Abstract:
The numerous published works by Jay E Adams pretend to represent a biblical view
on pastoral counseling. Primarily his work is a reaction against a pschycological
model implemented into pastoral theology and practice. This, according to Adams,
resulted in a pastoral method that is no longer true to biblical thought. In an attempt to
return to biblical principles he created his so called "nouthetic counseling".
One of the main sources of critics, opposing his pastoral views is his use of the
Bible in a biblisistical manner, as a textbook for each and every situation. In doing so,
he is also oversimplifying the issues of pastoral practice. This paper is an attempt to
evaluate his views in the light of biblical principles.
