Let me introduce myself. My name is Phil Monroe and I am a Christian Psychologist and biblical counselor. Those titles probably don’t go together for most but hear me out. I believe psychology is best understood as the classic study of human functioning and not a modernist, pragmatic, attempt to masquerade as a science similar to medicine. While scientific inquiry about humanity is very important and useful, the Christian psychologist is well aware that all science is not free from bias and that a Christian psychology is as much art as it is science. I believe biblical counseling is best understood as an activity based on a robust biblical anthropology that seeks to help the suffering find grace and mercy in the person and work of Christ. It is not the use of bible verses to confront individuals in their sin. While that may happen, it is better understood as having effective conversations, as Jesus was known to do, that lead others to see themselves and their Lord more clearly. I have found like-minded individuals at Westminster Seminary, Wheaton College and my professional societies. However, I find most of my colleagues and allies among folks at the newly formed Society for Christian Psychology (www.christianpsych.org) and the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (www.ccef.org).
More personally, I am a husband (to Kim) and a father (to Sam and Jared), a gardener, a New Englander in exile, a presbyterian, and a die-hard Red Sox fan. For a living I direct the Master’s counseling program and teach at Biblical Seminary (www.biblical.edu) in suburban Philadelphia and do clinical work with Diane Langberg, PhD & Associates.
I welcome comments that encourage or challenge me to think more. Please remember the fruits of the spirit as you do so. In order to avoid the problem of spam comments, I moderate all first-time commenters.
55 Comments
September 17, 2006 at 6:46 pm
What was your dissertation on?
September 18, 2006 at 9:29 am
You really want the title? The Development of the Discharge Readiness Checklist–Revised: A functional assessment instrument for children in residential and foster care treatment. I took the advice of several professors to do a contained dissertation rather than write a tome which I might have rather done but would have never finished in the time I could do a statistical dissertation.
March 10, 2007 at 1:41 pm
My name is Erin and I am a Graduate student in the counseling program at Baptist Bible College and I am doing a paper and presentation on you. I was wondering if you could help me out by pointing me to some resouces or by answering some questions for me. I would like to know about your biographical background and the history that led you to where you are today. I have read some of your articles and I believe that they will help me in understanding your views on certain areas like the Holy Spirit’s work and involement in the counseling session, the role of Scripture, and any other apporaches you use. I was wondering if i could have a complete list of your writings and articles. Thank you so much for your time.
December 18, 2007 at 10:20 pm
hey mate, great website,
I identify alot with this stuff and seen a counsellor the other day cause she is a friends mum and discovered alot of this stuff is identified as normal conditions, even having labels!…’anxiety’ etc didnt even know as im 19 and would appear like im goin well.
Been a Christian my whole life and Gods brought me through alot of stuff, I was wondering:
I have had this terrible habit since i was round 10 where i cant stand small noises, movements, anything that is repetitive in sound or movement-stuff like people biting there fingers or anything that resembles it, people eating with there mouth open, spoons clanging on bowls, people sipping tea repetitively, clicking noises from computers or computer games, people banging there feet on trains.
Not sure but they sound like normal annoying things but i seriously go insane whenever trapped in a situation or environment especially if i cant take in own hands and leave.
I was wondering if there is any resource or info on the net, I dont really know how to approach it!!
Thankyou so much
dan
December 19, 2007 at 10:00 am
Daniel,
Thanks for your inquiry. Your experience sounds like part supersensitivity (some people are just more sensitive to noises, touch, etc.) and part anxiety (the need to escape). Not sure there is much to do about the sensitivity part but learning distracting skills would be helpful. Start with small, only slightly noxious experiences, and with the help of a counselor practice distraction techniques. Sort of like when you get a paper cut you can either fixate on it and really feel the throb or distract and have it fade to the background. Hope that helps.
October 21, 2009 at 9:01 am
Hi Phil,
I recently came across your site and this inqiery on supersensitivity and anxiety was of interest to me. It is something that has been a problem for me since childhood, especially as it relates to my mother (she has many minor idiosincracies thay anoey me such as slurping, eating with mouth open, clanging of cutlery and other habits). I come from a family that experienced seperation when I was 8 yrs. old, but the home had much stife for 4 years previous to seperation. My father berated my mother in front of us children for such acts and compounding this shaping of attitude towards my mother by my father was the fact that my mother was left to discipline us and therefore assumed the role of meany in my young mind. To this day I am strongly irritated by these annoeyances, though I know that they are really trivial and have no bearing on who my mother really is. She is a Godly woman who has been to me and other an example of God’s unconditional love. I wonder if the factors in my “condition” are more do to environmental conditioning and not so much something nerological.
Thank you, Bill
December 27, 2007 at 3:02 am
What is your take on those who would argue that “christian counseling” is guilty of “psychoheresy”?
I am a mental health nurse so I am interested in the interface between psychology/psychiatry/mental illness and christianity. with many of my clients i see the results of both their organic illness and their experiences in producing the issues thay struggle with on a day to day basis. I also see from my Christian faith the impact of sin and spiritual side to their condition.
December 27, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Grahame,
There are some Christian counselors who practice what might be called naive Christian counseling–where they imbibe too much from a secular (materialist) view of persons without even knwoing it. Unfortunately, those who are aware of this problem tend to be attack dogs who throw the baby out with the bathwater. Just because an unbeliever describes a feature of humanity doesn’t mean that feature is completely without warrant.
It is hard to divide the organic/spiritual aspects of mental illness. And yet we agree they are there. Which comes first? We do not know. And yet, we ought to treat both.
In your professional world, do you see opportunities to treat the spiritual as well as the organic? In the US that would be considered difficult.
January 24, 2008 at 6:19 pm
hello! i luv your site, and I’m glad to meet another Christian blogger! stop by mine @ http://scripture4u.wordpress.com
Keep in the Faith!!
-neogotchi
February 3, 2008 at 7:27 am
Thanks for your interesting and relevant thoughts and observations.
I look forward to further dialogue.
Kerry D.
February 7, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Hi Dr. Monroe, I was referred to your website by Dr. Jeff Black, who was my program chair at Philadelphia Biblical University. I plan to check your musings every so often, and it looks from what I’ve seen so far that I’ll benefit from them! I’m working with troubled children and youth in residential treatment in NW Ohio, while I pursue LPC licensure, but I hope to establish some biblical counseling practice on the side. Jeff referred me here when I mentioned to him that it would be nice if more established professionals would reveal to us “novices” what you guys are reading, or “what’s on your nightstand” as your site puts it. That’s invaluable to me, and it keeps my reading list fresh! Looking forward to checking in more often! Scott.
February 19, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Where did you come up with that silly “Musings” name for the blog?
February 24, 2008 at 6:33 am
Phil,
Can you recommend a good read about integrating Christian Counseling with Addiction Counseling, particularly in my areas of strength which are in CBT and RT. I
Your musings are brilliant and inspirational!
Thanks, Jon
February 24, 2008 at 2:12 pm
I really enjoy your blog. I’m a Christian counselor and have a blog as well. It is good to read other Christian bloggers.
I think Leslie’s work on sexual abuse is great. I’d love to sit in on your supervision sessions… the discussions must be great!
February 26, 2008 at 10:58 am
Thanks Chris. We do have fun in supervision. Its the best part of my day.
Jon, I don’t have a great idea for you. You might read Ed Welch’s book on Addiction (a banquet in the grave) but it isn’t much of a fine detail book. But it does give a good overview of the fight we must wage against addictive thinking and belief patterns.
February 28, 2008 at 1:29 pm
I’m curious to know what your opinion is of the growth of lay counseling. My town has a counseling center which they fancy is based on CCEF. The challenge I see is that we now have a lot of “counselors” who’ve gone through lay counseling courses and are giving alot of bad advice to people in need.
I took the introductory course where one of my classmates was a women who was in a physicall abusive marriage. She was being told by a “counselor” that she had no biblical basis to leave the marriage. This woman had visible bruises!
Most of the classes wrapped up by an exhortation for students to write down bible verses and put them in your wallet or purse for use when troubles arise.
I know this is not what you do, but I’m alarmed that our large PCA church is referring people to this place for some pretty severe situations. The counselors don’t have professional counseling credentials and most of them have a very immature understanding of biblical counseling principles.
Do you see this as a problem in many communities?
February 28, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Jim,
The idea behind lay counseling is that wise and mature believers, with gifts of patience and gentleness might be able to walk with those who are struggling in life. However, if a lay ministry is not careful, they attract those who want to merely exhort others to feel good about themselves.
Your classmate was obviously given terrible advice–as if the only solutions are stay or leave. The Scriptures are clear about the need to protect the vulnerable. While I might not suggest immediate divorce, I would highly suggest the need for protection and ministry to both. A severe mercy to the man and protection for the wife.
Bible verses are helpful in times of trouble. Wisdom is knowing what God is saying or wants you to do in a particular area.
By the way, CCEF would not abide by counselors doing either of these things that you mentioned.
I actually see less churches doing the lay counseling bit these days. I see more churches willing to use well-trained counselors. These counselors may not be licensed but they do have good wisdom to know what they can and cannot do.
March 3, 2008 at 8:27 am
Phil, great website. I enjoyed checking it out some this morning. Peace, Kelly
March 3, 2008 at 10:41 am
Kelly, thanks for dropping by. Enjoyed your family pics on your site. Can’t believe Evan is 6. Miss having you around.
Phil
March 23, 2008 at 12:09 am
Hello Phil,
I found your site while doing a search for resources that could help me study up on basic psychology. I would like to pass my college’s CLEP test without actually having to take the Psychology 101 course. Christian resources would be great, but anything that you think is a good, well-rounded intro would be fine.Do you have any recommendations?
Thanks,
Phoebe
March 24, 2008 at 9:35 am
Phoebe,
You might try David Myer’s text (www.davidmyers.org) as it is classic in many a university. He is a Christian and while I wouldn’t subscribe to his version of Christian Psychology (see the IVP book, Psychology & Christianity: 4 views for some other options)
Phil
March 31, 2008 at 9:11 pm
ooooo I *LOVE* your terminology of ’severe’ mercy!!! Never ever heard it before. But I’m willing to bet I’ve walked it with my husband!
Spent 18 years in an abusive marriage with a man who ‘thought’ he was a christian, but had never accepted Christ, but knew the scriptures inside and out. Lived and died by the ‘rules’ of the law. (literally) Bible thumping, King James, hard line, rule, you’ll obey me or suffer … “Don’t give me that love junk” (literally said that)
until he turned 50 … and decided he didn’t like himself ..and then told God
“I give up, I surrender, God I need you in my life, I need your son! Jesus, save me from myself”
and overnight … changed to the man God created him to be! Our marriage was immediately redeemed to what it was intended to what it was created to be as well.
Do I believe in miracles …oh yea.
Should I have stayed … hind sight is 20/20 … I wouldn’t recommend someone in my place to stay, I’m not sure why I did. Like many in my situation, I felt stuck, helpless, although, I was working to get out safely …. and praying for God to make it so I didn’t have to before I did have to.
All while I followed the principals that Peter and Paul laid out …being the witness that just might bring him to the Lord … not subserviant ..but Christlike.
it wasn’t easy. By any stretch of the imagination.
But I do think it was probably what you mean by ’severe’ mercy.
April 8, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Hey Phil,
I recently picked up a book by Eric Johnson titled “Foundations for Soul Care: A Christian Psychology Proposal” and I know it is a long book (622 pages of actual text) but I am curious if you might be thinking of reviewing it and posting your thoughts?
As someone just finishing an MSW and trying to help people while grow with Christ, I appreciate the insights you share. Don’t stop.
April 8, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Tempting but Eric’s book is THICK, both in pages and content. Not sure I’m up to it, really. But thanks for the encouragement.
April 20, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Hi Phil,
Thank you for this site!
Hi Ryan,
Johnson’s book sounds interesting; I don’t know that I have time to read it right now either,
but I commend you for wanting to grapple with the important issue of learning how life in Christ can inform and form our relationships with ourselves and each other. Perhaps after you read it you would post your thoughts about the book here.
Also, although I dont’ know a great deal about him, you might be interested in reading something by Don Browning, professor emeritus from the Divinity School, University of Chicago. You can find info about him on the U of C website.
I read one of his books many, many years ago and it opened my eyes to the “theories of obligation” that are embedded in psychological theories and methodology. In other words, the “answers” to questions such as what is the good life and what should be our relationships with each other. The the answers to these questions shape our lives and interactions and thus need informed, clearly articulated and understood answers.
I was saddened by my own MSW education in that neither professors nor most students were interested in thinking about how they should then approach their choice of therapeutic model for their clients.
May 10, 2008 at 3:29 am
Can you recommend a Christian Psychologist in the Central Maine area? Thank you!
May 10, 2008 at 10:24 am
I don’t know of any, sorry.
May 26, 2008 at 1:39 am
Hello. I was wondering about the type of schooling you’ve had. I’m an undergraduate student, getting my degree in counseling psychology, and I hope to one day be a Christian Psychologist. So, my question is should I go through a PhD program and then go to seminary or go straight to seminary to get my PhD? Thanks so much!
May 27, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Jenna, I have a BA in theology, MA in Religion (concentration in counseling), MA and PsyD in psychology. Not your usual path to psychology. But I wouldn’t do it differently.
I found seminary to be very helpful to do before I got my doctorate. There are some seminaries you can get a doctorate as well as theological training (Fuller Theological Seminary) but most do not.
June 11, 2008 at 12:11 am
Phil, I’m a youth pastor in MN, but grew up in Doylestown and graduated from PBU and DTS. Also worked at Calvary Church of Souderton for a couple years, so we might have a couple mutual friends.
I’d really love to run an idea by you, but I can’t find your contact info anywhere, so if you could email me, that would be great. Thanks, Phil!
June 14, 2008 at 12:57 pm
thanks for the compliment on the photos of my kids. it’s so easy taking pictures of them because they are just so beautiful and charming all the time. i enjoy your site – keep posting!
June 30, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Phil,
Your post today calls to mind three verses from Scripture (NIV) that have relevance to all people-helping. Proverbs 19:18 refers to what I call the enabler’s dilemma: “Discipline your son, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to his death.” In our efforts to help others, we must not fail to function correctively as is proper, for in doing so we leave people in their self-destructive state. Will missionaries wisely address (as the situation permits, from God’s perspective) whatever relevant self-destructive patterns are inherent in the host culture?
Proverbs 19:19 says, “A hot-tempered man must pay the penalty; if you rescue him, you will have to do it again.” This addresses the rescuer’s dilemma: how can we help others to help themselves, rather than to foster their dependence on us? It is better to teach people to fish than to keep providing fish for them–a concept every missionary should model.
Finally, Romans 15: 2 teaches, “Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” Every missionary (or people-helper) needs to ask herself: “Are my efforts contributing to the edification of those I am trying to help? That is, are they becoming better, healthier, godlier people in some way? If not, what we are doing may bring pleasure, but it is not bringing progress.
Colossians 3:17 tells us to do everything in Jesus’ name. That mandate is not a command to use those particular words; it is an instruction about how to live life. To live and minister in Jesus’ name means to function in his character and truth with his power and authority for his reputation and purposes–an excellent vision for any people-helper, including missionaries.
Rick
August 30, 2008 at 9:52 am
Hi Phil.
There are many things I’d like to say, but I’ll attempt to be brief, starting with ‘Hello! Thank you for this blog!’
I’m new to blogging, but really enjoying reading other Christian authors. I’m a doctoral student in practical theology, but my background is in music and for years I have been wanting to study the psychology of music and maybe even do counselling work as a honest layman. God has kind of now made it clear that I will STILL go towards music psych in the future – but that I needed to spend some serious time studying the things of God before I do all of that. So when you say that you found seminary to be very helpful before doing your doctorate – I can now really identify with that!
I look forward to becoming acquainted with your posts, and also to one day joining you in this very important field of psychology as a fellow Christian believer one day.
Blessings,
Alex.
October 2, 2008 at 12:42 am
Hi Phil,
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Therapist with 9 years of practice. I have a small private practice on 7500 Germantown ave. Philadelphia. I’m certified in Cognitive therapy, in which three aspects of cognition are emphasized: automatic thoughts, schemas, and cognitive distortions. I’m wondering what your thoughts might be on using this model as a tool in biblical counseling.
Thanks so much.
ps. Love your blog
October 2, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Welcome Tim. Glad to hear from you and that you are a neighbor. Did you get certified with the Beck folks? I think many CT tools were well in reclaiming the mind. I do think that constructive CT deals a bit better with emotions since our thinking/feeling/behaving isn’t as linear as some of CT proponents would suggest.
Stop by anytime.
Phil
October 2, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Tim, you know we used to go to the same church? Or maybe we still do: NLG.
October 13, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Hey Phil,
I’ve been following your blog for months, and find myself in the position now where I am a Christ-follower who is also applying to a doctoral program. Honesty is, I am hoping for some advise.
I am walking towards this intimidating thing, pursuing this desire in my heart for…. more education… being further prepared and equipped to walk with people in the depths of their real problems, and to equip aspiring counselors to do the same. I feel like Abraham walking towards this promise but having no idea what it will require of me or how it will actually be fulfilled. Also, being the Larry Crabb fan that I am, I recently reread Shattered Dreams and am sure that the Lord could be using this to allow me to further know Himself.
Having said that, I am pursuing only one program, the one closest in proximity to me, because I don’t believe I can honor God in my pursuits while simultaneously never seeing my husband and having my priorities elsewhere. I can’t understand pursuing a deeper understanding of “health” while living in an unhealthy manner.
Do you have any advise? encouragement? words of wisdom? I would sincerely appreciate it.
Thanks, -Carmella
October 14, 2008 at 10:20 am
Carmella,
Thanks for dropping by and introducing yourself. You sound wise. You are right it would be no good to gain knowledge at the expense of your marriage. Be sure to include him in your learning. As you grow, make sure he participates in your learning.
If the program you are pursuing isn’t a Christian program then maybe look at the bibliographies listed at http://www.christianpsych.org for enrichment.
Phil
October 21, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Hi! I am hoping that you might be able to help me. My husband and I are looking at adopting a little boy. I would like to speak with a Psychologist about his past and behavior issues before we do. I would like for the Psychologist to be a Christian so we will share the same view point, but I do not know how to find one in my area. Do you know how I could find one?
Thank you and God Bless, Amanda
November 7, 2008 at 8:55 pm
Phil,
It’s very nice to meet you.
I regularly search my name to find out what I’m being attached to online. I found your blog post about a short piece I wrote a while back:
http://wisecounsel.wordpress.com/2008/10/22/defining-multiculturalism/
I’m intrigued not only that you found the piece but also that you found the final question/call to action interesting enough to post.
I’ll be spending a little time checking out your blog and hope to be back soon. By the way, I am finishing up a program at Alliance Theological Seminary and my husband received an M.Div. from Fuller Theological Seminary. We have lively conversations about the affect Christianity should (does?) have on race relations in the States.
Thank you for providing an intellectually stimulating Christian space.
December 22, 2008 at 1:00 pm
[...] Here is the link to his “ABOUT ME” page with the following taken from it. [...]
January 20, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Phil,
Thank you for putting yourself out here. I will spend some time reviewing your blog and likely be back, but finding your blog is already an answer to prayer, so I’m resolved to ask:
What would/do you say to christians who are completely against psychology and think that the only way a christian should offer counsel is through God’s word?
I have family members who have been diagnosed with various mental illnesses and have basically used the label as an excuse to give up on life and responsibility as well as their God-given potential. I feel/sense that in order for me to be able to counsel such people (in a formal setting) and be able to point them towards their identity in Christ instead of the labels, that I first need to fully understand the diagnosis and everything that goes with it, therefore I feel that God is leading me to go back to school for a BA in psychology.
My thinking was that I can go through and get my BA, (daily examining the content for His truth) and in the end, use the ’scientific/medical’ aspects in order to make behaviour modification while through prayer and His word, counseling people to look for truth, identity, restoration, redemption and life change in Him.
But after having several christians whom I respect and go to for counsel/advice express valid concerns I feel stuck and am unsure whether I am headed in the right direction.
Any advice or wisdom would be sooo appreciated.
Thanks. Hannah
January 26, 2009 at 10:41 pm
Hi: I would like to put reciprocal links between your site and mine (www.schizophreniasupportnetwork.com) …look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks, Blair
February 2, 2009 at 1:49 pm
i NEVER surf the web to distract from stress (i have other ways), but having found you, i just might start. really enjoyed surfing you!
thanks…i’ll be back,
Carolyn
February 2, 2009 at 8:37 pm
I’ve been following your blog for a while, and I am only just now having time to write in and tell you how much I’ve appreciated your posts. I’m a LMFT in California and a member of AACC. Igot my MDiv in Counseling from New Orleans Baptist Theological. I’ve just started my own blog at http://mindhealingfiction.blogspot.com which will hopefully chronicle my journey to getting published, and I follow your posts from there.
Anyway…just wanted to say hello and tell you how much I enjoy reading your blog. Blessings!
Jeannie
February 8, 2009 at 8:20 am
Phil, Great web site, blog, and great model of counseling. Your educational path and your blending of Christian psychology, biblical counseling, the SCP, and the CCEF are, indeed, rare. My similar path of BA in Bible/Pastoral Ministry, M.Div./Th.M. at Grace, MA in Biblical Counseling under Crabb/Allender, and Ph.D. in Counselor Ed at Kent State followed a similar “maze.” The amazing thing about the maze is God–He was/is in it all the time.
We also share a similar position of appreciation for and development of various approaches. As director of the AACC’s Biblical Counseling and Spiritual Formation Network, I consider my “model” part biblical counseling, part biblical psychologist, and part spiritual formation. Like you, I have great affinity with the SCP and the CCEF.
Glad we can connect in ministry to souls in need of Christ’s sustaining, healing, reconciling, and guiding.
Bob
February 12, 2009 at 5:53 pm
I liked you up until the Red Sox fan… (I’m originally from NY.)
February 24, 2009 at 1:13 pm
I just wnat to know when your book is coming out and what will be the title? Looking forward to it!
April 4, 2009 at 1:27 am
I think of myself as a Christian who happens to be a psychologist. I know the way I practice is influenced by my spirituality. I know that some people seek me out because they know of my faith commitment. I will discuss issues of faith and spirituality if my client brings that up. Although I have considered doing so, I do not feel comfortable calling myself a Christian psychologist. Seems more of a marketing ploy on the one hand and judgmental on the other hand. Neither would I call myself an Irish psychologist or American psychologist or Catholic psychologist or black or white psychologist.
April 6, 2009 at 9:16 am
Dr. H. Welcome to my musings. Maybe some use it as a marketing tool, but I would regard the title “Christian psychologist” as part of my informed consent. Clients have a right to know how I approach problems and the title right away conveys something. Obviously, not enough because anyone can use the title to mean anything. But, that is also true with just about any title. For me, at least it is a start of the conversation.
April 12, 2009 at 7:37 pm
I see that. If your preference it so approach all issues from a biblical reference, it would be important to inform all potential clients – those who profess Christ and those who do not.
I have found that many people whose world is organized by their understanding of Christ and the Christian community to which they belong are apprehensive about psychologists. There is often an assumption that psychologists are hostile to Christianity. I have been asked on occassion to provide pre-admission assessments for young people pursuing seminary training leading to ministry. They have been particularly sensitive to knowing my biases before beginning the process. Some have related troublesome stories they have heard from their peers.
July 10, 2009 at 11:25 pm
I’ve just discovered this site and blog. Looking forward to poking around more. Thank you for your thoughtful comments about the integration of your practice and your Christian commitment. Please feel no pressure to respond, but if you’re interested, I’ve tried to bring Christian wisdom to a topic of interest to many psychologists: self-deception. You can find my attempt here:
http://www.amazon.com/Told-Me-So-Self-deception-Christian/dp/0802864112/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1227378653&sr=8-1
Many blessings and keep up the good work!
Gregg
September 20, 2009 at 10:14 pm
Hi Dr Phil- just thought it would be fun to start off calling you that. I just found your blog and really have enjoyed reading through your archives. I have a partial M Div completed in pastoral counseling from a small seminary in Illinois. I an curious as to your impression of the works of David Seamands and Dan Allender?? Also, i am a Mets fan, sorry about 86. Not really
September 22, 2009 at 9:48 am
Robert, thanks for dropping by. Can’t really give you a decent answer here to your question. I prefer to consider an author’s observations and assumptions behind them. Sometimes I agree with their observations but not their assumptions. Other times I agree with their assumptions but do not like their form of intervention. I didn’t much like “healing for damaged emotions” when I read it almost 20 years ago. I’d have to revisit it to have an opinion now. Dan has some good work out there with Tremper Longman. I’m less enamored with his wounded heart book.
Can’t blame the mets for ‘86…but you met fans are getting your due these last few years, huh? They look more like the collapsing Sox of years goneby.
September 22, 2009 at 2:02 pm
Phil- thank you for your response. I like your take on investigating both observations and assumptions. On a forum I frequent, we have been pondering the interaction between thoughts/feelings/faith. Do you have some initial insights on how they intertwine and do you think fear and faith can coexist to some degree at the sametime??
Yes sadly we met fans have suffered last few years. Does redsox nation miss manny or glad hes gone???