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A review by maigahannatu
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: Unleash a Revolution in Your Life In Christ by Peter Scazzero
3.0
I had mixed feelings about this book. There were several things I didn't agree with and I won't list them all. But some of my objections were:
1. The title. It sounds like we have to be emotionally healthy before we can grow spiritually. I think on the converse, that when we give our lives to Jesus and allow the Spirit to work, that He can change our emotions and heal our baggage. I would have liked it better if it had been called Spiritually Healthy Emotions.
2. He was quite insistent that we have to know ourselves to know God. I agree and I don't agree. We do need to be aware of our utter despicable sinfulness to cry out to God to save us. But as we get to know God better and better, He points out the things in our lives that need to change, including emotional things.
3. I've not visited his church, so I don't want to be too critical. But I am always a little suspicious when church leadership promotes one way of doing extra-biblical things as the way it has to be done. I realize every church has its culture and perhaps a practice of mysticism to become healthy spiritually and emotionally is just part of their church culture. I don't know, but I am suspicious.
4. The idea of praying the "Jesus prayer" (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.) in time to your breathing just seems weird and new-agey to me.
Now, some good things to be said about the book.
1. There are many, many, many emotionally unhealthy people in our world. I don't think it's wrong to seek professional help to deal with poor emotional practices. If you go to a health professional for physical help and healing, why not go to a professional for emotional help and healing. It may be that this book helps you realize some areas where you need help. But again, I think it is God who helps you be aware of your need for help as you follow Him, and not that you need to be completely whole emotionally before you can know God.
2. One needs balance in following contemplative and mystical practices. But I found it helpful to be reminded that it's a good idea to set aside time throughout the day for prayer and Bible reading.
3. What a great reminder to keep the Sabbath!
4. The author does a great job of pointing out how often we as believers lie ("I'm fine", etc.) and how often we try to meet unrealistic expectations from others instead of just taking time to be with Jesus and do what He wants.
In conclusion, I would really only recommend this book to mature discerning Christians. I think there's too much poor theology that would confuse new believers.
1. The title. It sounds like we have to be emotionally healthy before we can grow spiritually. I think on the converse, that when we give our lives to Jesus and allow the Spirit to work, that He can change our emotions and heal our baggage. I would have liked it better if it had been called Spiritually Healthy Emotions.
2. He was quite insistent that we have to know ourselves to know God. I agree and I don't agree. We do need to be aware of our utter despicable sinfulness to cry out to God to save us. But as we get to know God better and better, He points out the things in our lives that need to change, including emotional things.
3. I've not visited his church, so I don't want to be too critical. But I am always a little suspicious when church leadership promotes one way of doing extra-biblical things as the way it has to be done. I realize every church has its culture and perhaps a practice of mysticism to become healthy spiritually and emotionally is just part of their church culture. I don't know, but I am suspicious.
4. The idea of praying the "Jesus prayer" (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.) in time to your breathing just seems weird and new-agey to me.
Now, some good things to be said about the book.
1. There are many, many, many emotionally unhealthy people in our world. I don't think it's wrong to seek professional help to deal with poor emotional practices. If you go to a health professional for physical help and healing, why not go to a professional for emotional help and healing. It may be that this book helps you realize some areas where you need help. But again, I think it is God who helps you be aware of your need for help as you follow Him, and not that you need to be completely whole emotionally before you can know God.
2. One needs balance in following contemplative and mystical practices. But I found it helpful to be reminded that it's a good idea to set aside time throughout the day for prayer and Bible reading.
3. What a great reminder to keep the Sabbath!
4. The author does a great job of pointing out how often we as believers lie ("I'm fine", etc.) and how often we try to meet unrealistic expectations from others instead of just taking time to be with Jesus and do what He wants.
In conclusion, I would really only recommend this book to mature discerning Christians. I think there's too much poor theology that would confuse new believers.