When our attempts to love our neighbor actually increase harm

Christians from time immemorial place great value in bring the “cup of cold water” mercy to those in need. Contrary to the human tendency to care first for self, Christians are called to take up their cross and follow Christ to love their neighbor as theirself.  At this point in the summer, American Christians are [...]

Another training opportunity…

I’m probably doing too many ads here but as I’m off today for conference with Paul Wachtel (see my “on my nightstand” for a link for his book), I thought I would tell you all about a conference this fall by CCEF. This year they are teaching on addictions. I, along with Diane Langberg, Leslie [...]

Study the Bible at Biblical for the fun of it!

Now there’s a concept: Biblical Seminary offering bible classes for anyone in the surrounding area.
Actually, we’re resurrecting a very popular past-time here at the seminary. In the olden days, seminarians went to school during the day. So, some teachers here decided to offer lay bible classes for the public in the evening. When we switched [...]

Divorce & Remarriage VIII: 4 Biblical Grounds for Divorce

Last week I took a hiatus from reviewing Instone-Brewer’s Divorce and Remarriage in the Church  (IVP). This week we explore chapter 8. I-B starts with a story about a woman whose husband attempted to murder her. Her church leaders decided that it would be okay for her to separate due to the threat to her [...]

Favorite Psychologist in the media?

My Pennsylvania Psychologist came this week and is on psychology in the media. One article talked about the ways psychologists and therapists are portrayed in movies. I guess some are sensitive about the bad portrayal of some therapists and that it might stigmatize or put off the public from using our services.
So, what therapists in [...]

Last Practicum Monday: Christian counselors in a secular world

Today marks the end of the 2007-8 school year for our MA Counseling students. Some have completed their final credits and others are half-way to their diplomas but I’m sure all are glad the school year is over.
Our students here do fieldwork in a variety of settings: churches, christian private practices, nonprofit social services (hospice, pregnancy [...]

The death of an old but lost friend

Last night I was cleaning out my nightstand and saw an email from an old friend which had his current address on it and a sarcastic note telling me that it was the second time he was sending me his snail-mail address and that I ought to put it somewhere safe. It made me laugh–and [...]

Sox game

My wife and I were given a wonderful gift of Red Sox/Phillies tickets for today’s game. Had great seats and enjoyed most of it since the Red Sox won–even without 3 of their biggest stars in the lineup. The weather held and wasn’t too hot. It was nice to enjoy it kidless as well!
A couple [...]

Digital vs. analog TV

Probably most of you watch your television via cable or dish. We still get our analog over the airways. I just bought our little box to translate current analog to digital and lo and behold I get new channels (but lose PBS if I use the box. And here’s my conundrum. I can either watch a [...]

Are counselors and psychologists an impaired lot?

We’re closing in on the last of the school year. Two weeks to go. Tonight in our ethics class we’ll be discussing the matter of abuse of power, impaired clinicians, and similar issues. In the world of counseling we discuss the problem of impaired counselors/students/trainees when we talk about those who,
(a) do not have the [...]