Guidance literature: A survey and an evaluation

Conclusions If one contends that there is a wide gap between the principles outlined in these volumes and the practice in the average school, this is certainly true. (There is a wide gap between the principles in the books on pastoral counseling and the work of the average pastor, too.) These books tell us what ought to be more than what often is; nevertheless, they give the pastor an idea of what the authorities in this field are thinking.It is unfortunate that there is so seldom a reference to the pastor or the church in these volumes. Again, we can look at the other side and say it is unfortunate there is so rarely a mention of the school and the teacher in books on pastoral psychology and religious education.A familiarity with this literature on the part of the pastor won't solve the problem, but it is the first step. The problem will be solved in actual cooperation, in working together for the good of specific young people who are the concern of both the church and the school.