Description
705: Using Luther’s Soul Care Theology in the 21st Century
Rick Marrs, Ph.D.
Concordia Seminary
801 Seminary Pl.
St. Louis, MO 63105
Summary
Twenty-first century Christians with psychological disorders often have concomitant spiritual issues like guilt and shame. They often seem unable to forgive themselves for their “weak faith.” Moreover, well-meaning interventions sometimes compound their guilt and shame. This workshop shares how Christian counselors can correctly diagnosis the spiritual/theological issues using Luther’s Theology of the Cross and Law/Gospel distinctions so clients can receive the forgiveness and new identity won for them by Jesus Christ.
Learning Objectives
Participants will:
• Develop an appreciation for Martin Luther’s Soul Care Theology, especially the Theology of the Cross and Law/Gospel Distinction for coaching and pastoral counseling with Christians with concomitant spiritual issues
• Apply these theological concepts to diagnose common counseling situations in the 21st century
• Demonstrate strategies and techniques that can help clients receive and accept the forgiveness and identity granted them in the Gospel of Jesus Christ
