DESCRIPTION:

This course has two main goals: (1) to engage in critical analysis and reflection on particular concepts as represented in biblical texts; (2) to facilitate understanding of the counselor's development and tasks in appropriating a biblical frame of reference for counseling. The course examines the various concepts in light of their biblical contexts and their contemporary manifestations, e.g., anger, despair, honor, hope, love, integrity, shame, and various aspects of family relationships.

The focus of the course is the holistic formation of the counselor. It recognizes that Christian counselors are confronted with the facts of their psychological training and their religious commitments. At times these may be mutually enhanced while at other times they may create a system of competing and/or contradictory beliefs. This course aims at providing models and methods of understanding biblical texts as they encounter contemporary challenges for the counselor.

This class will meet twice weekly for lecture and discussion. Two sections of NE505 are scheduled for Spring Quarter 2003. Both sections will meet together one day (Mondays) for lecture, and separately on the second day (Wednesday or Thursday) for discussion. Students must register for one section and attend its designated discussion session consistently.

NRSV Bible

Barton, John. Ethics and the Old Testament. Harrisburg, PA: Trinity International Press, 1998.

Gutiérrez, Gustavo. On Job: God-Talk and the Suffering of the Innocent. Maryknoll: Orbis, 1987.

Rashkow, Ilona N. Taboo or not Taboo: Sexuality and Family in the Hebrew Bible. Minneapolis: Fortress, 2000.

Visotzky, Burton I. The Genesis of Ethics: How the Tormented Family of Genesis Leads Us to Moral Development. New York: Crown Publishers, 1996.

Whybray, Roger N. Ecclesiastes. The New Century Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1989.

Various articles and materials on reserve including portions of the recommended reading.

Beker, John C. Suffering and Hope: The Biblical Vision and the Human Predicament. Philadelphia: Fortress, 1987.

Brenner, Athalya, ed. A Feminist Companion to Exodus--Deuteronomy. Sheffield: Sheffield Academic Press, 1994.

Sakenfeld, Katharine D. Ruth. Interpretation. Louisville: John Knox Press, 1999.

Wimberly, Edward P. Using Scripture in Pastoral Counseling. Nashville: Abingdon, 1994.

Weekly preparation is a required part of the course. The final grade is based preparation and participation, three (3-5 pages) critical analysis, and a 15-20 page term paper.

Permission of the advisor. Second year School of Psychology students only.

Required for all School of Psychology programs.

No.