Worship and Awe in Christian Psychology: How Centering God Transforms Mental and Spiritual Health - Paperback

by Joshua J. Knabb (Author)

Mental health resources increasingly focus on the self as the antidote to psychological suffering, offering strategies for prioritizing self-care and self-esteem. Yet as people focus more on the self, their suffering may actually worsen, as evidenced by the prevalence of mental health disorders today. According to Christian clinical psychologist Joshua Knabb, when people focus less on the self and more on God, their mental and spiritual health may improve.

Combining up-to-date psychological research with theological reflection, this book helps readers better understand the role that awe, pursued through the act of worship, plays in optimal psychological and spiritual functioning. Knabb explains that at its core, Christian mental and spiritual health involves worshipful awe of God, which can be intentionally cultivated throughout the day. The book also includes practices for readers to try out and use in clinical contexts.

Worship and Awe in Christian Psychology will benefit students in Christian counseling and psychology programs, mental health practitioners, and others who want to improve their mental and spiritual health from a Christian perspective.

Back Jacket

"A radical reorientation toward God-centered care"

This book helps us better understand the role that awe, pursued through the act of worship, plays in optimal psychological and spiritual functioning.

"This groundbreaking work challenges psychology's foundations by repositioning God at the center of therapeutic practice. Both theoretically sophisticated and practically transformative, this book offers clinicians a radical reorientation toward God-centered care. Essential reading for anyone seeking to practice psychology within a Christian worldview."
--M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall, Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University

"A timely and excellent book on the topic of awe. It is unique from a Christian and integration perspective and will be helpful to many Christians. Highly recommended!"
--Siang-Yang Tan, Fuller Theological Seminary; author of Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective

"A deeply needed vision for Christian psychologists--a vision that calls us back to the heart of our work: reverence for God. With theological depth, clinical insight, and spiritual humility, Knabb helps us reflect on the sacred work of therapy. This book will form you as much as it informs you. A beautiful, essential contribution."
--Jennifer S. Ripley, Regent University

"So dominant is secular psychology and therapy in our day that most Christians are unaware that their faith entails a God-centered psychology with a very different model of human flourishing. What a gift, then, is this gem of a book that considers--from many different perspectives--the psychological value of worshipfulness."
--Eric L. Johnson, Christian Psychology Institute

"A refreshing and practical guide for readers to reorient their lives around a deep, reverential awareness of God. I especially appreciated the clear framework for intentionally cultivating awe. Knabb's unique expertise shines through, making complex concepts easy to apply in daily life. A rich resource for personal growth and for those guiding others, including pastors, counselors, and mentors."
--Kenneth T. Wang, Fuller Theological Seminary

Author Biography

Joshua J. Knabb (PsyD, Azusa Pacific University), a board-certified clinical psychologist, is professor of psychology, director of the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program, and associate dean for the psychology division in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at California Baptist University in Riverside, California. He also serves as editor for the Journal of Psychology and Christianity. Knabb is the author of many books, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Christian Clients and Christian Meditation in Clinical Practice.