Welch is a psychologist and author of several popular Christian psychology books. This book focuses on Alzheimer's disease, head injury, depression, ADD, homosexuality, and alcoholism. Although some of Welch's writing is based on Scripture, much is based on Welch's own opinions and theories, which he presents to the reader in a factual way. Any relevant scientific research available to Welch in the late 1990s is not included, presumably because Welch does not believe it has any merit. (The references Welch does cite - books, journals and popular magazines - date back as far as 1945.) Welch uses exaggeration and inflammatory language to discount brain research and influence the reader. His arguments are often illogical, and include a number of questionable and disturbing speculations.

Welch has been applauded for his teachings on homosexuality. But what does he actually say about it? Here are some examples from this book:

"Like many other sins, homosexuality does not have to be learned. Homosexuality is natural in the same way that anger or selfishness is natural" (p. 160).

"In the case of homosexuality, it is even possible that a certain brain type is necessary to express homosexual intent" (p. 169).

"When I was younger, my father made me wash the car, often against my desires. This, however, is not analogous to the homosexual experience. It is analogous to sexual abuse" (p. 170).

"Our flesh wants to exonerate itself from homosexual fantasy and maintain that sexual gratification is a sacred right" (p. 176).

Regarding depression, Welch tells the reader to listen without bias to a person who is depressed and rely instead on Welch's own preconceptions:

"Don't assume that you understand what someone means by 'depression.' Instead, listen. Allow the depressed person to fill the word depression with the meaning it has for him or her. When you do listen, you will hear pain, fear, hopelessness, dread of the future, terror, silent screams, and emptiness that threatens to destroy" (p. 117).

Welch considers depression a result of sin in the person's life, and is against medication in most cases unless the pain is severe. He does, however, suggest alternative treatments "that might help in some cases. Diet, megavitamins, full spectrum lights, and shock treatments are among the more common" (p. 125).

In his section about ADD, Welch discredits the medical diagnosis of ADD, warns parents against medical treatment, and shares some parenting tips (establishing priorities, the need for structure).

Regarding people suffering from head injury, Welch writes:

"The head-injured person must be willing to be led by the book of Proverbs when it implores all wise people to listen and be taught by the wise" (p. 92).

"Families interpret physical healing as a sign from God foretelling complete social and vocational recovery. Any contrary information is ignored" (p. 93).

In his section about Alzheimer's, "Hearing Aid Dysfunction" is listed under the heading "Other Diseases" (p. 74).

Within the pages of this book, Welch warns the reader of the dangers of blindly believing in and trusting popular ideas about brain function, diseases, disorders, behaviors and medication. Yet he desires the reader to believe and trust him, and his interpretation of science and Scripture, in much the same way.

This book is not afraif to answer the tough questions, especially with respect to alcoholism and homosexuality. It views psychology and neoruscience through a Biblical lens and applies Biblical principles to problems. Starting off from the Biblical position that homosexuality is a sin, it refutes all of the so-called scientific evidence that it is genetic. At the same time, it promotes love and compassion as answer, leading to the revelation that people can be delivered

An easy book to read ... highly recommended

I found this book very good because there was a good description of the clinical aspects of the disorders ; it was done with great compassion and understanding; and done WITHOUT taking away the authority of God's word and the biblical world view that should come from that authority. A valuable read to anyone involved in church ministry at any level.