A Book Review: Competent to Advise by Jay Adams

Adams argues, in his book, that the Christian is Competent to advise. “As for me, my brethren, I am convinced that you especially are abounding in the highest goodness, richly endowed with perfect knowledge and competent to advise one another.” Romans 15:14 (Williams)

Jay Adams did not use research of scientific findings to determine that Christians are competent to counsel. His method is presuppositional, since he openly accepts the infallible Bible as the standard of all faith and practice. Furthermore, it recognizes that its interpretations and applications of the Scriptures are not infallible. Also, you don’t want to ignore science, but instead use it as a supplement to biblical truths. The first chapter illustrates well the condition of modern psychiatry insofar as it states: “Referral of any kind should be considered by a minister only as a last resort. The fact that an individual has sought a Christian counselor must be in itself himself considered of some importance. ” (p. 19)

Since counseling is the work of the Holy Spirit, one must seek His guidance to be effective. (John 14: 16,17; Isaiah 9: 6) “The Holy Spirit is God with us. Counselors and counselors alike must respect the sovereignty of the Holy Spirit.” (p. 22) The textbook for Christian counselors should be the Word of God.

Adams reminds us that the Bible separates organic and physical problems from those that result from sinful attitudes and behaviors.

After three “introductory” chapters, Adams defines “nouthetic counseling” in his fourth chapter. “Jesus Christ is at the center of all true Christian counseling. Any counseling that moves Christ from that point has ceased to be Christian to the extent that it has.” The non-aesthetic confrontation should be done by the whole church, not just by the minister. (Colossians 3:16; Romans 15:14) “Nouthetic” is a transliteration. Translations of the Greek word include: admonish, warn, teach. There are three elements of nouthetic confrontation:

1) “implies a problem and presupposes an obstacle that must be overcome; something is wrong in the life of the one who is faced.”

2) “problems are solved nouthetically by verbal means”.

3) “Verbal correction is intended to benefit the” individual seeking advice. (pp. 44-49)

Consider these: II Timothy 3:16; Colossians 1:28; II Timothy 4: 2; II Corinthians 11:29; I Timothy 1: 5.

Qualifications for nouthetic counseling:

• Goodness and Knowledge – Romans 15:14
• Wisdom – Colossians 3:16; Proverbs 1: 7

After tackling a number of other problems, Adams ends his book by talking about “Christian School Teachers as Nouthetic Counselors.” “The Christian teacher (not a counseling specialist) is the key to counseling in the school. If the teacher is qualified to be a Christian school teacher, given the conviction and a minimum of the right kind of training and experience, that teacher can make advice more effective than the so-called experts. ” “Like other Christians, the Christian teacher can tap into all of God’s resources: Scripture, prayer, and the church, in the context of the Holy Spirit.” (p. 252)

The classroom is the ideal environment, with a daily penalty and reward system under the authority of God where the student is found during the most productive hours of the day. Deuteronomy 6: 7 and 11:19

Adams makes his case well and reminds Christians to trust the Holy Spirit to guide them in this important work.

Competent to advise – available at: http://www.amazon.com