Years ago, seeking the help of a professional counselor was considered a last measure. Now it is an acceptable and common practice-even within the church-as biblical counseling has gained popularity. And yet "biblical" counseling is not so biblical, says Gary Almy, for even Christian psychology has roots in a secular understanding of human nature-an understanding developed by men like Sigmund Freud who never claimed the Scriptures as a guide for their thinking.

After his conversion Almy, a board-certified psychiatrist, discovered the incompatibility of God's Word with secular psychology's assessment of and solution to the human condition. Therapists guide people away from any conviction of sin and lead them to blame others for their problems. It is an approach that fails to meet the true human need.

This clear and in-depth book examines the men and the theories behind modern counseling methods and explores their roots in philosophy. Almy also presents the biblical alternative: being equipped with the written Word of God and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we are to point the lost to the Savior and encourage one another toward maturity and fullness in Christ.