When troubled people seek guidance from the church, should they hear the same advice they'd receive from a secular counselor? A practicing psychologist and director of a center for psychospiritual health, Benner explores the role of the church in "soul care," advocating a method of counseling that anchors modern therapy in timeless biblical principles. 256 pages, softcover from Baker.
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4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Dr. Robert W. Kellemen (Taneytown, MD), June 01, 2005
Benner's sub-title clearly delineates his purpose: "Revisioning Christian Nurture and Counsel." As a practicing Christian psychologist, author, and trainer of lay, pastoral, and professional counselors, Benner's purpose in writing "Care of Souls" is "to make a contribution to the recovery of distinctively Christian soul care by developing an understanding of such care that can be of practical help to those involved in providing it to others" (p. 16).
In his first two chapters, Benner contrasts historical Christian soul care and spiritual direction with the modern rise of what he calls "therapeutic" soul care--secular psychology's movement into the field. These opening chapters describe the tension and set the tenor for the rest of the book. How do Christians reclaim the mantle of soul care? How do they practice it effectively?
Benner is neither naïve nor is he a psychology basher. He carefully yet courageously charges into the battle lines, discussing psychology and spirituality, body and soul, psychology and religion, and the like. Perhaps his most interesting and insightful chapter in this section is his analysis of Christian spirituality. His chart on page 94 and the ensuing discussion on the four main ways of experiencing God, though not totally novel, are well-explained and applied.
The second half of "Care of Souls" moves from this more technical, philosophical discussion to a more practical application. Here, among other topics, Benner discusses dialogue and dreams in soul care. He also outlines various types of Christian soul care such as psychotherapy, pastoral counseling, and lay counseling.
As an introductory text for the Christian student of pastoral counseling and Christian counseling, "Care of Souls" is excellent.
Reviewer: Dr. Robert W. Kellemen is the author of "Soul Physicians" and "Spiritual Friends."
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