Blame it on the Brain? - Book Note

If you are interested in any way in counseling yourself or others this is a must read. The author is Edward Welch from the CCEF stable. After three chapters on Biblical foundations there are three other sections covering Alzheimers, head Injury, Depression, ADD, homosexuality, and alcoholism. The basic thesis of the book states - we have to be careful that we are not blaming things on the brain that are just sinful patterns. To that end the author covers things that can be blamed on t he brain, matters that the brain may be blamed for and aspects of life that the brain didn't do. To work out which is which you will have to read the book.
The thing about these books from CCEF is that they are full of Bible and not man made wisdom. Anyone interested in counseling or giving any pastoral counsel should buy and read anything that CCEF publish.

When I Don't Desire God - John Piper - Book Comment

What a way to kick off the reading for 2010. This is the best Piper book that I have read to date. The title is exactly what the book is about. Each of the 12 chapters has several really quality gems for the warming of the heart. Like all Piper's books it is dripping with his Christian hedonism thoughts. His aim in this book is to stir readers to find all their joy in Christ and what to do when that joy is dimmed in our hearts. For several chapters he discusses fighting for joy and how to do that through the great truths of the Christian faith. The chapters on fighting for joy through the Word, world and prayer I found particularly helpful. The last chapter, When the darkness does not lift, would be of particular help to anyone who struggles with depression. They are many lessons throughout this book for those who are called to pastor God's people not least the quotes in the final chapter from John Newton as he sought to help the struggling Cowper.