Why Do Christians Shoot Their Wounded?: Helping (Not Hurting) Those with Emotional Difficulties [Paperback]

Dwight L. Carlson (Author)

Book Description

Series: Not Hurting Those With Emotional Difficulties | Publication Date: April 15, 1994

It's no sin to hurt. Thousands of Christians suffer real emotional pain--such as depression, anxiety, obsessiveness. Many other Christians, including prominent leaders, believe emotional problems are the result of sin or bad choices. These attitudes often only add to the suffering of those who hurt. In this book Dwight Carlson marshals recent scientific evidence that demonstrates many emotional problems are just as physical or biological as diabetes, cancer and heart disease. While he never discounts personal responsibility, Carlson shows from both the Bible and up-to-date medicine why it really is no sin to hurt. Understandably and compellingly, Why Do Christians Shoot Their Wounded? brings profound help for those who hurt and those who counsel. For those who suffer, here is a powerful liberation from guilt. For those who care for the suffering, here is vivid proof that those in emotional pain deserve compassion, not condemnation.

Product Details

• Paperback: 174 pages
• Publisher: IVP Books (April 15, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830816666
• ISBN-13: 978-0830816668
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #528,584 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #41 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 An approach to emotional illness based on grace not law., August 23, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Haxtun, Colorado) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why Do Christians Shoot Their Wounded?: Helping (Not Hurting) Those with Emotional Difficulties (Paperback)

A truly thought-provoking and compassionate discussion of emotional illness in the Christian community. Carlson disagrees with popular legalists, some of whom have attracted a large following, that the only sources of emotional illness are such things as unrepented sin, lack of faith or insufficient prayer. He establishes three categories of causes: physiological, psychological and spiritual. While some cases of emotional illness may be entirely an individual's own "fault" through some form of spiritual neglect or disobedience, these cases are probably very rare. In a majority of cases, there is a combination of causes involving all three of the areas mentioned above. The bottom line is that many if not most emotional illnesses involve a physiological cause which can only be eliminated with properly, professionally prescribed medication. It is only by compassionately acknowledging the truth and understanding this physiological component that Christians can begin to respond with God's healing grace to those who are suffering. The book concludes with an excellent list of suggestions, ideas and resources for Christian communities, churches and individuals to respond positively to those in need.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Every Church Worker Should Read This!, January 9, 2007

By 

Lisa Copen "RestMinistries" (San Diego, CA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: Why Do Christians Shoot Their Wounded?: Helping (Not Hurting) Those with Emotional Difficulties (Paperback)

As the director of a ministry that serves the chronically ill, the topic of this book caught my attention. The title is harsh and definately scares some people away, which is too bad because the content should be required reading for church workers. The question does need answered! This book is about how many people- Christian included- suffer from real emotional pain such as depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses. Too often they are given "pat answers" and told to "go read the Bible" because the cause of the illness must be a spiritual problem. Dr. Carlson tackles this head on, revealing how the church body today can more effectively reach out to hurting people. If you are hurting, you will find comfort and validation. I highly recommend it and stock as part of the books we sell.

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book can save lives..., November 17, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Why Do Christians Shoot Their Wounded?: Helping (Not Hurting) Those with Emotional Difficulties (Paperback)

This book is the best book on this subject. I know first hand how horrible many so called Christians treat those that suffer from depression. Without medication I would not be alive today. Christian friends and family have accused me of being possessed by a demon. Nothing hurts more than a loved one or friends judging you for something you have no control over. This book is about just that. A kind word of encouragement would be nice but is not the norm amoung Christians.