Author: J. Harold Ellens
Pages: 219
Call Number: BT732 .E453 2007
Synopsis: The esteemed editor who brought is the acclaimed set The Destructive Power of Religion, 4 volumes, turns his attention here to a similarly powerful yet positive side of religion - how our concept of God can fuel healthy body and mind. This book contends all health - mental and physical - is shaped, for good or ill, by our spiritual, theological and psychological notions about the nature of God, and by the way we form an outlook on life as a result of these notions. Across history, a large percentage of notions people have about God are that He is a threat, and among what Ellens describes as "sick Gods created through pathological beliefs," or "sick Gods that make sick people." But Ellens grounds his brighter perspective in this text on God as a source of unconditional grace and goodwill, then illuminates the affect that this perspective has on people who have incorporated it into their minds and lives. Ellens shows how people with firm faith in God as one of "radical grace" themselves develop psychologically strong and healthy. His offering here of psychology interfacing theology is reminiscent of Carl Rogers teaching on unconditional positive regard, and its ability to heal suffering persons. All readers can benefit by understanding this to inspire spiritual and psychological healing whether for ourselves, family, friends or aiming to help clients in counseling or therapy, he explains. -- Retrieved from Books in Print, 9/7/09.
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