New Lutheran Organization
I’m pleased to inform you about the beginning of a new Lutheran organization: Doxology. They are just getting the organization off the ground, but from the information on their web site, this organization would appear to be one that will provide many good things. For too many years, I have watched Lutheran pastors struggle with their own personal problems, trapped behind walls of denial or self-deception, causing serious difficulties for colleagues and their congregations. Equally, I have been concerned by pastors who seem to think there is no place, at all, for what we can learn from the study of human psychology and hence are ill equipped to help people to whom they minister cope with legitimate mental illness and others facing the most intense of personal crises and concerns. I’m impressed by what this organization intends to do and extend to them the blessing of Almighty God, praying that He will bless their efforts and all whom they serve.
This is really impressive and I look forward to my own involvement in this program.
The 2 fold emphasis on Classical Pastoral Care and the use of some aspects of current clinical psychology informed by the Sacred Scriptures and Confessions looks to be a very well balanced and excellent approach to Pastoral Care of Souls.
I’ve worried for some time now that pastoral counseling in areas of mental and emotional crisis doesn’t rely too much on what Dr. Beverly Yahnke called (on Issues, Etc. recently) ‘take two scriptures and call me in the morning.’
There has to be a way between mere hand-holding and lots of compassionate ‘There, there. Smile. God loves you.’ and ‘Who do you think you are? Don’t you know God loves you? Grow up!’
I hope this effort manages to find the right course.
In spite of increased avenues of communication and easier ways to span greater distances, the fact remains that the individual is more isolated, and individual pain as well. It’s not hip to feel pain. There are pills for that, from headaches to heartaches.
Scripture is indeed medicine. But a person has to have more than an ability to open the bottle. Some people shouldn’t be left alone with even the best of medicines.