> The question, that is, is whether the work of therapy is synonymous with the work of the gospel; whether the task of the counselor is one and the same as that

> The question, that is, is whether the work of therapy is synonymous with the work of the gospel; whether the task of the counselor is one and the same as that of the pastor. > Answer: It is not. Historically, the pastor is a jack of all trades: Spiritual, psychological, social. The therapist is more of a specialist. For example, you can expect a therapist to be a confidential emotional councellor. You can hope a pastor is, but ultimately they're not paid to be your personal support, but the support of a community. > [...] If the gospel is interchangeable with counseling, then people should stop attending church and hire counselors instead. Why not go straight to the source? Why settle for second best? If a minister is merely a so-so therapist with Jesus sprinkled on top, then parishioners can sleep in on Sundays, drop Jesus, and get professional therapy as they please, whenever they wish. I promise you, if what you’re after is twenty-first century quality therapy, neither Holy Scripture nor the Divine Liturgy is the thing for you. If you can afford a therapist, go for it! If you cannot, religions partly fill the gap. After ending therapy, I have found that good friends who listen are entirely sufficient. Not everyone has good friends who listen, either.