Why the world needs ‘Nouthetic Counseling’
By Udeme Nana
A new book could be likened to a bride to be unveiled and presented formally to her prospective groom’s family. She has to be introduced properly and elaborately. She has to be “marketed” to her future new family. In the case of a new book, the new family comprises the potential readers. Just like a soon-to-be-bride, a book has to be seen, adjudged to be good enough to live with the reader and adorn a pride of place on bookshelves. This is one of the reasons why a new book must be reviewed in detail. Books are also reviewed for the benefit of those who would gladly purchase copies publicly, but may never bother to read the contents thereafter.
In the introduction, Professor Ime N. George boldly declares that the Holy Scripture is foundational to counseling, especially for Christians, and defines the concept “Nouthetic”, as a Greek word which means “to admonish, warn, correct, exhort or instruct.” He sets out the best atmosphere for such counseling, discusses its rationale, its goals and benefits. The publication is therefore an exegesis.
The book is divided into three parts. Section one lays the foundations of Nouthetic counseling and has four chapters. The second division deals with some critical areas for the application of Nouthetic counseling while the third segment explores several aspects of Nouthetic Counseling. The thesis in this book is that the Scriptures has the power to transform people and guide them through challenges which beset them. The author emphasizes that the best way to help people through existential difficulties is to expose them to the timeless wisdom found in the Bible. Professor George acknowledges the existence of several other psychological perspectives of man and their concerns, but professes that the Nouthetic view, which is rooted in the Bible, provides the theoretical framework, the techniques, toolkits and examples for a more effective guidance and counseling. Apostle George anchors his stance on the admonition of Saint Paul in the book of Colossians Chapter 2 verse 8, “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition… and not according to Christ.” Each chapter ends with a summary and “Reflections”.
In a global society where several philosophies, traditions, ideologies, systems seem to have failed, Ime Georgian’s Nouthetic postulation comes in handy to save the day.
In this book, the author outlines 12 qualities of a Nouthetic counselor, the required skill sets, the attitude of the overconfident and the under confident counselor, and argues that the creator who owns the mind has set out potent rules in healing the mind. This volume brings out 10 general principles of Nouthetic Counseling and shows that Bible – centered, Bible – based counseling is superior to other forms of counseling. He discusses seven ethical requirements and demands on the nouthetic counsellor.
Apostle George offers explicit tips on how to handle the period of adolescence described as a time of “storm and stress” in the lives of teenagers. A careful reading would show readers that the Bible has provisions to validate everything including how to adjust to puberty; in boys, in girls, the emotional changes, what to be done, how to keep the mind off sex and the hyperactive exposure, addiction, obsession, exuberance and very robust activities on social media.
For instance, on page 103, the author quotes the book of Proverbs chapter 20 verse 11 to warn against unwholesome escapades… “even on his play; a boy shows what he is, whether his doings are straightforward.”
In this work, readers will find something on true love and on dating. There are references on how harlots and those engaged in “hookup” dress. It is in chapter 6 of this publication. The author brings out biblical guidelines for decency in dressing, explains why the Bible focuses on women, provides spiritual guidelines for decency in dressing, grooming and the benefits.
A chapter addresses human sexuality, sex and sex change, sexual orientation and behavior, homosexuality and lesbianism and other forms of sexual immorality and resolves the concerns raised on that topic with God’s ordained formula quoting 17 different passages in the Bible to hinge his submissions.
Professor George advocates a functional approach to education in the book. In his words, ‘education should not only serve as a means of employment but should also focus on self-development, acquisition of life skills for self-reliance’, ‘‘to be relevant in the modern workspace’’ There is a place for financial prudence and stability in Nouthetic counseling and bible-based advice on how to achieve financial stability, how to live with less, how to avoid debt citing proverbs 22 verse 7 which states that a “borrower is a slave to a lender”. This makes it a book for this season in Nigeria, indeed, Africa and the world.
This remarkable book is heavy on premarital counseling. It discusses in details the aims of Nouthetic pre-marital counseling and important medical considerations surrounding dating and courtship. The Fellow of Counseling Association of Nigeria, cites the example of how Abraham sourced for a wife for his son, Isaac, as a template for searching for a wife even in contemporary times. “A marriage proposal should not be approached in a haste; he writes on page 212”. The prophet admonishes that “the Nouthetic model used by Abraham provides critical insights into the essential first steps to be taken in the build up to matrimony including the observances and processes to be followed when searching for and taking a marriage mate. He highlights the importance of searching in the right place and using the help of mature and Godfearing third parties to avoid “mismating with unbelievers”. Do you know that there is a blueprint to handle infidelity in marriage? Yes, there is an insightful expose on how to manage infidelity in marriage. On page 290, the Nouthetic counseling expert writes “there is no excuse for any act of infidelity in marriage”. However, he counsels that “Infidelity, even a repeat of infidelity should not be taken as a death sentence for the marriage as offending mates can change and become faithful after counseling. “
To point the way to a possible repair following infidelity the author devotes a full chapter of the book to facts about the nature, forms, risks and protective factors including recovery strategies for infidelity. According to the author, there is no mountain too high to climb on the treatment of infidelity. He ends that discussion with a very interesting Mnemonic for couples where WIFE – stands for WONDERFUL INSTRUMENT FOR ENJOYMENT while HUSBAND is: HOLD UNTO SUCH BABA AND NEVER DEPART! This hilarious and very creative coinage is on page 271.
The Nouthetic scholar provides scriptural passages against addictions and substance abuse, discusses various types of addictions, the four phases of addiction, and how to prevent or break addiction.
This author has covered a lot of grounds including Nouthetic counseling for the anxious and downtrodden, how to tackle anxiety, depression, suicidality, and provides biblical examples of people who faced such situations and how they handled them. His proposition is that “by learning how these Bible characters successfully dealt with negative patterns of thinking, readers too can find the strength needed to cope with distresses (pages 326). Apostle (Professor) George also gives profound insights into counseling the dying and the bereaved. He maps out the five steps involved in dying, highlights coping mechanisms which even includes “clandestine sex”.
This publication has cleared cobwebs from the minds of Christians who have an aversion to politics and political participation. He handles the topic in 24 pages and provides nouthetic guidance arguing that Christians should serve God and the government, and acknowledges the influence of Christians in government in the past like the “stopping of several evil practices such as ‘infanticide, child abandonment, gladiatorial games, human sacrifice, pedophilia, burning of widows, abolition of slavery, killing of twins”. Professor George outlines 4 critical reasons why Christians should participate in politics and on page 375, he provides a prescription for choosing leaders and their lieutenants. On page 380, he submits that “it is obvious that participating in governance is never a taboo as long as God is glorified in the discharge of the assigned duties.
In another chapter, the Nouthetic expert clearly outlines the main differences between the Bible and other books on counseling and other religions of the world. He stresses the “sufficiency of the holy scriptures” to take care of all our relational challenges. The prophet also explores traditions, customs, and brings out scriptural passages to guide the Nouthetic counselor in grappling with questions about customs and tradition.
The professor also clears the cloud surrounding requirements for Nouthetic counseling in treating clients, he reviews the 6 steps of the counseling process which should serve as a professional guide or cook book for practitioners, the principles and ethical requirements and submits that the Nouthetic counselor must be well rooted in the Bible. The book emphasizes that the Holy Scriptures have provisions for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness and states that Nouthetic counselors seek to apply, skillfully and diligently, the principles of the scriptures, to assist their clients. He outlines 5 problems of Nouthetic counseling, the challenges posed by clients, and the impediments to Nouthetic therapy. According to him, “Nouthetic counseling is a helping discipline”.
This is a timely book. It comes at a period when the time-tested Christian values, which drove the era of enlightenment, brought about the reformation, catalyzed the industrial age, are facing a crisis. In a world that is tottering towards a precipice, this book can serve as a strong leash to pull humankind back to safety. The book is written in simple, lucid, clear English that the general reader would understand easily. Each chapter can stand on its own.
Nouthetic Counseling… the power of the scriptures in effecting change is a product of meticulous, painstaking, diligent research and personal experiences of the author as a Pastor, a Teacher, a Guidance Counsellor, a prophet and a keen political observer. A Bible-themed book could, at the first mention, be perceived to be a dull, uninteresting and regular story, but not this effort. The contents have a capacity to hold readers spellbound. I rate this contribution as a masterpiece. It resonates.
The overall brilliance of the author shines through in every word, every sentence, every paragraph, every page and every chapter. He discusses the topics in a mature and expert manner. He shows that the scriptures are adequate and has answers to every question on any subject matter. Reading this captivating book is a therapy and is therapeutic. The author shows his breadth of knowledge, his intellectual depth. His profession as a doctor of the mind comes through as he presents expert diagnoses of cases with potent prescriptions. His presentation technique is scientific; he introduces cases, examines them, provides a diagnosis, discusses, determines outcomes and anchors his solutions and advice on relevant Bible passages. This makes for credibility, persuasiveness and believability. The book celebrates the author as a true Apostle, a true professor, a true Counselor, a true Philosopher and a true Change agent. This is a book of timeless elegance, both in its production, packaging and content.
Two theories explain this scholarly contribution; one is Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), developed by Fred Davies in 1989, which postulates that user acceptance of an idea or a course of action is determined by ‘‘Perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use’’. This book is useful and is at the same time, easy to read. The second theory is the Diffusion of Innovations Theory of Everett Rogers which states that for an innovation to be adopted, it has to be communicated through certain channels to a people in a social system. Nouthetic guidance counseling is an innovation, the book is a channel, this public presentation/audience constitutes a social system and the timing is also right for the dissemination of the information in the book.
This book is very refreshing, insightful and enlightening. It is a much needed elixir and required reading material. This contribution is so vital to the kind of transformation we must undergo to achieve success in our society.
This is a book for all categories of people; teenagers, youths, singles, married, families, judges and indeed all Clergymen. It should become a universal handbook for counseling at all levels.
The different topics in this book should be produced in smaller capsules for the different segments of people in the society. This book makes for a very interesting read. It offers professional guidelines for counseling using the Bible. Everyone needs it, all the issues are relatable. The author should also start thinking about books on Nouthetic counseling for judges, traders, especially, petroleum marketers, businessmen and women, contractors, builders, parents, children, law enforcement agents, teachers, civil servants, drivers and mechanics among others in the society. Readers can choose any topic of interest in this edition but be assured that all the topics are very interesting and useful.
This book will expand the knowledge base of readers, deepen their insights and has a capacity to transform lives.
* Dr. Nana is the founder of Uyo Book Club
