Wilfred Bockelman

The author did a good job with some fundamental analysis. Given the subsequent history of Gothard’s “ministry,” it demands more ire than is offered here, but the book was published early. The best observation of the author is the atrocious nature of Gothard’s Bible “interpretation.” Poor hermeneutics and absolute intolerance for questions regarding the conclusions reached by those hermeneutics are an excellent reason to view any of Gothard’s material with suspicion. Overall, show more the book is a good treatment of Gothard, given the decades-old context, but a new treatment in the same vein would be helpful. show less

This book was written about the time Gotherd's IBYC seminars were at the height of their popularity. It shows a different point of view, and disagrees with some of the doctrine. It also highlights some concerning issues -- that turned out to be the seeds of scandal in later years.

Bockelman's book is a good, brief text on expressing yourself with others who are suffering. I like it as a complementary text to Kenneth Haugk's book, Don't Sing Songs to a Heavy Heart.

Table of Contents
1. The Heart of the Matter
2. Getting in Tune with Life
3. What to Say at the Time of a Death
4. What to Say to someone who is Terminally Ill
5. What to Say when Friends Get Divorced
6. Nursing Homes and the Dilemma of What to Say
7. What to Say in a Variety of Circumstances
8. Religous Faith in show more Times of Crisis show less