“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. To see inside click on picture on right.
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 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.
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.
David invites us to reflect on the way we live our lives. His approach is unique and fresh–he finds an often missed intersection of psychology and faith. I learned a little about some of the characters in the Bible, through the eyes of a psychologist. I took a fresh look at the encouters of 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 continue to call me back for a slow read and closer self examination. I look forward to spending some time with these questions and my journal. I recommend this book! Celia Whitler, Nashville Singer, Songwriter, National Conference Leader
Through scripture (particularly parables),the author’s personal experiences, and appropriate references to contemporary behavioral theories, David W. Jones’ analysis provides a concise, practical handbook for effective Christian behavior. David emphasizes that Jesus’ psychology consisted primarily of his unconditional love through which every person must be respected, not because 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 indicates that being a “sinner” is a diagnosis of distance rather than fault of character. Thus, “The “Psychology of Jesus” heightens the reader’s appreciation of God’s unconditional love for us, the understanding of our own reality, and our relationships to others – which together facilitate becoming more effective Christians. Dr. Robert Alford
David Jones offers solid practical guidance for understanding what motivates our behavior in relationships. He weaves a number of psychological theories with examples from relationships in the life of Jesus to illustrate that Jesus’ interpersonal style is to be a loving presence. “The Psychology of Jesus” as described by David is a way of relating that supports our innate desire for growth and change in our lives. It is not a psychology intended to “fix us” or our circumstances but rather to enable us. This type of relationship provides a safe place where we can understand and be understood. It is this climate of “understanding” that is the source or power to effect meaningful change in our lives, as much as, or more than “doing.” Throughout his book, the message is clear – IF action is warranted, it is far more likely to have the desired effect when nonjudgemental understanding preceds it. David’s writing is insightful and sensitive and reflects a Pastor’s heart. It provokes self-examination without any sense of self-recrimination. I have witnessed the use of the book’s material in a group discussion setting where it fosters a climate of trust that allows for openness and positive change for the better. I have found it very helpful for understanding my behavior and relationships. Jim Quiggins
I read this book in a group setting over the course of several weeks. We discussed 2 chapters at a time in the group each week. The subtitle of the book is very revealing and very appropriate—“Practical Help for Living in a Relationship”. The author takes various text readings from the Bible all involving Jesus obviously and then breaks down the “movements” of Jesus. Jesus is interacting with people in all the chosen text excerpts–and so the challenge is to see how we can apply this interaction into our own modern day relationships. I’m not sure I like the first part of the Title of the book—The Psychology of Jesus–only because it made me feel (before I picked up the book) that Jesus was pre-planning and/or pre-meditating all of his encounters in the Bible in order to prove a point. Perhaps he was. But Psychology is pretty much a modern day term and so the beauty of the book is that the author applies modern day psychology to the actions of Jesus way back when. And it works. The insights about the “movements” of Jesus both away from and towards his encounters along with the exercises at the end of each chapter helped me to understand more clearly how we should all strive to have meaningful relationships.And what happens when a relationship ceases to grow. Pete Gilreath David Jones has taken two of my favorite subjects and combined them. I love delving deeper and deeper into what makes people tick and am also hungry to learn as much as possible about how Jesus, as a man, allowed God to flow through him. This book is great for revealing how to see others as Jesus did. I always try to be as nonjudgemental of others and of myself as possible but fall far short of that at times. ‘The Psychology of Jesus’ has given me a couple of ‘aha’ moments when I’ve realized why this has happened and how Jesus would see the people in my life….and how Jesus would see me. It’s been eye-opening and heart-opening. This is a GREAT book for discussing in a group. Streater Spencer
RESOURCES
Here is an orientation video which can be a starter for discussion groups…
A Sample Chapter
Psychology Chapter Six – Zacchaeus
A Chapter Explored