Many Christians who experience psychological disorders also struggle with profound emotional and spiritual distress, including guilt, shame, and a sense of meaninglessness. Often, they perceive their suffering as a failure of faith, exacerbating their emotional turmoil. Conventional secular and some faith-based therapeutic approaches frequently fall short in effectively addressing these issues, sometimes intensifying feelings of spiritual inadequacy. Historically, Martin Luther was one of the earliest figures to recognize and respond to severe mental distress, writing over 2,600 counseling letters offering theological guidance to individuals suffering from melancholia. His theological framework, later influential in existential psychology through Kierkegaard, provides valuable insights for integrating faith-based interventions in clinical practice with willing Christian clients. This workshop, designed for psychologists and licensed mental health professionals will explore how Luther’s theology of soul care—particularly his Law/Gospel distinction and Theology of the Cross—can inform clinical assessment and therapeutic interventions, equipping clinicians to help clients experience psychological relief, forgiveness, and restored meaning through a Faith-centered approach.
320 | Venerable Wisdom: Using Luther’s Soul Care Theology in the 21st Century
PRESENTERS
Rick Marrs, Ph.D., Stephen Piestsch, Ph.D.
CE CREDITS
1.25
Approved For CE
APA, ASWB, NBCC, IBCC, Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling
Approved For CME/CEU
LEVEL
Intermediate
Summary
Learning Objectives
1 Outline Martin Luther’s Soul Care Theology, particularly the Law/Gospel Distinction and Theology of the Cross/Suffering, as a framework for therapy for willing Christian clients experiencing emotional and spiritual distress.
2 Apply these theological concepts to diagnose and assess common psychological and spiritual struggles encountered in contemporary therapeutic practice.
3 Demonstrate evidence-based counseling strategies that integrate Luther’s theological insights to help willing Christian clients experience peace, forgiveness, and a renewed sense of meaning through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.