Theory Critique of Anderson

The Theory Critiques of Anderson

Michael Plont

Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary

The Theory Critiques of Anderson

THE CONCISE SUMMARY OF CONTENT

Evaluation of Strengths and Weaknesses

Adams starts his theory by stating that the counselee must become a child of God first. while Backus starts by identifying the client’s misbelief. I believe this is a strength for Backus and a weakness for Adams. The counselor will succeed by determining the client’s problem area (misbelief) as opposed to demanding that client begin a relationship with Christ. Adams draws himself into an area, where he has determined, that a man cannot be counseled outside of knowing Christ. The author of this paper has counseled as a Pastor, and has seen results among those who do not know Christ.

In his second step, Backus teaches the client to argue against the misbelief, by trusting in truth. This truth can be shown through scripture or used in a modern day parable, as to relate to the unbeliever. Adams’ second step is actually part of his first as he states the counselor, and Holy Spirit, convict the counselee of his sin. Backus is going after the root of the problem with principles set forth in the Word, but Adams is still set on the fact that the sinner must repent.

In the next step, Backus asks the client to rest in biblical thinking, commit to it, and carry it out. Adams third step actually mirrors Backus’s, as Adams also asks the counselee to stand on biblical truths. They have both arrived to the same point here and I believe they are both now on track.

When it comes to a fourth step Adams demands that the client continue being discipled in God’s Word, and also be trained in righteousness. Backus’ third step is his final one, where again he asks the counselee to rest in biblical truths as compared to misbelief. Here is where I would...