Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

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.

As a new student of psychology and counseling, it can be overwhelming and confusing wading into the various ideologies and methods. What makes each one distinct? What does is contribute to the field? How does it interact with the Christian faith? Stanton Jones and Richard Butman have provided an excellent guide to the major psychotherapies with an assessment of each from a Christian point of view.

They explore Psychodynamic theories along with three others: Cognitive-Behavioral; Humanistic and Experiential; Systemic. The book ends with two chapters focused on moving toward a distinctly Christian psychology. I, personally, found the beginning chapters and concluding chapters to be the strongest and of the greatest benefit. They ably handle issues related to integration and a Christian theory of persons. It is essential for Christian counselors of all convictions to have a well-developed theory of persons. Without a comprehensive understanding of persons in all their complexity and the corresponding complexity of the effects of sin on a person, any therapy will be superficial, at best.

Their treatment of the major psychotherapies is fair and helpful. They explain the major issues quite well and without prejudice. Additionally, while it's clear that they have some misgivings about bible-only counseling, they do not spend their time taking shots at the movement. It would have taken away from this helpful work had they done that. Thankfully, they avoided this pitfall.

In its second edition, Jones and Butman have provided an essential tool for all pastors and lay-people interested in the subject and ministry of counseling. This is a helpful resource to which I will be turning often for insight and further study.

NOTE: In accordance with the regulations of the Federal Trade Commission I would like to state that I received a complementary copy of the aforementioned text for the purposes of review. I was not required to furnish a positive review.

I am not a psychologist, minister, nor counselor. However, my interests in psychology and christianity are great at the moment. This book accomplishes a great task in showing the possible uses and pitfalls in various schools of thought and techniques from the field of psychology. My copy now is completely filled with notes, highlights, and underline/circles. Probably prior knowledge of psychotherapies and theology would make reading the book less cumbersome.

Modern Psychotherapies is a psychology textbook that attempts to give a wide overview of many psychotherapies and techniques currently being borrowed by Christian based therapists to help people. None of the therapies within the textbook are truly "Christian" in nature, but some have been used and modified to be very useful. The text is not, however, for someone who has never studied psychology 101. The jargon/language the book is written in is for someone that has been exposed, at least, to basic psychological terms. If the student has not been introduced to psychology yet they may find reading this book a bit intimidating. It does give a decent account though of the science and how it has been adapted so far to use by Christian/faith based psychologist, pastors and therapist so far. It is worth the read if you are a student of psychology or pastoral counseling.

The purpose of man is to glorify God; the authors of this work make clear God is not a coping mechanism: the authors do state examples where man and his mental state are given in scripture God's Holy Word. The authors have not forgotten man's sinfulness and God's wrath against sinners. In no way do the authors attempt to diminish sin, man's need to repent to God, and certain deeds need to be altered to be in obedience to God as revealed in the Bible.

Psychotherapies can be useful in man's need to cope and solve behavioral problems, but that does not mean the Christian Psychotherapist should forget Biblical teaching about sin and guilt. This work clearly states where certain Psychotherapies theories collide with Biblical instruction. The authors do tell where certain ministers and Christian therapist fall into temptation in the use of certain psychotherapies without changing it to fir Christian teaching. This book does not argue to change what is taught in the church to fit in with secular ideas, but instead is an argument for Christian Psychotherapy professional to obey God first and use certain psychotherapy tools in helping individuals cope and behavioral problems. This is a strong argument against perceiving the individual as center of the Universe or blaming others for their behavior or their happiness.

Excellent book. I thought this book was well written and the authors covered the theories in a comprehensive manner. I enjoyed reading the theories from a Christian perspective. I highly recommend this for anyone who may be studying psychology.

The book is OK I guess - It's a text for a course I was doing. I was in good condition when I got it.

If you have to buy go ahead. It has proven useful.