When Christians Fail

The 'victorious Christian life' is an ever-popular theme. Preachers proclaim it - divine power, spiritual gifts, experiences of being 'caught up to God' and victory over sin - right here, right now. There are testimonies of God working miraculously somewhere over there, just out of sight, yesterday. Christian Life Coaches suggest that they can deliver health, wealth, success and happiness based on the Christian worldview. If a Christian is struggling with persistent sin, feeling guilty, powerless and possibly depressed or anxious about their salvation - well, Christian Counselors are on hand, ready to help in some way. People and resources promoting the 'victorious Christian life' tends to appeal to Christians who know that they are failing and missing the mark. Christian Counselors and Life Coaches use a mix of psychological and motivational theories, counseling methods and practices, seasoned with Christian values, prayer and uplifting Scriptural texts. But does any of this constitute accurate teaching from Scripture? What does Scripture teach about the dynamic processes of human behavior? What kind of life does Scripture encourage Christians to live and how? What does Scripture have to say when Christians fail and feel guilty or depressed? Author Robert Laynton explores in depth the Scriptural principles that underpin such advice and interventions. It is intended for Christian ministers and those involved in pastoral care.This is not a Christian evaluation of the various disciplines within psychology and counseling, nor is it an attempt to integrate counseling approaches with Christianity. It is an exploration of what Scripture has to say about the dynamics of failure and missing the mark and how Scripture instructs people to deal with these tendencies. Chapters present a brief overview of psychology and counseling; an overview of the Covenant of Works and human nature; how Scripture describes the subjective self; what it means for Christians to be a 'new creation'; their calling to purification; the role of divine Law in the Christian's day to day life; and what it means for Christians to 'walk in the Spirit'. A final chapter evaluates some of the criticisms directed at 'Christian counseling'. With extensive quotes from Scripture, and verse by verse or extensive commentaries on Romans 1 v 18 - 2 v 10; 6 v 9 - 23; 7 v 7 - 8 v 18; Colossians 3 v 1 - 13; Galatians 5 v 13 - 6 v 10. Robert Laynton gained a B.Sc. Honors degree in Psychology with the Open University and Post Graduate Certificate and Diploma qualifications in counseling at Keele University in Staffordshire, England. He has served briefly as a deacon, lay preacher and study leader and been engaged with Christianity for over fifty years.