Psychology has exploded across the academic and popular landscape in the last hundred years. Dozens of schools of thought have arisen and thousands of books have been written on the nature of our personalities, our development, our relationships and our inner well-being. All of this has been of interest (and sometimes of concern) to Christians because of the importance we place on a correct understanding of human nature. Psychology often seems disconnected from, if not antithetical to, Christian perspectives on life. How do we relate our cherished Christian beliefs about persons to what secular versions of psychology tell us? In this book are gathered four models of the relationship of psychology and Christianity. David Powlison (Westminster Theological Seminary) offers the biblical counseling model. The levels-of-explanation model is advanced by David G. Myers (Hope College), while Gary Collins (former executive director of American Association of Christian Counselors) introduces the integration model. The Christian psychology model is put forth by Robert C. Roberts (Baylor University). Each of the contributors responds to the other essayists, noting points of agreement as well as problems they see. Editors Eric L. Johnson and Stanton L. Jones also provide an introduction to the history of Christians and psychology as well as a conclusion that considers what might bind the four views together and how a reader might evaluate the relative strengths and weaknesses of each view.

Psychology & Christianity : Four Views

Religion & Spirituality

David Powlison

Gary R. Collins

David G.Myers

Robert C. Roberts

Christian Books & Bibles

IVP Academic

When your earthly father has hurt you, how can you know God as a loving heavenly Father? Some say it can t happen unless someone will stand in your father s place, giving you a loving new image to use in relating to God. Is this true? David Powlison says that this well-intentioned perspective will fail to meet the need. It overlooks the way our own hearts contribure to our view of God. And it makes our hope for change dependent on another person, instead of connecting us to the power of Christ and his Word. In encouraging yet challenging ways, Powlison shows us that God is at work through and despite out father s failures to help us know him as our true heavenly Father.

God As Father When Your Own Father Failed

New Growth Press

Pleasure was part of God s original design, but what happens when the things we enjoy become obsessions or escapes? David Powlison looks at two types of pleasures: those that bring pure, guilt-free enjoyment and those that are stained, empty, and disappointing. He points to the tell-tale signs that we are misusing pleasure to indulge ourselves or run from pain we need to face. Scripture invites us to experience the supreme pleasure of intimacy with the living God. He longs to redeem our choices, satisfy our souls, and enable us to enjoy secondary pleasures as his gifts.

Pleasure

It’s easy to lose heart in a world where many things can and do go wrong. Life is difficult and there are struggles within and without, but we can take heart—the Lord is with us. He hears our cries for mercy. He knows our every need. He guides us, helps us, and strengthens us with his mighty right arm. Journey through a year with David Powlison, learning to “take heart” by meditating on his favorite Scripture passages, hymns, and biblical themes, exploring the ways God meets us with daily grace right where we live. 
Drawn from David Powlison’s many decades of writing, teaching, and speaking, Take Heart is a yearlong devotional journey into the process of biblical change, where truth becomes clearer and our ears hear and our eyes see what God tells us about himself. 
Learn to go to God for the help you need and hold fast to the daily mercy and grace he offers. And be reminded the promises of God are true and that the resurrection of Jesus guarantees that no matter what you may be facing, you can live in real hope.

Take Heart: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith

Our world constantly tells us to "do what feels good," especially when it comes to issues related to sexuality. Sadly, this mind-set always leads to guilt, pain, and heartache. And yet, in the gospel, there is good news for the sexually broken. Pointing readers to the grace of Jesus Christ, longtime counselor and teacher David Powlison offers hope for both the sexually immoral and the sexually victimized: all brokenness will one day be transformed. This book casts a vision for restoration that is better than what the world offers—not just fresh resolve, not just flimsy forgiveness, but true, lasting mercy from God, who is making all things new.

Making All Things New: Restoring Joy to the Sexually Broken

christianaudio

RENEWING MARITAL INTIMACY- You started out telling each other everything. Time flew by when you were together. It all seemed so easy then. But now it seems like there’s nothing to say. The intimacy and trust you once enjoyed are gone—replaced by bickering, long silences, and hurried conversations about your schedule. But it isn’t too late to renew intimacy in your marriage. David Powlison takes a close look at those things that destroy intimacy in marriage and shows how renewing your marriage begins with a renewed relationship with God. Then he offers practical steps to achieving closeness in your marriage, including three questions to ask each other every day.

Renewing Marital Intimacy: Closing the Gap Between Your and Your Spouse

RECOVERING FROM CHILD ABUSE- The damage you suffered may have been done in one terrible moment or over time. But the healing and the restoration will unfold at your pace, at a human pace. It unfolds as part of your story, and it unfolds over time. As a vulnerable child, instead of being protected, helped, and comforted, you were physically, emotionally, and/or sexually abused. Learn from David Powlison, an experienced counselor of child abuse victims, how to express your experience to God by composing your own personal liturgy. Pouring out your heart to God will begin the healing process and lead to small steps of faith and restoration.

Recovering from Child Abuse: Healing and Hope for Victims

Parenting & Relationships

Family Relationships

HEALING AFTER ABORTION- The turmoil women experience after having an abortion is sometimes called “post-abortion syndrome.” But you don’t need a technical term to describe what you are feeling. The guilt, regret, depression, and grief are the honest struggles of a woman who’s had an abortion and takes to heart what happened. David Powlison shares that whatever reactions and emotions you experience, God is committed to entering into your struggle. He sympathizes with you in your weakness, but he offers more than sympathy. Jesus steps into your life with mercy, hope, and healing. Read this booklet and take to heart the tenderness of the God who promises to redeem your life.

Healing after Abortion: God's Mercy Is for Your

FACING DEATH WITH HOPE- Is a life-threatening illness, a major life change, or just plain old age forcing you to face your own mortality? Probably, like most of us, you’d rather not think or talk about your own death. But ignoring your death won’t stop it from happening—the mortality rate is still 100%! David Powlison explains why you don’t have to take this journey alone. Jesus faced death for you, and he promises to be with you as you pass through the valley of the shadow of death. This booklet is written to help you face death honestly and know Jesus intimately. Take a moment to read through it. It’s a matter of life or death.

Facing Death with Hope: Living for What Lasts

You started out telling each other everything. Time flew by when you were together. It all seemed so easy then. But now it seems like there's nothing to say. The intimacy and trust you once enjoyed are gone replaced by bickering, long silences, and hurried conversations about your schedule. But it isn't too late to renew intimacy in your marriage. David Powlison takes a close look at those things that destroy intimacy in marriage and shows how renewing your marriage begins with a renewed relationship with God. Then he offers practical steps to achieving closeness in your marriage, including three questions to ask each other every day.

5-Pack Renewing Marital Intimacy

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Books by David Powlison