Doctor Thomas' commitment to biblical counseling rings true in every chapter of Tough Issues, Straight Answers. This book gives the counselor practical insights and tools to use in a myriad of situations. Pastors often find themselves in unscheduled, unlabeled counseling situations. Tough Issues, Straight Answers thoroughly covers the biblical teaching regarding tough issues in the lives of our people, and provides very complete research and identification of the causes of those problems. This book can help you label the issues, understand the issues and then helps you see which principle or story in scripture applies to that specific issue. This volume containing truly Biblical analysis and answers to some of the most difficult issues facing biblical counselors today will become an indispensable tool in the toolbox of the biblical counselor. Tough Issues, Straight Answers deals with addictions, perfectionism, grumbling, or caring for crack babies or those suffering from dementia, the range of topics and the answers from God's powerful Word gives hope, direction and the power to effect change for the glory of God in life's most difficult of circumstances. Each problem area utilizes the very wisdom of God contained in the Holy Scriptures and Dr. Rick writes in a practical yet profound manner. Although specific to counseling issues, pastors, biblical counselors, lay persons, and Christians in general will obtain valuable insights that address complex yet common problems all Christians face. Dr. Thomas has done the counseling community a huge favor! This book will be a regular resource in your counseling toolbox for years to come. The topics are broad. It is an excellent reference manual. Tough Issues, Straight Answers is Dr. Rick's gift to the counseling community. When you read this out-of-the-box and very insightful approach to tough questions and Biblical answers, you'll know you've been given a gift.