Description
Book SynopsisThe Psychology of Christian Character Formation offers clergy and those preparing for ministry some of the potential riches provided by rapidly developing branches of contemporary scientific psychology of which they might otherwise be unaware.
Trade ReviewThis is a timely book. The challenge of how radical Christian disciples are made and formed is one of the most crucial ones facing the church today. Joanna Collicutt is an excellent guide to the ways in which psychology can inform the process of the development of Christian character. This book promises to make a significant contribution in this vital area. -- Graham Tomlin
At long last, we have a stellar book about the spiritual, personal and theological formation of individuals. Joanna Collicutt is uniquely well-placed to write this prescient and pastoral volume, coming to the subject as she does with all her wisdom as a pastor, priest and psychologist of religion. The result is an outstanding meditation which combines sagacity, insight and practical thinking with spirituality and ministry. In a church increasingly dominated by functionalist approaches to ministerial education and training, Collicutt’s book offers a brilliant and fresh way of thinking about our spiritual formation, which helps us to understand and appreciate those values and virtues that shape and form our character as Christians. This is one of the very best books to be written on formation and character – and it deserves to be widely read and studied. -- Martyn Percy
In this book Joanna Collicutt has done us all a great service. She builds a bridge between the worlds of faith and psychology with compassion, elegance and wisdom. Somehow she manages to summarise the incredible complexity of her subject matter in deceptively simple writing- and make it look so easy. Read carefully this book will deepen our spirits and sharpen our minds. A delight to read. -- Dr Roger Bretherton
In this wise and challenging resource on how faith might form our character Joanna Collicutt has produced a model of how interdisciplinary dialogue works in and between psychology and theology. It is meticulously written as it draws on deep reservoirs of research, learning, teaching and reflection on human experience and our shared struggles of living. Its strengths lie is its careful and intelligent use of the Bible; an accessible description and application of key psychological concepts and a rigorous integration of this knowledge as it is put to use to assist us in our formation and spiritual growth in our life in Christ. This masterful book establishes the authority of Joanna Collicutt as a distinctive, creative and wise practical and pastoral theologian. Read and reflect on these 15 chapters and prepare for a journey of learning and transformation! -- James Woodward
This is a most welcome book for those who want to grow in Christlike character and help others to do so. In an in-depth conversation between psychology and Christian theology, Collicutt draws deeply from Scripture and Christian writings, as well as from the findings of empirical psychological research. The book offers fascinating and helpful insights from the interaction between psychology and faith without compromising the radical nature of Christian formation. This is an uplifting and absorbing read and an essential companion for those responsible for the formation of others in churches and theological training institutions. -- Eeva John
Table of ContentsPart 1: The Nature of the Endeavour Part 2: Insights from Psychology Part 3: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit
