I have written a series of books, videos and papers on topics related to the Care and Cure of the Soul. In most places it would be called psychology, pastoral care, social work. As I mentioned yesterday, the church and before it wisdom writings in the Hebrew Bible were great concerned about Soul Care.
Think about church history and the various writings and people involved deeply in Soul Care. Much of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes and the Psalms are focused on Soul Care. One of my favorites is in Ecclesiastes 7:
neither be over wise—
why destroy yourself?
17 Do not be over wicked,
and do not be a fool—
why die before your time?
18 It is good to grasp the one
and not let go of the other.
Whoever fears God will avoid all extremes.
In the New Testament Barnabas has a name given to him by God and the Apostolic Council. It means Encourager or Counselor. He is the Apostle that led the First Missionary Journey and trained Saul/Paul. God chose an expert in Soul Care to carry out the first missions foray and train the key communicator of the gospel. I consider Barnabas the most influential Christian in history.
Most of the Pastoral Letters are written to pass on ideas about Soul Care and the development of The Fruit of the Spirit. The early Apostles and writers focused a lot on encouraging new believers how to care for each other and themselves. What would we do without passages that say:
Count it as joy when you encounter trials.
Do not be conformed to the world bu be transformed by the renewing of the mind.
Think on whatever is true, whatever is lovely
Don't be anxious about anything
My peace I give you
Add you own. They are all indicators of the importance of Soul Care or Psychology.
Get my book in pdf.file from the online bookstore on integration of Soul Care and Theology in Healing Release of the Holy Spirit.
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