Radical Grace - (Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality) by J Harold Ellens (Hardcover)

About the Book

The esteemed editor who brought us the acclaimed set The Destructive Power of Religion, 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 that 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 people have believed that God is a threat, an attitude 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 effect this perspective has on people who have incorporated it into their minds and lives.

Ellens shows that people with firm faith in God's radical grace are psychologically strong and healthy. His offering of psychology interfacing with theology is reminiscent of Carl Rogers' teaching on unconditional positive regard and its ability to heal suffering persons. All readers, he explains, can benefit by this understanding that can inspire spiritual and psychological healing whether for ourselves, family, friends, or clients in counseling or therapy.

Book Synopsis

The esteemed editor who brought us the acclaimed set The Destructive Power of Religion, 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 that 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 people have believed that God is a threat, an attitude 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 effect this perspective has on people who have incorporated it into their minds and lives.

Ellens shows that people with firm faith in God's radical grace are psychologically strong and healthy. His offering of psychology interfacing with theology is reminiscent of Carl Rogers' teaching on unconditional positive regard and its ability to heal suffering persons. All readers, he explains, can benefit by this understanding that can inspire spiritual and psychological healing whether for ourselves, family, friends, or clients in counseling or therapy.

Review Quotes

"Trained as a Bible scholar, having served as a Protestant military chaplain until retirement, and by now widely published, Ellens writes as a well-seasoned Christian theologian. His specialty is pastoral psychology and particularly the examination of its source material as found in religious and psychological theories about the nature of the person. From the point of view that he espouses and that he terms psychotheology, one's belief in a benevolent God rather than just any kind of God is likely to be a significant factor in maintaining a person's physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Therefore, assumptions about the nature of God, along with appropriate models of human nature, go far toward determining one's ability to develop a healthy outlook and a healthful life. This book is the result of many years of service and reflection. Written in a clear and accessible style, it recalls earlier books by influential pioneers in the field such as James Dittes, Seward Hiltner, and Wayne Oates. It would be an ideal textbook or supplemental resource on faith and health for courses in church-affiliated colleges and Christian theological seminaries. Recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through graduate students, general readers, and practitioners." --Choice

"In this impressive volume, J.H. Ellens gives us the culmination of his insights regarding the interface and mutual illumination of psychology and spirituality. This book is intended for a wide audience: undergraduate, and graduate students in psychology, theology, and spirituality; professors of psychology, religious studies, theology, and pastoral care; clergy and lay counselors; and simply the interested reader....Ellen's book has a different flavor in that it does not flinch from the destructive power of religion that is deeply ingrained in the structures of religious traditions....This book is recommended for all of Ellen's intended audience previously mentioned." --Religious Studies Review

"Ellens deserves much credit for superbly crafting a text which interestingly and informatively explores the challenging terrain at the interface of psychology, religion, and spirituality. Psychologists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, clergy members, theologians, and pastors are among those who professionally may be edified very considerably by the masterful work of Ellens, as put to paper in this very fine book." --Metapsychology Online Review

"There is an extensive bibliography and index to facilitate the search for particular topics. Professors of theology, psychology and spirituality would find this volume useful as an integrated text or supplementary book for graduate students." --Catholic Library World

About the Author

J. Harold Ellens is Philosophy and Psychology Professor Emeritus, Presbyterian Pastor and Theologian Emeritus, Founding Editor and Editor-in-Chief Emeritus of The Journal of Psychology and Christianity, Executive Director Emeritus of the Christian Association for Psychological Studies, and a retired US Army Colonel. He is Series Editor for the Praeger series in Psychology, Religion, and Spirituality. Among his 164 authored or edited volumes published are The Destructive Power of Religion, 4 volumes (Praeger, 2004 and condensed edition, 2007), Sex in the Bible (Praeger, 2006), and Psychology and the Bible, 4 volumes (Praeger, 2004).