Product Review

The past decade has seen a movement away from the integration of Christianity and psychology and toward the development of a distinct Christian psychology. In "Parameters of the Soul: Toward a Christian Psychology," Jay Kidwell delineates a cohesive and practical example of a distinct Christian psychology. While relying primarily on insights generated from Scripture, he reconceptualizes the relationship between the heart, spirit, soul and mind and then biblically defines the "parameters" of the human soul. Additionally, unique perspectives on Christian faith, temptation and motivation are developed. While counseling is the most prominent theme, the context of the discussion is often expanded to other Christian facilitative relationships including discipling, teaching and parenting, or what the author calls "one-anothering." This doctrinally sound, yet, creative work is sure to provide valuable Scriptural insights for anyone interested in spiritual formation, theology, Christian one-anothering or the development of a distinct Christian psychology.

“A bold and clearly written attempt to think about psychology and counseling in a forthrightly Christian manner. This book should be helpful to many, both theoretically and practically.” - C. Stephen Evans, Professor of Philosophy and Humanities, Baylor University.

“Parameters of the Soul is a unique blend of Scripture, Christian theology, psychology, and psychotherapy, in which God’s word is the final authority, but information derived from God’s common grace is also taken seriously. Through the course of the book, the author provides a useful framework for thinking about Christian growth, Christian relationships, and the Christian virtues.” - Eric Johnson, Director of the Society for Christian Psychology, Professor of Pastoral Soul Care, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.