘em & Reap!
-
Brad