Be Not Anxious: Pastoral Care of Unquiet Souls

This is a wonderful review of theological perspectives on anxiety, as well as some prominent perspectives from psychological theory. The books offers clearly written views on how pastors, and by extension "laity" can be helpfully involved in helping "disquieted souls" find comfort and strength in all the God offers and promises to us as Father, Son, and Spirit and in the church. As a "layperson," I am finding it to be excellent medicine for my own soul, and I am absolutely certain that it is giving me excellent helpful points of view that will make me of more help to others. Cole believes that pastors, and by implication other Christian helpers, can be of greatest help when we help others find their lives renewed by God's word and promises and the practices of the church, and makes clear that we should use our first language of the Christian story, of the Christian message, of God's ministry to us as Father, Son and Spirit, rather than trying to become psychologists and offering secular helping strategies. (Though he certainly allows that many forms of help can be of assistance depending on the circumstances, inasmuch as we are whole beings with many dimensions.) Very sound scholarship yet practical, well reasoned, excellent guidance. Very strongly recommended.