Theory Critique

Theory Critique: Adams with Backus and Chapian

Gregory Baize, Sr.

Liberty University

Abstract

Theory Critique of Adams with Backus and Chapian

As you read the text it becomes very clear that Dr. Jay Adams goal and or objective in the counseling relationship is to seek a change in a person. Dr. Adams further espouses that it is a change of the heart that is his central theme within the counseling process. The basic assumption here is that people need counseling to aid in their change and or transformation of their minds and with a transformation of their minds eventually leads one to a heart transformation as well. The big question here is “What do people need to be changed into?” Dr. Adams espouses that it’s a change into a “Christlikeness” giving a person the free will to follow the Word of God and the will of God, which in turn positively changes an individual’s life and relationships. This is where Dr. Adams then developed his four-step process centered on the Word of God as one’s main link to truth. We as Christians are called upon to submit ourselves unto the Bible as the Holy inerrant and infallible Word of God as the final authority and no other resource is then ever needed in our lives (Adams, 1986 p. 20). Referring to Paul in Timothy 3:14-17, Dr. Adams developed the following four steps: Teaching, convicting, correcting and discipline training in righteousness. It is with these four steps that Dr. Adams developed his process of Christian counseling (Adams, 1986).

We then learn that teaching has become the most important part of Christian counseling as individuals struggle with the truth. To contest this struggle with the truth counselors must strictly teach the truth of God’s Word in a manner that is palatable to the learner and evidenced in the life of the counselor. Within this process Dr. Adams states that it is very important that the counselor exhibit their personal involvement relevant to the counselee and have a contagious enthusiasm...