Curing the Heart
Overview
This book is really a text book for anyone involved or interested in Christian counseling. Both the authors teach the subject at a theological seminary in the States. Their influences include Jay Adams, a leading Christian psychologist, and Francis Schaeffer.
Section 1 helps to make a case for a different style of counseling, based on the Bible and on Christian principles. Only a Biblical framework can explain the "why?" of human behavior. The approach is therefore holistic as it tackles the heart of the human problem - the problem of the human heart.
Section 2 gives background as well as practical guidelines to those interested in becoming Christian Counselors.
Section 3 outlines the "Counseling Process" and give practical worksheets and guidelines for helping someone out of their situation.
This model of psychology is very much more prescriptive than anything in secular counseling, or in many Christian circles, but the authors are consistent in their approach and they have been teaching the material for many years. There are good appendices to aid the reader.
Contents
- The Need for a Biblical Approach
- The Need for a a Biblical Counselor
- A Model for the Counseling Process
Top Highlights
“The Word of God is not simply a cognitive exercise. We are not advocating reciting Scripture as though it were a secret mantra. It is much more than literature. The Word of God, the Bible, is said to be alive and powerful. It is God’s Word, at work in the believer through the ministry of the Holy Spirit that brings about a fundamental change in the person. How does the Word take root within the heart of a person and help him grow in Christ? We can discover the answers in the letter to the Hebrews.” (Page 29)
“Show them their sin in the Word of God and, as they begin to see, show them the provision of a merciful heavenly Father who has provided a way out of their condemnation (Romans 5:8; 8:1).” (Page 32)
“For the sort of change to take place that is pleasing to God and has the power to truly change a person there must be a change of heart.” (Page 45)
“It is our experience that counselees often want to know the answer to their problems without knowing God. The counselor must not give in to the desire, no matter how well intentioned, of letting the counselee seek happiness or contentment above obedience and true discipleship. True freedom — the freedom to love and enjoy God in the performance of His will — is experienced through the true knowledge of God and His Word. It requires hard work and faithful commitment.” (Page 33)
“In order to express the innermost core of man’s being the Bible uses the word ‘heart’.” (Page 45)
Praise for the Print Edition
Drs. Eyrich and Hines present a truly biblical model of counseling, and do so in a comprehensive, comprehendible manner.
—Robert W. Kellemen, Capital Bible Seminary
. . . .outstanding! Their multi-dimensional approach helps the counselor be full-equipped to deal with every kind of problem situation.
—Ed Hindson, Liberty University
Product Details
- Title: Curing the Heart
- Authors: Howard Eyrich and William Hines
- Publisher: Christian Focus Publications
- Publication Date: 2002
- Pages: 201
About the Authors
Howard A. Eyrich founded the Center for Biblical Counseling and Education in St. Louis, Missouri.
Bill Hines is an ordained minister, teaches at the Masters International School of Divinity and is a board member for the International Association of Biblical Counselors.