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challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality (EHS) is insightful and offers several memorable statements and stories, but at time can feel too simplistic and aimed towards a "Western" audience.
The back of the book states "Reality-tested ways to deeply change your life as a Christ-follower". Note that the emphasis on "reality-tested" because a lot of the book's proof lies in his and his church members' experiences. That doesn't necessarily mean that the lessons are false, but I would have appreciated some scientific studies that bolstered his claims. Of course, as a Christian book, the most important thing lies on whether the truths are Biblical. I did not have an issue on that front, there are many Biblical references throughout the book, which support his claims. He also draw extensively from the church's history, citing older thinkers, offering further support that these are perhaps timeless truths.
Nevertheless, one size does not fit all, especially in something as complex as emotions. I believe the target audience is for more Type A personalities. For instance, one passage states "Often we have larger fantasies and wishes for ourselves than our real lives can support. As a result, we work frantically trying to do more than God intended. We burn out think we can do more than we can. We get stressed and blame others" (132). Another passage, "If I were to identify my greatest sins and errors of judgment in the last thirty years of following Christ, they would each go back to a failure to wait on the Lord" (112-113). Of course these statements have merit, but at times I struggle with the opposite: having to dream bigger, having to be more proactive. An acknowledgment of the complexity behind these statements would have lent credence to the book.
Would I recommend it to somebody? Depends on whether I think they are the type of person that would benefit from passages like the above. Otherwise, I'd just tell them what I think are the main points of the book: 1) listen to your emotions, 2) communicate with yourself, others, and God 3) make sure to set up intentional time to do so.
The back of the book states "Reality-tested ways to deeply change your life as a Christ-follower". Note that the emphasis on "reality-tested" because a lot of the book's proof lies in his and his church members' experiences. That doesn't necessarily mean that the lessons are false, but I would have appreciated some scientific studies that bolstered his claims. Of course, as a Christian book, the most important thing lies on whether the truths are Biblical. I did not have an issue on that front, there are many Biblical references throughout the book, which support his claims. He also draw extensively from the church's history, citing older thinkers, offering further support that these are perhaps timeless truths.
Nevertheless, one size does not fit all, especially in something as complex as emotions. I believe the target audience is for more Type A personalities. For instance, one passage states "Often we have larger fantasies and wishes for ourselves than our real lives can support. As a result, we work frantically trying to do more than God intended. We burn out think we can do more than we can. We get stressed and blame others" (132). Another passage, "If I were to identify my greatest sins and errors of judgment in the last thirty years of following Christ, they would each go back to a failure to wait on the Lord" (112-113). Of course these statements have merit, but at times I struggle with the opposite: having to dream bigger, having to be more proactive. An acknowledgment of the complexity behind these statements would have lent credence to the book.
Would I recommend it to somebody? Depends on whether I think they are the type of person that would benefit from passages like the above. Otherwise, I'd just tell them what I think are the main points of the book: 1) listen to your emotions, 2) communicate with yourself, others, and God 3) make sure to set up intentional time to do so.
Packed with so much wisdom! I enjoyed learning more about the emphasis on Daily Office & the Sabbath. Such a great reminder to keep those central in our life. Love the analogy of God being our rope during the snowstorm of the world. One of those books I couldn’t stop highlighting in. I love how he kept pointing it back to Christ.
Absolutely fantastic, only reason why I might bring down to a 4.5 would be it has a very long intro (a few chapters) but after that he lays out a fantastic roadmap for emotionally healthy spirituality that many have now since sourced and developed into fantastic practices moving in the world today.
UPDATE (08/2020):
There are so many reasons I appreciate this book. (I'm changing from 4 to 5 stars.) Scazzero tackles what sadly is a controversial topic (contemplative spirituality) with both grace and conviction, but he does it (I thought) in a way that is gentle and persuasive. This will be my go-to recommended book for almost everyone looking to become more of what God calls them to be. I can only hope to implement his suggestions and practices. If, however, you've been on the contemplative/emotionally healthy journey for sometime, it might feel a little introductory.
FIRST REVIEW (01/2020): You know those books that you read and lament not reading 10 years before. For me, that's this book. Basically since my divorce, where I was forced to recon with the fact I had emotions, I've tried to work at what he describes in this book. Each chapter touches on essential ideas for emotional maturity, which means there are books available on each.
He combines contemplative spirituality with emotional health. It was wonderful, so good in fact I bought a copy before finishing the audiobook. And I plan to read it again before the year is out, and hopefully I'll give a fuller review!
There are so many reasons I appreciate this book. (I'm changing from 4 to 5 stars.) Scazzero tackles what sadly is a controversial topic (contemplative spirituality) with both grace and conviction, but he does it (I thought) in a way that is gentle and persuasive. This will be my go-to recommended book for almost everyone looking to become more of what God calls them to be. I can only hope to implement his suggestions and practices. If, however, you've been on the contemplative/emotionally healthy journey for sometime, it might feel a little introductory.
FIRST REVIEW (01/2020): You know those books that you read and lament not reading 10 years before. For me, that's this book. Basically since my divorce, where I was forced to recon with the fact I had emotions, I've tried to work at what he describes in this book. Each chapter touches on essential ideas for emotional maturity, which means there are books available on each.
He combines contemplative spirituality with emotional health. It was wonderful, so good in fact I bought a copy before finishing the audiobook. And I plan to read it again before the year is out, and hopefully I'll give a fuller review!
I loved this book. Such a good reminder of how we should be not only loving others, but also ourselves
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
Great intro and primer, but I'd love to see more in depth study on some of the patristics he mentioned, as well as some more fleshed out practices. Also, there were too many stories for me, but that just might be me.
was reading this as like a book club moment with the other youth leaders, but we were to read the final chapter on our own and I only just finally read it. And it feels kind of weird to be rating a nonfiction book, but it was so, so good. I highly recommend. Incredibly eye-opening. Scazzero’s vulnerability and examples from his life really helped paint the picture he was trying to depict. Honestly, I never really thought about how hand-in-hand emotions and spirituality go. I should have, but I didn’t. I’m realising now how many things in my life have made me who I am today and why I react the way(s) I do to things. This book has really opened my eyes to things and now I know what’s going on and how I can improve and invite God in more and grow. Will defo be reading at least annually, if not more. So so so so so good.
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced