Customer Reviews

Modern Psychopathologies: A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This book presents psychopathology from a Christian viewpoint.

The perspective is refreshing and thorough. It presents some interesting ideas and gives a nice overview of psychopathology, but it really isn't easy to read if you have no prior knowledge of the topic. Some complex topics are skimmed over, and names are thrown around very quickly. It seems like too much information all at once. On the other hand, if you already have a good background knowledge of the subjects, then lots of the information will seem oversimplified. I'm not really sure who the audience is supposed to be here. If this is designed for people who are new to psychopathology, then it moves too quickly through the causes and treatments sections, but if designed for those already in the field, it could spend more time on the Christian perspective of each mental illness or the church's response.

Modern Psychopathologies does a fine job at defining the increasingly complex array of psychological illnesses. As a seminary student and future professional in the field, I found the integration of psychopathology with theology to be a bit meager. The authors rely heavily on hamartiology--the doctrine of sin--to forward their integrative pieces but overlook other important theological directions. I bought the book looking for greater understanding of the spiritial dimensions of psychopathology and found a book that only glances on the subject.

This book goes a little further than the DSM IV. It gives you the perspective of why these disorders exist. The DSM has now become a politically correct text to appease the HMO's and others who refuse to take a stand to help people manage and live wholesome productive lives living with these disorders. The authors take you a step further with the integration of biblical principles into psychotherapy. Mark this book up and use it to the max.

While I do not agree with all of their theological impliations, this text is a useful reference for Christian therapists. I would recommend it.

Very well writtend, insightful, much knowledge, experience and wisdom put into this book.

This is one of those "must have book" if your studying Psychopathologies.

While there is much useful information in this book, I find it disturbing that these "Christian" authors claim to be speaking for christianity when what they are really doing is advancing right wing christian ideology. A case in point is their characterization of homosexuality as "sin" -- claiming that that is THE Christian perspective. That is not the perspective of many (perhaps not most) christian folk -- and it is not the perspective of some christian denominations.