Johnson, E. L. (2007). Foundations for Soul Care: A Christian Psychology Proposal. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press.

Eric Johnson’s Foundations for Soul Care: A Christian Psychology Proposal is not intended to be the kind of book one would likely read once and then put on a book shelf. It could be treated that way, of course. But, as highlighted on the book jacket, this book is a “groundbreaking work of first-order scholarship.” In it, Johnson details “a proposal for a fundamental framework for Christian soul care (a broad category that includes psychotherapy, counseling and spiritual direction, and in fact encompasses the main tasks of the church)”. (p. 9) Developing a framework for Christian soul care is a major undertaking. Not surprisingly, this book, with 623 pages of text, is a major work – voluminous, comprehensive, and profound.

Johnson, a psychologist and associate professor of pastoral theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, is an acknowledged leader in a field – Christian psychology – which is not without its detractors. John MacArthur, the well-known pastor, author, and radio host, has labeled Christian psychology an “oxymoron.” (p. 10) Others, Johnson points out, consider Christian psychology to be “any activity in the field of psychology or counseling done by a Christian.” (p. 10) Whatever the reader’s leanings may be on this concept, Johnson strives to be a guiding light which broadly illuminates our understanding of this developing field.

In the Preface, Johnson refers to the components of distinctively Christian soul care as an “edification framework”, which is essentially a set of “structures” a therapist utilizes in an effort to facilitate (with God’s help, of course) the development of a client’s Christian maturity. Included in this framework is a “narrative structure” which enables a counselor “to make sense of the stories of clients”. (p. 11) A quote from the text (p. 546) helps to clarify this point:

“In Christ’s story we discover the divine reframing of our story and the pattern for

our life. ‘The translation of the narrative of Christ into practice must proceed as an

imaginative reappropriation of that narrative, a correspondence by way of variation,

and requires a feeling for – and capacity to ‘perform’ – the shape of Christ’s life.’

(Hart, 2003. p. 339)”

The book is divided into four parts, beginning with a review of the historical/intellectual development of Christian soul care from Biblical times to the present day. In Part Two, the writer outlines a plan to integrate Christian and secular psychology texts. In Part Three, Johnson develops a holistic model of human beings and their development. In this Part, the author begins to periodically comment on a particular client’s case to illustrate the application of some of the concepts about which he writes. This adds to the liveliness of the book, which is otherwise very conceptual. I wish he had employed this technique more. Yet in wanting more case study material, I am asking for the expansion of a book which is already bulky. Even Johnson noted, as he reflected on the inclusion of yet another idea in the text (in a footnote at the end of the text) that this book is “already too long.” (p. 609) Part Four is described by Johnson as “the real heart of the book.” He calls it “the most practical section in this theoretical work on Christian soul-care practices”. (p. 20) It is essentially an overview of the counseling process, a description of secular and Christian counseling modalities, and how these might be applied to promote Christiformity.

Johnson includes quotes from and critiques many other writers. This is, in my opinion, a strength of this book. The Reference section is 73 pages in length, yielding a bibliography of 1,300 – 1,400 citations of both Christian authors, and secular authors, many of whose views are antithetical to Christian beliefs. The Name Index, which is six pages in length, contains an estimated 530 names; the Scripture Index contains more than 900 references. It could be useful to have a Bible at hand for ready reference while reading.

This book is not only a Christian psychology proposal, but could be a useful starting point as a reference for those who might want to more precisely understand where Christian psychology fits in the broad spectrum of counseling models. I was, however, disappointed that some sections of text were not adequately referenced in the Subject Index. Perhaps owing to the length of this endeavor, I also found several minor errors by the author and editors regarding dates of publication of references, and omission of several references mentioned in the text from the Reference section. This book was not easy to read. In fact, having a dictionary handy could also facilitate progress. Finding the meaning of several words with which I was unfamiliar necessitated the use of the Oxford English Dictionary. A clue to the complexity of this book might be assumed by the fact that it was imprinted under the “IVP Academic” logo of InterVarsity Press. A more detailed Table of Contents might have made this book more inviting to prospective readers. In addition, at times, I wondered if the contents of this book might have been made more accessible to a broader spectrum of readers if it had been bound as a two- or three-volume set of more readily digestible texts.

With this book, Eric Johnson seems to have established a more permanent base camp for Christian psychology and has laid out a plan for successive approximations toward a complete understanding of Christian psychology which, in reality, is ever beyond the reach of us mortals. We are all moving further along the path of discovery of how God works in the lives of our clients and our own lives.

Johnson ends with the Epilogue (pp. 607 – 609) which contains:

· A review of the contents;

· A call to action, defined as a research effort to empirically substantiate Christian psychology;

· An admission that this book is necessarily lacking in knowledge from disciplines related to Christian psychology which are outside the author’s area of expertise and which could add to our understanding and practice of effective soul care; and

· An invitation extended to any and all parties who are interested to participate in a process designed to resolve “the epistemological and soul-care crisis facing the evangelical church in our day regarding how to understand individual human beings and remediate their psychological problems.”

While this is not the first book written on the topic of Christian psychology, it is a major effort in helping to define this field. It is interesting to consider how this model of soul care and the proposed work agenda related to it will develop in the future.

Notes: Hart, D. B. (2003). The Beauty of the Infinite: The Aesthetics of Christian Truth. Grand Rapids,

MI: Eerdmans.

Reviewer: Craig Strohbach is a member of Houston’s First Baptist Church and a Licensed Professional

Counselor (LPC). 08/06/2008

A verse continuously mentioned in this book was Matthew 18:15-17. “If your brother sins against you go and show his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won the brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or tax collector. “(NIT) This verse is the exact lesson taught in “When the Vow Breaks” written by Joseph Warren Kniskern. The book is the author’s rendition of the steps a potential divorcee should take in efforts to first reconcile with an estranged spouse or, as a last resort, the very sensitive steps to follow with a divorce. Many thoughts and deeply personal points are brought to life in this read however, at times; the author’s own personal tragedy gets in the way of the message.

The book begins with the earliest stages of hurts and thoughts a couple on the verge of division may experience. Beginning in chapter 3, the author provides a journal entry from his own experience. While it’s usually a way to connect with readers, applying his personal experience in this case cast a shadow over his ex-wife. Kiskern expresses concern about his spouse’s salvation and how God will “deal” with her. It’s uncomfortable to continue reading the journal once that negative connotation is placed on the now ex-spouse. Kiskern also includes a few personal letters that were written to his ex-wife including a description of how the separation began. Kiskern makes it clear throughout the book that divorce was not his choice but that of his ex-spouse. He does this in a manner that could make his ex look like the “bad-guy.” This is unfair. If the book had been written as a memoir or solely on personal experience then this would’ve been acceptable. However, the author is writing this book to assist others on getting through their experiences and how to get through the legalities in a Godly manner. This should not have been a platform to expose details of his split.

The book does an excellent job of following very closely to the Word. There exists an entire section with four chapters of how divorce is handled throughout the Holy Bible. Kniskern summarizes the topics covered from Jesus’ teachings including but not limited to; no human should separate a marriage, spousal unfaithfulness frees the other spouse to divorce and remarry, if unfaithfulness is not the cause of a breakup then the other spouse is not free to remarry. The latter brings up a very sensitive, but biblically accurate point that many Christian divorcees do not consider beforehand.

The book also has a section that summarizes the expectations of the legal process. This is quite an important resource for a quick list of processes to follow if divorce is the only way out. Another mistake that is made comes through in the survival strategies for finances and the use of credit (169). The author suggests using credit and credit cards for temporary relief. This should not be recommended as a solution as the Bible says “the borrower is slave to the lender.” While establishing credit is very important, perhaps the author should have left this topic out of the book or, even better, recommended other resources to setting up finances properly.

In closing, it is important to note that the author is a lawyer by trade. He does not have any professional counseling experience. Kiskern does site the Holy Bible as his main reference. On a personal note, I would not recommend this book to a friend. His legal advice and biblical references are sound and used appropriately. However, I can’t move past how he treated his ex-spouse in writing this book. The doubt cast on his ex-spouse and the innuendos brought forth are unfair and unnecessary for this type of manuscript. Please consider reading through this book before placing on the shelves of our library.

Review by Angela Montoya

Hi! I’ve just published a book that I’d like you to know about. I think it would be a valuable resource for you. Please check out this link to read more information:

Shuman, R. (1996). The Psychology of Chronic Illness: The Healing Work of Patients, Therapists, and

Families. New York: Basic Books. (Author Info: www.ziplink.net/users/shuman/)

While not among the most recent publications to hit the market, Robert Shuman’s The Psychology of Chronic Illness: The Healing Work of Patients, Therapists, and Families is still a book worth reading. It can inform counselors whose case load may now or at some time in the future include clients who are living with chronic illness of any sort. Yet, this book is not some formulaic presentation of steps to follow in order to successfully counsel this population, although a number of pointers to success in this endeavor are included, but a thought-provoking overview of the issues faced by patients, families, and therapists, written by a practicing psychologist who is himself afflicted with multiple sclerosis.

Shuman draws on his own experience as a patient and care provider and his patients’ experiences in order to explore the social and emotional impact of a chronic illness diagnosis — as an illness and as an opportunity for self-exploration and even growth. As in life, so in illness, the author has observed, different people respond differently to seemingly similar events. Some people are defeated by their diagnosis, while others experience it as an opportunity for renewal. Through their response to illness, people can bring about “another way of being in the world” (p. 195).

Most people, according to the author, take life for granted. They are focused on goals — whether they are family, community, or business goals. Until faced with challenging circumstances, many people do not take much time to explore their experiences of life and its deeper meaning. A diagnosis of chronic illness is likely to change people’s outlook and priorities.

A review of some of the chapter titles and partial contents reveals some of the focus of the book. In the chapter entitled, “A Simple Twist of Fate”, Shuman describes the onset of his own illness and defines chronic illness. In “My Body is Always with Me”, he explores, among other things, “body as ground, body as figure” (p. 30) and the emotions which are likely to be experienced upon receiving a diagnosis. “A Catalog of Losses”, both a chapter title and a phenomenon which any chronic illness initiates, includes a review of five archetypes of loss which describe individual responses to a diagnosis. In “Physicians, Patients, and Families”, Shuman explores the interactions which necessarily take place among parties involved, changes brought about in the physician’s role by the “arrival of the health care system” (p. 75), the wide variability of patients’ willingness to comply with medical advice, and the effect of chronic illness on family members. A particularly useful part of this chapter is a section in which the author lists and comments on the characteristics of the “good enough” professional caregiver.

In two subsequent chapters, he discusses the ethical and moral issues of living with chronic illness, including the effects of wealth and cultural diversity. In the chapter entitled, “The Therapist Near and Far”, Shuman discusses transference, difficulties involved in therapist-physician interaction, dilemmas of therapist self-disclosure, and challenges faced by therapists who themselves live with chronic illness. The book concludes with two chapters on healing, in which the uses of art, imagination, and computers by people living with chronic illness are addressed, as well as the effect values and, ultimately, reliance on God and religious practices can have on people’s lives. Chronic illness, it should be remembered, suggests care, not cure.

This book is supportive of the value of counselors as an important part of the multi-disciplinary treatment team. In fact, in the modern health care delivery system, counselors may be in the one of the best positions to assist people living with chronic illness. Do not counselors already have experience treating chronic conditions? Are not many mental disorders and addictions chronic conditions? Counselors can and do make a difference in the lives of people living with chronic illness — through active listening, respectful probing, sharing information about which they are qualified to comment, and by providing support for patients, who need encouragement, to assert themselves as active participants in the treatment process with physicians and other treatment providers — patient-centered counseling techniques with which all “good enough” counselors are familiar.

_______________

Reviewer: Craig P. Strohbach, MA, LPC, has been a member of HLPCA since 1993. Revised: 09/08/2007

Thomas, Gary L. (2002). Authentic Faith: The Power of a Fire-Tested Life. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Winner of the 2003 Gold Medallion Award in the Christian Living category, presented by the Evangelical Christian Publishers’ Association (www.ecpa.org), Gary Thomas’ book, Authentic Faith: The Power of a Fire-Tested Life, challenges readers to consider the following penetrating question: What if life isn’t meant to be perfect, but we are meant to trust the One who is?

A full-time writer and speaker, Thomas is on the adjunct faculty of Western Seminary (Portland, Oregon), where he teaches graduate level courses on spiritual formation, and it seems logical that the content of this book and the content of his courses may have a very high positive correlation.

The terms spiritual formation, Christian living, practical life, and personal growth are descriptive of the process of maturation which true believers experience through the life-span and which ends when we are complete or perfect in Christ. It is a process of making choices which produce godly, Christlike character. Those who choose this path recognize that the end result of this way of life is ultimately more valuable than any alternatives. The difference between Christian living and a worldly focus could be symbolized by the difference between fine gold and fool’s gold.

Thomas focuses on ten disciplines of authentic faith which, it should come as no surprise, are cursed by a secular world in which materialism and self are worshipped. He explores the disciplines of selflessness, waiting, suffering, persecution, social mercy, forgiveness, mourning, contentment, sacrifice, and hope and fear by devoting a chapter to each. In addition to thought-provoking chapters, a detailed footnotes section provides the reader with additional information on original sources consulted by the author, as well as further clarification of some concepts mentioned in the text.

Interspersed throughout the text are almost fifty short featured excerpts from the chapters which, if read in sequence, could give a prospective reader a sense of the book’s overall thrust and main ideas. One of Thomas’ quotes seemed particularly representative of the incomprehensible grace we enjoy as Christians: “It is only by God’s grace that I am allowed to be part of his kingdom, much less to serve in it.” (p. 237) Christians are truly blessed!

This book contains many rich, real-life examples of people who endured tough times and, as a result, became models of authentic faith. They were people who not only “talked the talk”, but who also “walked the walk.” They faced hardship, endured by trusting God, emerged as people who were, themselves, changed, and who also impacted others for Christ. They have left a legacy of courage and devotion for us to emulate as we proceed along our own paths toward a destiny of a glorious heavenly reward.

If you have ever questioned God’s ways — and which of us has never done that? — Authentic Faith may lead you to a better understanding of the purposes God has in mind when you are faced with conditions in life which cannot be humanly comprehended. Thomas confirms what the Lord declares when he tells us, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isaiah 55: 8 NIV), and further helps us to appreciate the wisdom of Proverbs 3: 12: “For whom the Lord loves he corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights.” (NKJV)

_______________

Reviewer: Craig P. Strohbach is a member of Houston’s First Baptist Church. Revised: 08/25/2007

Eldredge, J. (2001). Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, Inc.

John Eldredge, founder and director of Ransomed Heart Ministries, has written a biblically relevant book in which he endeavors to help men discover the heart of God. He clearly refutes the notion that Christian men should play the “nice guy” role. Rather, he “invites men to recover their masculine heart, defined in the image of a passionate God.” (Book cover) He reasons that all men were at one time boys who dreamed dreams — big dreams — but has observed that these dreams have been pushed deep inside many men — sometimes by churches and organized religion. He strives to reawaken this lost part of men — the passion which motivates a warrior heart to fight against spiritual, worldly, and fleshly forces which battle to drag men down.

Eldredge’s writing style is easy to read, but, at the same time, communicates biblical wisdom which merits reflection and meditation. This is not a book to be read like an entertaining novel, although it could be, but rather is a book which stimulates thinking, and perhaps discussion, about how men can overcome their doubts and experience healing in a postmodern era where men have been criticized for being too assertive and championing causes in which they believe.

Throughout the book, Eldredge uses examples — both personal and of other men — which illustrate his salient points. By sharing his own experiences, he earns the readers’ respect as someone who not only talks the talk, but as someone who also walks the walk. This book is not an academic exercise, but instead is a practical, real-world commentary on the subject.

A quick review of some of the chapter titles reveals the flavor of his message: “The Wild One Whose Image We Bear”, “The Question That Haunts Every Man”, “The Wound”, “The Battle for a Man’s Heart”, “The Father’s Voice”, and “Healing the Wound”. Throughout the book, the author quotes pertinent verses and passages from the Bible, which facilitate connecting ancient wisdom to the modern-day challenges men face and the modern-day solutions men seek. Also included are prose and poetic quotes from other sources — both Christian and secular — which add color and depth to Eldredge’s writing.

In the last five chapters of the book, Eldredge proposes a general plan for men to follow, which is designed to reconnect men to the passion God placed in men’s hearts at Creation. He offers a three-part approach to this effort to recapture those dreams every little boy once dreamed. He suggests, and adequately supports, the notion that the following needs were written into the souls of all men: A Battle to Fight, A Beauty to Rescue, and An Adventure to Live. Without these things, men fail to thrive. By reconnecting to the heart of God, men can “venture forth with God” (p. 220) as they strive to build meaning in this life and eternal rewards in the next. Venturing forth with God, according to the author, is “the only way to live in this adventure.” (p. 214) The key is an “ongoing, intimate relationship with God.” (p. 214)

A quote, which, perhaps, best captures the thrust of this book and challenges men who have lost their passion is one Eldredge borrowed from author Gil Bailie: “Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people (men) who have come alive.” (p. 200, 206)

Reading this book will inform you. Meditating on its message could help reconnect you to your passion — the heart of God. Acting on what you discover deep in your soul could transform you and our world!

Eldredge encourages men to action by reminding them that the next chapters of their lives are theirs to co-author with God!

_______________

Reviewer: Craig P. Strohbach is a member of Houston’s First Baptist Church. Revised: 10/03/2007

“some reports suggest an astounding 50-65 percent of husbands and 45-55 percent of wives have had extramarital affairs by the time they are 40.”

Journal of Psychology & Christianity 8, no. 4 (Winter 1989)
Torn Asunder, Dave Carder, pg. 26

“A study of pastors sponsored by Christianity Today found that 23% of 300 pastors admitted some form of sexually inappropriate behavior with someone other than their wives while in the ministry”

Journal of Psychology & Christianity 8, no. 4 (Winter 1989)
Torn Asunder, Dave Carder, pg. 26

Peggy Vaughn, author of “The Monogamy Myth” and founder of a secular support system for spouses in adultery recovery has worked in this area for over 30 years:

She cites 60% of marriages will experience adultery

Dr. Shirley Glass, author of “Not Just Friends” and recognized expert on infidelity having hundreds of clinical cases and more than 2 decades of research:

“after reviewing 25 studies – 25% of wives and 44% of husbands have had extramarital intercourse.”
Not Just Friends, Shirley P. Glass, Ph.D., 2003, pg 3

Comparable findings in a number of studies suggest that a reasonable estimate for lifetime incidence of extramarital intercourse is 25% women and 50% men.

Increase that by 15% if you include sexual intimacies and emotional involvements.

In a therapist survey (1992-2001) by Dr. Shirley Glass of 465 therapists at 13 conferences“very little consensus among couple therapists about why infidelity happens and how people should be treated in its aftermath.” – Not Just Friends, Shirley P. Glass, Ph.D., pg 5

The American Academy of Bereavement’s “CMI Institute,” which provides education & training for health care professionals, offered a seminar on adultery conducted by Dr. James Fogarty, Sacramento, CA May 2006. He brought many statistics with him and concluded most studies validate the 25% to 50% numbers.

“According to therapists who treat couples, infidelity is the second most difficult relationship problem, surpassed only by domestic violence.” -Journal of Family Psychology, 11(3), 361-366 in Not Just Friends, Shirley P. Glass, Ph.D., pg 9

“60% of men and 40% of women” -Michele Weiner-Davis, The Divorce Busting Center, Smart Marriages presentation, July 2007.

Statistics vary greatly – you can find 20% to 80% depending on where you look. Why?

Some believe the results are skewed.

• participants volunteer
• not representative of population at large
• various definitions of adultery and sex (remember President Clinton)

Barna reported in 2004 that born again Christians are just as likely to divorce as are non-Christians.

By 1970 “no fault” divorce was in place. Prior to that adultery was one of the top three reasons cited for obtaining a divorce. We have no reason to believe the numbers have changed just because we no longer keep records. In addition, adultery is one of the “accepted” reasons for divorce within the church.

Because the statistics vary so much we use 25% as the lowest accepted statistic.

Statistics supplied by Amy Barnard from Hope & Healing -Gary & Mona Shriver

Please refer to an article about their ministry: Hope and Healing Article

Video summaries of each Chapter by Dallas Willard
Video coffee-cup conversations among Dallas, Larry Crabb and John Ortberg, hosted by Curt Cloninger Study Guides – Participant and Leadership guides written by Gary Moon.
CD-ROM – containing electronic copies of:

• Leader’s Guide
• Scripts of the Video sessions,
• Printable posters and bulletin inserts

“Renovation of the Heart is a realistic guide to discipleship and the real challenge of Christian formation. Its aim is to help all would-be apprentices of Jesus to find and fully live in the kingdom of God…” (paraphrased quote from Introduction to Leader’s Guide)

Materials overview:
As a new reader of Dallas Willard, I had not realized he is considered by some to be “America’s answer to C.S. Lewis”, therefore when I picked up his book, Renovation of the Heart, for the first time, expecting a ‘quick read’ I soon realized his writing would take some slow reading and deep thinking. The theoretical nature of his writing does not lend itself to the casual student. However, realizing the value of his message for all, the authors have done a good job in developing a set of materials that would pace a study group through the 13 chapters of the book one session at a time. Each of the 13 sessions in the study guides contain a short Bible Study reinforcing the corresponding chapter, group discussion questions and ‘transforming exercises’. The study is designed to have little to no outside work unless desired. The videos are an excellent supplement – part one of each video session is a mini-lecture by Dallas summarizing the chapter; part two of each video session is a ‘soul-talk’ unscripted dialogue between Dallas, Larry Crabb and John Ortberg. These casual conversations were patterned after C.S. Lewis’ Inklings – thoughtful conversations among writers … the study group has the privilege of being a ‘fly on the wall’ listening in on these candid conversations. Overall, there is much more material than a leader could use in a one-hour session and the authors encourage flexibility in ‘picking and choosing’ the best materials for the particular group. This wealth of material would make the package ideal for either small home ‘book club’/Bible Study groups or larger traditional study groups.

Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ

Content of the Study:
The first five chapters of Renovation of the Heart introduce the participant to the concept of spiritual formation and the difference that Christ intends in the spiritual formation of his ‘apprentices’. Jesus intends “a revolution of character, which proceeds by changing people from the inside through ongoing personal relationship to God in Christ and to one another. It is one that changes their ideas, beliefs, feelings, and habits of choice, as well as their bodily tendencies and social relations.” Dallas develops the concept of 6 aspects that together make up ‘human nature’ – thought, feeling, choice (heart/spirit/will), body, social relations, and soul.
Chapter 3 helps the reader understand that every human being is ‘starting from ruin’. We must start from where we really are. Chapter 4 quickly follows with the amazing capability of the human being for restoration. Chapter 5 concludes the preparatory information with a vision of transformation into Christlikeness, a call to intentional transformation and the promise that we will now be shown “some of the things that can be done with God’s assistance in each of the six dimensions of our life and being to renovate the human heart and progressively form the inner, hidden world of the person…”

Chapters 6 and 7 address the transformation of the mind – thoughts and feelings. Practical methods of allowing God to dominate our thoughts….. with practical insight on changing the way we think and feel. (The book becomes much more ‘readable’ at this point, either because of the practical nature of the material, or this reader was hooked on spiritual transformation…) Chapters 6 and 7 show us how to have a “thought life centered on God in his goodness and greatness, and therefore on truth… Our feelings dominated by the rich array of positive feelings that naturally accompany love, joy, and peace, along with their foundational conditions of faith and hope.”

Chapter 8 addresses transforming the will (heart or spirit) and character. “Single-minded and joyous devotion to God and his will, to what God wants for us – and to service to him and to others because of him – is what the will transformed into Christlikeness looks like….The condition we find ourselves in can best be described as one of entanglement. By contrast the condition we must move to is that of single-minded focus upon doing the will of God in everything, distracted by nothing.“ Dallas discusses the role of spiritual disciplines to develop this single-mindedness. “ A major service of spiritual disciplines – such as solitude (being alone with God for long periods of time), fasting (learning freedom from food and how God directly nourishes us), worship (adoration of God), and service (doing good for others with no thought of ourselves) is to cause the duplicity and malice that is buried in our will and character to surface and be dealt with. Those disciplines make room for the Word and the Spirit to work in us, and they permit destructive feelings – feelings that are usually veiled by standard practices and circumstances and by long accepted rationalizations – to be perceived and dealt with for what they are: our will and not God’s will.“

Transforming the body is the subject of Chapter 9. “Our body is an essential part of who we are, and no redemption that omits it is full redemption….The proper retraining and nurturing of the body is absolutely essential to Christlikeness. …Accordingly, our reasonable service, the only thing that makes any sense for a human being who trusts Christ, is to present our bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, very pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1-2). This total yielding of every part of our body to God, until the very tissues and muscles that make it up are inclined toward God and godliness and are vitalized in action by the powers of heaven, breaks all conformity with worldly life in this age and transforms us into conformity with the age to come…” Four avenues of intervention are offered for the spiritual transformation of the body: Release your body to God, No longer idolize your body, Do not misuse your body, The body is to be properly honored and cared for.

Chapter 10 addresses the Social Dimension – what our relationships to others must be like if we are to be spiritually formed in Christlikeness. Again, Dallas starts from ‘where we are’…”we have to start from woundedness – It is hard to imagine anyone in this world who has not been deeply injured in his or her relationships to others”. If spiritual formation in Christ is to succeed, the power of the two roots of woundedness, attack and withdrawal – must be broken. “The secret of all life-giving relation to others, and of all that is social, lies in the fact that the primary other for a human being, whether he wants it or not, is always God…Here as in all the other dimensions of our life, the progression of redemption in our relations to others depends upon what we do as well as what God does for us and in us. And in order to do our part in the process of spiritual formation of social relations we must deeply identify and understand what is wrong in our relations with others (whether that wrong is coming from us or toward us) and how it can be changed. Thus we have spoken of assault and withdrawal…. The first element in the transformed social dimension is for individuals to come to see themselves whole, as God himself sees them. Such a vision sets them beyond the wounds and limitations they have received in their past relationships to others. The Second element is abandonment of all defensiveness.
Third is embracing the genuine love of God and allowing it to flow through us to others and fourth step is trusting God for our defense and security. …We can find the love of Christ and forgive those who have hurt us. That is the hope and the plan of this chapter.”

Then it gets tough again, as Gary Moon says in the leaders guide, “Prepare yourself: this may be the most difficult chapter in the book to wrap your brain around. Besides the fact that Dallas is just too smart, the topic of “soul” has been a slippery one for millennia.” Thus we dive into Chapter 11 to learn that “what is running your life at any given moment is your soul….The soul is that aspect of your whole being that correlates, integrates, and enlivens everything going on in the various dimensions of the self. …” The primary way to soul change is by becoming more open to the indwelling presence of the Word and Spirit of Christ. “Transformation of our soul requires that we acknowledge its reality and importance, understand scriptural teachings about it, and take it into the yoke of Jesus, learning from him humility and the abandonment of “outcomes” to God… Other things may be required for soul recovery in some people: perhaps special acts of deliverance or ministries of inner healing or psychological counseling. Always, the good news of Jesus is presupposed. But the most powerful force for transformation of the soul born “from above” is to walk in righteousness upheld by grace.”

Sanctification – with a bit of significance thrown in – is the subject of Chapter 12….”The significance of human life upon the earth must either be very small or very great….God’s purposes for human history, …is to bring forth an immense community of people, from “every nation and tribe and tongue and people” who will be a kingdom of priests under God, and who for some period of time in the future will actually govern the earth under him. They will also, beyond that, reign with him in the eternal future of the cosmos, forever and ever. (Revelation 22:5)” Dallas then describes these ‘children of light’ who have been transformed in the six dimensions addressed in the previous chapters. A discussion of sanctification then follows – “Sanctification does not mean perfection reached, but the progress of the divine life toward perfection. Sanctification is the Christianizing of the Christian.” The chapter concludes with a call to sanctification.

The last chapter addresses spiritual formation in the local congregation. It is God’s plan for local congregations to be devoted to the spiritual formation of those in attendance – to the “renovation of the hearts’. Three stages are outlined:

1. Making disciples, (apprentices) of Jesus.
2. Immersing the apprentices at all levels of growth in the Trinitarian presence.
3. Transforming disciples inwardly, in such a way that doing the words and deeds of Christ is not the focus but is the natural outcome.

To say that the book Every Man’s Battle is a success seems an understatement. It has been so successful that, in 2004, its total sales reached over 500,000 copies sold, according to the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (www.ecpa.org). Written with a great deal of self-disclosure by the authors and including numerous case studies, the book presents a “battle plan” for any man willing to face “the challenge every man faces” and fight “the fight every man can win.”

This book moves readers through six stages of assessment, decision-making, and action. Part One, “Where Are We?”, seeks to help men better understand the nature of sexual temptation, and how they yield to it. “How We Got Here,” Part 2, aims at a clearer understanding of God’s standards for sexual purity, as well as the roots of men’s vulnerability to sexual sin. In Part 3, “Choosing Victory,” men are encouraged to make a whole-hearted, real-life commitment to pursue victory in the area of sexual purity. In Parts 4 and 5, ”Victory with Your Eyes” and “Victory with Your Mind”, the authors develop a plan to successfully launch and achieve strategies for shutting off the flow of wrong sensual images that come through the eyes and cleansing the mind from the flow of wrong sexual images, respectfully. Part 6, “Victory in Your Heart”, aims at developing a more genuine, positive, sacrificial heart-commitment to your wife.

Each of the six parts also includes a special section for women, entitled, “The Heart of a Woman,” which is “designed to help them understand and support the men they love.” Following the text is a Study and Discussion Guide, which may be completed individually or as a group.

While the book initially seems aimed at married men, it can be useful for any man – married or single, previously married or never married – who desires to live the life of sexual purity required of godly men.

Especially useful for new Christians (and a concise reminder for seasoned believers) is a section entitled, “God’s Standard from the Bible,” which highlights 19 New Testament Bible passages addressing sexual purity – Biblical truths. This leaves little doubt about the importance and the quality of behavior which God requires.

A self-assessment is included to help men differentiate between specific behaviors which suggest they are “lurking at the door of sexual addiction” or if they are engaging in conduct which clearly indicates “addictive compulsions and gratification.” This is a question which puzzles many, including counselors who study and treat sexual behavior issues. While there are many assessment instruments available elsewhere to help distinguish between behavioral categories, this simple tool could help men determine whether they can maintain sexual integrity on their own or if help, in the form of a men’s Bible/book study, recovery program, and/or professional counseling, might be useful and necessary.

In summary, this an honest, useful, and hopeful book focused on, perhaps, the greatest challenge men face on a daily basis. Its sales record attests to its apparent wide applicability and usefulness. This book holds out great hope in an area of human behavior in which unmanageability and shame permeate men’s lives. By its very title, Every Man’s Battle communicates, “No temptation has seized you except that which is common to man.” (1 Cor. 10:13 NIV), and, by its content, reminds us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NIV)

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Reviewed by Craig Strohbach, who is a member of Houston’s First Baptist Church (HFBC). At HFBC, he has been active in Celebrate Recovery, and is currently participating in Men’s Life, the Adult Choir, and FaithWorks! Bible study, and serves as volunteer Team Leader of the Shrink Wrap Project, which develops written and/or other types of summaries of theological and psychological information to assist counselors and clients at the Julianna Poor Memorial Counseling Center at HFBC.

Date of Review: 02/15/2007. © Craig Strohbach 2007

Please refer to the website: Every Man’s Battle.