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This book has a lot of good things to say that many people need to hear. It's a great pointer in the right direction. My only issue is that it doesn't go very deep into any single idea, but stays pretty much on the surface. That's fine for a good introduction, but I was hoping for a little something more to sink my teeth into.
I found this book very helpful. Prepare to take a lot of notes, because there's a lot to it. Some of the topics/chapters don't really seem to be connected, but in the end, Scazzero wraps it all together pretty nicely. I do think that this book has the potential to be more helpful for some people than others, mostly those who didn't grow up in a Christian home/grew up in a dysfunctional home and are in the process of re-learning things in accordance with faith. The testimonial stories, Scripture verses and graphs and charts used were helpful, though I found some bits vague. Then again, Scazzero was covering a lot of ground so I guess that's to be expected. Also, a lot of the information in this book requires you to DO something with it and be intentional about welcoming change in your spiritual life, so I think it can be about as useful as you make it.
In short, this book is a really great resource for any Christian that feels like there is something dreadfully wrong with their spiritual life but can't pin down what exactly is.
In short, this book is a really great resource for any Christian that feels like there is something dreadfully wrong with their spiritual life but can't pin down what exactly is.
informative
reflective
slow-paced
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.
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Somewhat condescending in tone, but good advice both broad and specific. The kind of book to read every few years at different life stages.
What a rich book! I read it slowly. I still have so much to consider and process as a result of reading this book.
challenging
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality is heavy, but it is a worthwhile journey through topics that are important for developing faith, not only in knowledge but in emotions and practice. Scazzero does a great job of incorporating his exigency and personal experience while staying humble. Chapter 1 was a clear exposition of the problem of emotional immaturity specifically as it relates to faith, which I think is very needed. Other chapters discuss self-awareness, familial patterns, finitude, and spiritual disciplines. Chapter 7, "Grow into an Emotionally Mature Adult," is the crux of his argument, and chapter 8 goes into specific, practical recommendations for developing a rule of life.
I do think it is important to approach this book with a strong foundation in Scripture and how we know the Lord works. As much as Scazzero's ideas are helpful, his framing focuses on the emotional and loses sight of biblical grounding. For instance, in the iceberg metaphor, I know what he's getting at, but he implies that unless we engage with our emotions in a healthy way, God won't touch them, which I believe is misleading. Also, the concept in chapter 4, "Journey through the Wall," seems more based on common experiences among people he's talked to. Experiencing a "wall" may be common (he almost implies it is a sort of inevitable rite of passage), but as far as I know, there is no specific scriptural foundation for that concept, so it should be taken as a theory and an idea, rather than a given. (Another reviewer pointed out how this chapter almost describes a process of sanctification... but without saying or defining "sanctification" ...interesting). Scazzero thinks highly of contemplative spirituality by describing monastic practices and referencing the Desert Fathers as he outlines ideas for a rule of life.
Overall, while this book provides interesting and potentially valuable ideas for Christians looking to engage more with emotions in faith, its tendency to promote ideas based in contemplative spirituality and mysticism makes me wary. Seems like it would be interesting to reread with a pen and a highlighter, but also a grain of salt.
I do think it is important to approach this book with a strong foundation in Scripture and how we know the Lord works. As much as Scazzero's ideas are helpful, his framing focuses on the emotional and loses sight of biblical grounding. For instance, in the iceberg metaphor, I know what he's getting at, but he implies that unless we engage with our emotions in a healthy way, God won't touch them, which I believe is misleading. Also, the concept in chapter 4, "Journey through the Wall," seems more based on common experiences among people he's talked to. Experiencing a "wall" may be common (he almost implies it is a sort of inevitable rite of passage), but as far as I know, there is no specific scriptural foundation for that concept, so it should be taken as a theory and an idea, rather than a given. (Another reviewer pointed out how this chapter almost describes a process of sanctification... but without saying or defining "sanctification" ...interesting). Scazzero thinks highly of contemplative spirituality by describing monastic practices and referencing the Desert Fathers as he outlines ideas for a rule of life.
Overall, while this book provides interesting and potentially valuable ideas for Christians looking to engage more with emotions in faith, its tendency to promote ideas based in contemplative spirituality and mysticism makes me wary. Seems like it would be interesting to reread with a pen and a highlighter, but also a grain of salt.
A lot of good things in this book. Scazzero talks about reflecting on your family of origin, experiencing the dark night of the soul, dealing with grief and loss, observing the Sabbath, and practicing rhythms to become emotionally and spiritually mature.
“The quickest way to reach the sun and the light of day is not to run west chasing after it, but to head east into the darkness until you finally reach the sunrise.” Page 123
I will revisit this book again in the future.
“The quickest way to reach the sun and the light of day is not to run west chasing after it, but to head east into the darkness until you finally reach the sunrise.” Page 123
I will revisit this book again in the future.