Page 165 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 4

In order to help the person get back on track, the the- Observations
rapist must first know the location of the client. Most For Jones, Christ-centered therapy is not simply a schol-
mental health professionals would recognize this process arly pursuit but a matter of the heart, born from a desire
as the assessment phase of counseling. However, Jones to follow the Lord in caring for the psychologically weak
seemingly simplifies this task by suggesting that loca- and wounded. It is the lens from which therapists view
tion includes three dimensions: location to self, others, their craft. This assumption is woven throughout the text
and God. He continues that following the location of the and so becomes an overarching theme – one that can-
counselee, the therapist must determine how to return not help but challenge the reader. If Jones’ purpose was
the counselee back to his path. to argue that the foundation of counseling is not found
in selecting a theoretical orientation but in developing
Jones makes a persuasive argument that within each per- a clear and firm understanding of God’s activity in the
son and within every situation, no matter how ungodly, counseling process, he more than meets his goal.
something of value can be found. The practice of extrac- Overall, The Counsel of Heaven on Earth offers a valua-
ting the precious from the worthless requires the thera- ble examination of an approach to Christian psychology
pist to locate that which is of value within the individual, that shouldbe consideredas atextbook forChristian psy-
uncover it, and then nurture it. This concept demands chologists and counseling students as well as those indi-
that the therapist understands people and situations as viduals who are seeking more information on Christian
God does. Jones suggests that therapists petition the Lord psychology. While more seasoned professionals may find
to help them to accomplish this task. Therefore, counse- the text a bit elementary, Jones’ thought provoking positi-
ling must depend to a large part on the Holy Spirit in as- on on Christian psychology and therapy is an interesting
sisting the counselor in conceptualizing and treating the read. This text is strongly recommended for novice coun-
counselees. selors, students and non-professional clinicians.

A discussion on the necessity for the Christian therapist
to be fully engaged in nurturing their personal relation-
ship with the Lord concludes the text. Martin Luther’s
doctrine of the Priesthood of the Believer, and more spe-
cifically, the belief that God calls individuals to the pro-
fession He has for them, is the foundation for the conclu-
sion. If, in fact, God has selected each Christian therapist
to minister in His name, then those therapists must fully
engage in the spiritual disciplines in order to more effec-
tively offer godly counsel. In addition to the spiritual dis-
ciplines, Jones calls for therapists to actively participate
in community; that is family, church community, and the
community of other Christian therapists.
Shannon Wolf, USA, Ph.D., Licensed Pro-
fessional Counselor, Associate Professor,
Perhaps one of the greatest strengths of this work is Jones’
Master of Arts in Counseling, Dallas Bap-
exploration of the characteristics of Jesus, the Messiah.
tist University.
For Jones, the Christian therapist’s task is more than me-
rely knowing Scripture: it is representing the nature of
Christ to those in need. Two passages from the book of
Isaiah are central to the discussion of Christ’s qualities:
For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His
name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isa. 9:6) and “Then a
shoot will spring from the stem of Jesse, And a branch
from his roots will bear fruit. The Spirit of the Lord will
rest on Him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding,
The spirit of counsel and strength (Isa.11:1-2).

These verses, along with additional supporting passages,
lay the framework for an examination of divine traits.
Jones takes a hermeneutical approach in exploring con-
cepts such as the power of God, wisdom, understanding,
knowledge, and godly counsel. He concludes this section
with practical observations on how the qualities of Christ
can be beneficial in the therapeutic setting.

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