Puritan writers-theologians were masters at understanding the nature of human beings and applying Scripture in practical ways to help people. Looking to Scripture as the final authority, the Puritans grounded their own counselling practices in a proper view of the sovereignty of God and the underlying heart issues of people. By understanding why people struggle and the provision God makes for our struggles, counsellors today will be better equipped to guide those they counsel toward God-appointed solutions.
Endorsements
This book is a goldmine for anyone involved in helping hurting people. We are invited to gain wisdom - a deeper understanding of people & of how God's grace can change and strengthen them through 'the sufferings of this present time'.
Our arrogance leads us to believe that the past has nothing to offer by way of insight and comfort for our present struggles. Mark Deckard guides us through the rich pastoral theology of Puritan preacher/theologians such as Burroughs, Edwards, Brooks, Owen, Bridges, and others on emotions, contentment, sin, depression, and more. I enthusiastically recommend this book to seminarians, counselors, theologians, and interested laypeople.
Tremper Longman
"...it combines the timeless truth of historical theology with solid application for life and ministry today."
Biblical Counselling Coalition
"He does not offer ready-made schemes that counsellors can apply without first absorbing the biblical insights themselves, but thoughtful consideration of the material presented here will enrich Christian living and counselling practice."
The Covenanter Witness Magazine of the Reformed Presbyterian Churches of Scotland and Ireland
Before there was a discipline called psychology, many Puritan authors were outstanding biblical psychologists possessed of clear insight to the human frame. Mark Deckard ably distills the essence of 17th century wisdom for 21st century counselors in areas such as God's providence, personal contentment, repentance and depression.
Michael A. Rogers Sr. Pastor, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Deckard brings us into conversation with these Puritan greats and artfully displays for us their insights into life and relationships. Every Christian counselor ought to pull up a chair and listen in and learn from this conversation.
Stephen J. Nichols President, Reformation Bible College, Sanford, Florida; author, ‘Track: A Student’s Guide to Apologetics’
""Much is to be learned from them and Mark Deckard guides us in a most helpful fashion by drawing on seven of these 'physicians of the soul'. He directs us to the relevance of the subject by choosing chapter titles that remind us how up-to-date these pastoral concerns are...It should certainly encourage us to read the Puritans more extensively in these practical areas of Christian living."
Mark A Deckard serves as Director of Biblical Counseling Training, a ministry of Christian Counseling Associates. He has been involved in leadership and administrative roles with CCA and with the Prison Ministry in York.
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