The Psychology of Jesus: Practical Help for Living in Relationship - Softcover

Jones, David W

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1494399253 ISBN 13: 9781494399252

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2013

Synopsis

"Who am I?" Simple question. "You are ill," says the psychiatrist. "You are a sinner!" shouts the preacher. "You are so much more," offers Jesus. "David has creatively managed to synergize various concepts from the schools of psychology with the practical principles of the Judeo-Christian faith." Mark Bryan, Glen Leven Presbyterian Church, Nashville. "As a modern day, charismatic, spirit-filled, evangelical, progressive, "you want some of this here" kind of Christian, I found David's book to be more inspiring than a 24-7-365 Pentecostal revival in Florida! David has most accurately articulated the truth that really makes us all free!" Rodney Beard, Living Word, Antioch, TN. "David Jones provides a pragmatic approach to weaving various psychological approaches into the Gospels in a way that provides... a fresh look at familiar stories and mental health professionals with strategies for bringing clients' Christian faith into their treatment." Nancy Nolan, Vanderbilt University.

About this title

About the Author:

David Jones is the pastor of Orlando Presbyterian Church in Orlando, Florida and author of eight books and collections. David grew up in the shadow of a textile mill in South Carolina where his father worked as the plant manager. In the mill village he learned about hard work, league softball, church picnics, neighborhood hospitality, and front porch story tellers. At age nineteen, David got his first job running a church youth program and took his father's work ethic and sense of the southern parish into the pastorate. Along the way, he met Carrie Richards from Ada, Michigan and convinced her to give up cold winters for hot summers and join him on the coast of South Carolina. Today, they live outside in Orlando Florida where David is the pastor of Orlando Presbyterian Church (orlandopres.org). Here is how one reader described David, "Very few storytellers are the storyteller that David Jones is. He spins a tale to make a point and, in doing so, reveals truth through laughter. The tale becomes the memory tool so that the "ah-ha" moments become imprinted on your mind and can be retrieved for future inspiration."

Review:

David Jones provides a pragmatic approach to weaving variouspsychological approaches into the Gospels in a way that provides... a freshlook at familiar stories and mental health professionals with strategies forbringing clients' Christian faith into their treatment. NancyNolan, Vanderbilt University.
David invites us to reflect on the way we live our lives. Hisapproach is unique and fresh--he finds an often missed intersection ofpsychology and faith. I learned a little about some of the characters in theBible, through the eyes of a psychologist. I took a fresh look at the encountersof Jesus and I took a closer look at myself. The book was a quick read for me,sprinkled with enjoyable anecdotes, but the self reflection questions continueto call me back for a slow read and closer self examination. CeliaWhitler, Nashville Singer, Songwriter, National Conference Leader
Through scripture (particularly parables),the author's personalexperiences, and appropriate references to contemporary behavioral theories,David W. Jones' analysis provides a concise, practical handbook for effectiveChristian behavior. David emphasizes that Jesus' psychology consisted primarilyof his unconditional love through which every person must be respected, notbecause that love is earned. Forget popular "if....only" scenarios.Jesus recognized who people were and, as importantly, where they were -relative to God and their fellows. Thus, David Jones convincingly indicatesthat being a "sinner" is a diagnosis of distance rather than fault ofcharacter. Thus, "The "Psychology of Jesus" heightens thereader's appreciation of God's unconditional love for us, the understanding ofour own reality, and our relationships to others - which together facilitatebecoming more effective Christians. Dr. Robert Alford
David Jones offers solid practical guidance for understandingwhat motivates our behavior in relationships. He weaves a number ofpsychological theories with examples from relationships in the life of Jesus toillustrate that Jesus' interpersonal style is to be a loving presence."The Psychology of Jesus" as described by David is a way of relatingthat supports our innate desire for growth and change in our lives. David's writing is insightful and sensitiveand reflects a Pastor's heart. It provokes self-examination without any senseof self-recrimination. I have witnessed the use of the book's material in agroup discussion setting where it fosters a climate of trust that allows foropenness and positive change for the better. I have found it very helpful forunderstanding my behavior and relationships. Jim Quiggins
I read this book in a group setting over the course of severalweeks. We discussed 2 chapters at a time in the group each week. The subtitleof the book is very revealing and very appropriate---"Practical Help forLiving in a Relationship".  PeteGilreath
David Jones has taken two of my favorite subjects and combinedthem. I love delving deeper and deeper into what makes people tick and am alsohungry to learn as much as possible about how Jesus, as a man, allowed God toflow through him. This book is great for revealing how to see others as Jesusdid. I always try to be as nonjudgemental of others and of myself aspossible but fall far short of that at times. 'The Psychology of Jesus' hasgiven me a couple of 'aha' moments when I've realized why this has happened andhow Jesus would see the people in my life....and how Jesus would see me. It'sbeen eye-opening and heart-opening. This is a GREAT book for discussing ina group.  Streater Spencer

About this edition

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 1494399253
• ISBN 13: 9781494399252
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 150