How People Grow reveals why all growth is spiritual growth and how you can grow in ways you never thought possible. Unpacking the practical and passionate theology that forms the backbone of their counseling, Drs. Henry Cloud and John Townsend shatter popular misconceptions about how God operates to reveal how growth really happens.
Cloud and Townsend, clinical psychologists who are the Gold Medallion
Award-winning authors of Boundaries, attempt in this book to chart personal
growth from a biblical perspective. Rather than suggesting that real growth
happens only to Christians, they argue that most effective therapeutic
methods, even those that are ostensibly secular, use biblical concepts. As
such, they look to Scripture for the very best strategies for spiritual and
emotional growth. While they are critical of a one-size-fits-all approach to
human suffering, they do prescribe a combination of prayer, Bible study and
regular contact with a "growth group" for virtually every problem they
address. The growth groups they describe are populated by healthy, vulnerable
people who are willing to confront each other lovingly and own up to mistakes
and failures. Cloud and Townsend argue persuasively that such groups
facilitate dramatic changes in individuals' lives, but leave the logistical
problem of finding such evolved folks to the reader. Perhaps the most radical
message of the book is that failure is the norm, even for the most devout. Not
only do the authors repeatedly give examples of the best Christians committing
the worst sins, but they also insist that such wrongdoing never warrants
condemnation from God or other believers. Instead, they argue, sinners must
experience total acceptance and love before true repentance and change can
occur. This solid, Bible-based argument against guilt and for grace is a
powerful elixir for evangelicals who all too often hear the opposite message.
(Nov.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
Cloud and Townsend, clinical psychologists who are the Gold Medallion Award-winning authors of Boundaries, attempt in this book to chart personal growth from a biblical perspective. Rather than suggesting that real growth happens only to Christians, they argue that most effective therapeutic methods, even those that are ostensibly secular, use biblical concepts. As such, they look to Scripture for the very best strategies for spiritual and emotional growth. While they are critical of a one-size-fits-all approach to human suffering, they do prescribe a combination of prayer, Bible study and regular contact with a "growth group" for virtually every problem they address. The growth groups they describe are populated by healthy, vulnerable people who are willing to confront each other lovingly and own up to mistakes and failures. Cloud and Townsend argue persuasively that such groups facilitate dramatic changes in individuals’ lives, but leave the logistical problem of finding such evolved folks to the reader. Perhaps the most radical message of the book is that failure is the norm, even for the most devout. Not only do the authors repeatedly give examples of the best Christians committing the worst sins, but they also insist that such wrongdoing never warrants condemnation from God or other believers. Instead, they argue, sinners must experience total acceptance and love before true repentance and change can occur. This solid, Bible-based argument against guilt and for grace is a powerful elixir for evangelicals who all too often hear the opposite message. — Publisher’s Weekly
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 stars(5 out of 5 stars)
7 of 7 Reviews Showing:
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Cathy N (Tampa, FL), September 14, 2009
This book should not only be read once but many times. It's teaching on confrontation amazed me and I think it would amaze others. What a growth tool! Read it, practice it and share it!
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Jerry (Wichita,Ks), January 08, 2009
Absolutely fantastic. This is by far the best book I have read on personal growth and counseling. This is a tool that brings the Word of God to the forefront and truly uncovers many ways that God, through His love and grace, leads us in our growing up walk with Him. A five star rating does not do this book justice.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Ruby (Daly City, CA), December 08, 2008
I have read quite a few books from Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend and this book does not disappoint me either. I am learning so much on how Christian need to grow to be the people God wants them to be. We all have issues from our past hurts and we need to learn how to deal with them. This book gives you the tools that we all need to deal with our issues. If you buy this book, I don't think you will be disappointed.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Anna Jacques (Nashville, TN), November 18, 2008
This is a wonderful book for men and women of all ages. Learning to understand your feelings, tell the truth, and then to share openly within your community of believers are some of the healthy ways this book will teach you. A small group can go through this book deeply and grow beautifully as a result!
Anna, Nashville
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Rob Horning (Mount Joy, PA), August 12, 2008
This book should be required reading after accepting Jesus. It should be read this and then you'll be ready for the Bible.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Leslie Phillips (Burlington, MA), October 03, 2007
Where has this book been all my life???!!! One of the most definitive and thorough books I've read on what exactly Christianity is, and is not. A must read for all new Christians, mature Christians, and everyone in between. An excellent resource for those sharing their faith with seekers. Clear, compassionate, honest, no frills truth about the whole redemption story. This book is changing my life and renewing in me a fresh love for our Savior. Finally, a book that marries the truth of Scripture with the reality of life! I cannot recommend it highly enough. I will be buying multiple copies to give away.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by James N Davis (Yale, MI), September 27, 2007
A fresh breeze of air from the lives of doctors in the field of psychology/counseling! A work that is rooted in the Christian world view, no hint of the self-help perspective, and one that is founded upon major theological tenets of the Christian faith. A great work for those involved in personal or large group discipleship/mentoring. A worthy read for all pastors.
Write a review of How People Grow: What the Bible Reveals about Personal Growth
Catalog Shopping
Membership
