Modern Psychotherapies: A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal (Christian Association for Psychological Studies Partnership) [Hardcover]

Stanton L. Jones (Author), Richard E. Butman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 3, 1991 | Series: Christian Association for Psychological Studies Partnership

First Christians feared and avoided the modern practice of psychotherapy. Then many uncritically embraced it. This book represents an emerging third stage in the complicated relationship between faith and psychology. That stage is the critical, theologically informed appropriation of psychotherapy. Stanton Jones and Richard Butman, respected Christian scholars and experienced clinical psychologists, survey the thirteen most significant psychotherapies now in use. They fair-mindedly introduce each therapy and evaluate its compatibility with orthodox Christianity. Opening and closing chapters discuss foundational concerns on the intergration of psychology and theology, and present the author's justification of "responsible eclecticism." Among the first of its kind, this comprehensive volume will be of invaluable assistance to teachers, students of psychology, and Christian psychologists and counselors.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"For any Christian student considering a career as a counselor, this book should be high on the list of required reading. For any teacher of a course related to counseling or therapy, this text should be a strong candidate." (Calvin Theological Journal )

"[Modern Psychotherapies] has an important place in courses on integration and psychotherapy." (Journal of Psychology and Christianity )

"Jones and Butman demonstrate a respect for contemporary nonreligious scholarship on personality and therapy. . . . The book's bibliography and careful integration of [both Christian and non-Christian theorists] make it a valuable introduction for students of psychology-theology integration." (Perspectives )

"The thinking is keen, the writing is clear, and the communication is superb. This is a work that truly integrates psychology and theology." (Everett L. Worthington Jr., Professor of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University )

Product Details

• Hardcover: 425 pages
• Publisher: IVP Academic (June 3, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830817751
• ISBN-13: 978-0830817757
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #201,337 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #21 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Psychology & Christianity

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Combines scholarly discussion with Biblical insights, August 6, 2001

By 

Terry Portis (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Modern Psychotherapies: A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal (Christian Association for Psychological Studies Partnership) (Hardcover)

I have just completed my classes for a doctorate in counseling psychology and have had dozens of books assigned as texts over the years. To be honest, most of them sit in one of my "backroom" bookcases. This book is one of the exceptions.

This work covers the major theories of pscyhotherapy and makes you feel like someone who has a firm grasp of them when you read it. The review from a Biblical viewpoint really gives you a lot to think about. The authors are also very objective, not showing favorites among the various schools of thought. This book is a must for every student and teacher of counseling and psychology.

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional book for both Christian and Secular readers, April 3, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Modern Psychotherapies: A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal (Christian Association for Psychological Studies Partnership) (Hardcover)

I'm a psychologist in training, and have many books reviewing various psychotherapies on my shelves, but this remains one of my favorite resources. It explores a number of therapeutic approaches, first by reviewing the thoughts of the approach's founder, then by discussing modern uses. These writeups are useful regardless of whether or not you're looking for a Christian view of the different approaches.

At the end of each chapter, there is a section discussing the approaches as they relate to foundational Biblical principles. This is not a text whose purpose is to spout opinions or dogma; it serves as a strong and rational look at the different aspects of each approach discussed. The reader will come away with a better understanding not only of modern psychotherapeutic approaches, but also with which aspects of those approaches are Biblical in nature, which aren't, and why. Particuarly useful for those building an integrative or electic foundation, or who wish to base their chosen orientation on Biblical principles.

18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Insightful Christian Perspectives on Psychotherapy, February 16, 2001

By 

K. Eames "Just a guy with a nose" (Down in the valley, the valley below) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Modern Psychotherapies: A Comprehensive Christian Appraisal (Christian Association for Psychological Studies Partnership) (Hardcover)

This is an excellent work that sifts through the truth and error of various theories of psychotherapy. Drs. Jones and Butman identify the theoretical perspective and analyze their basic tenets against the revealed truth of Scripture. As is often the case, there is both value and grievous error in most theoretical perspectives. I used this as an optional text in a class I taught on counseling theories, and found it to be an effective tool for learning. Dr Stanton Jones has published a number of respected articles in the area of psychology and theology, and this book reflects a depth of scholarship without undue density.