Discipling the Diseased Imagination: Spiritual Formation and the Healing of Our Hearts - Paperback

by Justin Ariel Bailey (Author)

How does the imagination affect our spiritual growth and discipleship? Is it possible for our imaginations to cause harm in the world?

In his search to understand how the imagination works and how theology can nurture it for cultural discipleship, Justin Ariel Bailey realized the limitations of common discipleship models: The pursuit of spiritual growth often devolves into information transfer and behavior modification. Bailey argues that imagination is at the heart of discipleship, influencing our choices, behaviors, and beliefs about God, ourselves, and the world. But it needs both healing and training--a diseased imagination can result in harm to self and others.

Bailey examines the imagination's role in spiritual life, from perception and attention to hope and emotion, while diagnosing its diseases, including hypocrisy, distraction, control, and self-deception. Each chapter ends with an orienting prayer, culminating in a longer prayer that captures the book's themes.

With theological depth and pastoral wisdom, Bailey invites readers to reclaim their imaginations as a vital part of discipleship, shaping a life of deeper love and justice.

Back Jacket

"Artfully and convincingly makes a case that the imagination is the center of our discipleship"

What does it mean to disciple the imagination? This book explores how the imagination works and how Christian theology can nurture the imagination as a vital part of discipleship.

"Discipling the Diseased Imagination will help readers understand just how powerful and formative the imagination is to mind, heart, and spirit. This book will inspire readers to refill and reform the imagination in everyday ways that will restore it to its glorious, God-given purpose."
--Karen Swallow Prior, author of The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis

"The modern sickness of the soul runs deeper than most diagnoses are able to reach. Discipling the Diseased Imagination is the treatment plan the church sorely needs. With a rare blend of intellectual depth, pastoral care, and elegant prose, Bailey prescribes a vision for the Christian life that is honest, humane, and hopeful."
--Joshua Chatraw, Beeson Divinity School and Samford University

"Bailey powerfully shows us that diseased imaginations can transform into dragons. Discipling the Diseased Imagination teaches us how to prayerfully train our imaginations so that we can combat our dragons and live into our imago Dei."
--Lanta Davis, John Wesley Honors College, Indiana Wesleyan University; author of Becoming by Beholding: The Power of the Imagination in Spiritual Formation

"What a lovely book! I hope many individuals and small groups will read, discuss, and engage with Bailey's wise counsel."
--Kelly M. Kapic, Covenant College; author of You're Only Human

"Bailey artfully and convincingly makes a case that the imagination is the center of our discipleship. To reimagine is not a childish thing but a moral imperative of possibility."
--Alex Sosler, Montreat College

Author Biography

Justin Ariel Bailey (PhD, Fuller Seminary) is dean of chapel and professor of theology at Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa. He is an ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church and has served as a pastor in diverse settings. Bailey is the author of Reimagining Apologetics and Interpreting Your World, and he is a sought-after speaker.