A Peaceable Psychology: Christian Therapy in a World of Many Cultures - Paperback

by Alvin Dueck (Author), Kevin Reimer (Author)

In the past century psychology has been practiced in the manner of medical science, working from the assumption that therapy can transcend particular ethnic and religious traditions. Seeking to move the conversation forward, this book argues for a theologically, culturally, and politically sensitive psychotherapy whereby the Christian psychologist treats the patient according to the particulars of the patient's political situation and ethnic and religious tradition, while acknowledging the role of his or her own Christian story in therapeutic dialogue. The authors point to the life of Jesus as the foundation on which to build a therapeutic ethic, appropriating the story of his life to bring healing.

Back Jacket

What are the implications of Isaiah's vision of a peaceable kingdom on earth for psychologists, psychotherapists, pastors, and mental health workers who are committed to building on the work that Jesus began nearly two thousand years ago? Dueck and Reimer address this question by challenging the empire mentality of western psychology through learned but accessible discussions of the inevitable conflicts between objective science and indigenous religious traditions. Invoking Jesus's encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well as a paradigm for meeting the suffering on their own ground and their own terms, Dueck and Reimer have provided a visionary blueprint to guide and enhance the constructive work of their colleagues.--Donald Capps, Princeton Theological Seminary

"Drawing on philosophical and theological resources often ignored by those associated with pastoral care, Dueck and Reimer do nothing less than reimagine psychological theory and practice. This is a landmark book that hopefully will reshape the field of psychology for Christian and non-Christian alike."--Stanley Hauerwas, Duke Divinity School

"Long overdue. By providing a theologically and morally compelling critique of Western culture, Dueck and Reimer succeed in challenging the reader to rethink the legitimacy of the very foundations upon which contemporary psychology--both in research and in practice--rest. Don't get lost in the exquisite writing or in the beauty of how their argument unfolds. Instead, allow this book to make you uncomfortable and then do something about it."--Peter C. Hill, editor, Journal of Psychology and Christianity, and coauthor, The Psychology of Religious Fundamentalism

"Dueck and Reimer offer a thoughtful engagement with psychology that avoids therapeutic individualism's inherent lack of accountability while attending to the nuances and therapeutic potential of particularity across cultures and contexts. Their prophetic voice resounds most profoundly when they bear witness to the 'power of weakness' in the formation and articulation of a 'peaceable psychology' that can nurture souls and heal wounds."--Keith G. Meador, Center of Spirituality, Theology, and Health, Duke University

"This is a remarkably compassionate and eye-opening book. It should be read by all present and future clinicians."--Nancey Murphy, Fuller Theological Seminary

Author Biography

Alvin Dueck (PhD, Stanford University), a licensed psychologist, is the Evelyn and Frank Freed Professor of the Integration of Psychology and Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. He is coauthor of The Living God and Our Living Psyche. Kevin Reimer (PhD, Fuller Graduate School of Psychology) is director of undergraduate programs and student affairs in the School of Education at the University of California, Irvine. He previously taught at Azusa Pacific University.