Danger of Self-Love [Paperback]

Paul Brownback (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1982

This book analyzes the contemporary self-esteem movement from a biblical perspective. It discusses its secular philosophical and psychological backgrounds, explains how it has infiltrated the evangelical worldview, and examines the various arguments used to demonstrate that it is compatible with Scripture. It concludes that the concept of self-esteem propagated by secular and evangelical sources is not biblical, but instead is doing substantial damage to individuals and relationships. It offers and supports an almost universally overlooked alternative that is thoroughly biblical in nature and that promotes behavioral, emotional, and relational health. This book can be used effectively as a self-help manual, as a textbook, or as a personal guide to understanding contemporary culture.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I can't love others if I don't love myself first." .... This popular, contemporary concept is erroneously based on Jesus' statement..." -- Albert James Dager: Media Spotlight

Brownback simply compares Scripture with the current self-esteem teaching in most churches and the churches come up wanting. -- A reader from Portland, Oregon

Psychology teaches that man cannot love others until he learns to love himself. This excellent books reexamine this popular myth. -- Christian Information Bureau

About the Author

The author was born and reared in Southeastern Pennsylvania. He graduated from West Point and served in the Army for four years in Germany and Vietnam. He earned a Masters of Divinity degree from Talbot Theological Seminary, a Masters in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma, and a Ph.D. from New Your University in Religious Education. He served as dean of Word of Life Bible Institute, as President of Citadel Bible College, as pastor of Tulsa Bible Church, and in full-time counseling, both in private practice and on a pastoral staff. He has spoken from coast-to-coast in seminars dealing with counseling-related issues.

Product Details

• Paperback: 157 pages
• Publisher: Moody Pr (November 1982)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0802420680
• ISBN-13: 978-0802420688
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #352,205 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #33 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Psychology & Christianity

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Subverting the gospel, March 9, 2006

By 

Missionary (Manila, Philippines) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Danger of Self-Love (Paperback)

The book's logic, I am convinced, is terribly flawed, but I am most taken aback at the way, to be very blunt, it subverts the gospel.

I hesitate to make such serious "charges" (in part because I certainly do not want to be less charitable than is Dr. Brownback displays toward those with whom he differs), but I will cite just a couple of examples of why I am convinced that the book subverts the gospel.

On pages 89-90, Brownback cites Narramore and Counts to the effect that our standing with God depends solely on grace. He then suggests that their stance is problematic. I think Brownback's comments on Narramore's and Counts' stance are representative of his stance throughout the book.

On page 91, Brownback raises the question: "If we can sin without loss of blessing and if we need not fear chastening, what is to stop us from sinning?" It seems to me to be uncanny the way Brownback's question echoes Romans 6:1. Accurately proclaiming the gospel (the way Paul the Apostle sets it forth in Romans 1-5, and the way Narramore and Counts set it forth in Freedom from Guilt), invariably raises that question on the part of those who do not appreciate the way appreciating grace transforms the hearts of those who understand it. But the fact that Brownback raises the question suggests to me that he does not appreciate the freedom from pressure to perform that is the heritage of the believer who is assured that his standing with God depends, not on his performance, but solely on the work of Christ. (Brownback refers over and over to the fact that one's lovability or worth are rightly rooted in one's performance. See, for example, pages 67 and 88.)

I am afraid anyone who supposes that Brownback's message is biblical will be terribly misled.

10 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely MUST-read, September 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Danger of Self-Love (Paperback)

Brownback simply compares Scripture with the current self-esteem teaching in most churches and the churches come up wanting. However, Brownback doesn't merely demolish the self-esteem hersey and leave it alone. He then proceeds to open the Scriptures to define God's solution. It is the clearest biblical look at the subject I have ever encountered. If you don't have it in your library, you are missing an important work.