A Psychology of Hope: A Biblical Response to Tragedy and Suicide

Kalman J. Kaplan is clinical professor of psychology at the University of Illinois College of Medicine and director of the UIC Program for Religion/Spirituality and Mental Health, sponsored by the John Templeton Foundation. His other books include The Seven Habits of the Good Life: How the Biblical Virtues Free Us from the Seven Deadly Sins.

Matthew B. Schwartz teaches ancient history and literature in the Departments of History and Near East Studies at Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan. His other books include The Seven Habits of the Good Life: How the Biblical Virtues Free Us from the Seven Deadly Sins.

Can examining the difference between the attitude toward suicide in ancient Greek culture and the Bible provide a positive, biblical alternative to the rising suicidal element in modern Western culture? Kalman Kaplan and Matthew Schwartz develop such a biblical psychology in this book by combining the disciplines of history, psychology, and religion.

Ancient Greek society shows an obsessive interest in suicide and death. Kaplan and Schwartz explore the psychodynamic roots of that tendency and contrast it with the biblical stories, which speak little of suicide and approach reality and freedom in terms of a personal, lifegiving God. It is here that Kaplan and Schwartz find a viable solution for the hopelessness so prevalent in Western culture today.

Alvin Dueck, Fuller Theological Seminary, coauthor of The Living God and Our Living Psyche
"Finally, a book that exposes the Hellenist foundation of Western family structures and psychologies that valorize suicide. Kalman Kaplan and Matthew Schwartz provide a nuanced, articulate portrayal of the goodness of life in the Hebrew scriptures. On this issue we need to choose between Jerusalem and Athens, Koheleth and Sisyphus, Ruth and Narcissus."

Mary Stewart Van Leeuwen, Eastern University
"Kaplan and Schwartz have brought together two disciplines that usually have little to do with each other — namely, clinical psychology and the history of ideas. By showing the contrast between Greek and biblical views of life and death, they clearly demonstrate that ideas do indeed have consequences for individuals, families, and cultures. This book should prove equally valuable to clinicians, pastoral counselors, and students of the history of psychology."

John H. Stoll, executive director of ASK, Inc.
"If there is something that is one of a kind, it is difficult to make a proper evaluation of its worth. In this excellent book Kaplan and Schwartz unveil a positive picture of the purpose and value of human life from a biblically principled view, in contrast to the morbid state of mind as envisioned by the ancient Greeks when they placed an undue emphasis on suicide and death. As one reads this book, it will provide both the reality of the worth of life as well as an assured hope beyond the grave for the Christian."