Personhood and Christianity (PDF)

Making clear the Christian position that God's self-revelation is through human nature, the author gives an account of the way a person is formed as an individual in community from the moment of conception onward. The research and teaching of Dr Frank Lake are explained, drawing out the distinction between Lake's kind of psychodynamic therapy and psychoanalytical practices, whether Freudian or Jungian. The book is aimed at showing that Christian living and spirituality are properly focused on the non-religious activity of God in the world, and that the Church's mission requires the formation of worshipping congregations that are increasingly free of the defensive behaviours commonly encouraged by religion. In Personhood and Christianity Forshaw makes a three-fold approach: - Arguing that many of the practices and attitudes of the divided churches still make it difficult for people to understand Christianity; - Taking up proposals of leading theologians and therapists he discusses the kind of holiness in the midst of ordinary life that can lead to practical reform in parishes, and contribute towards radical change in community life more widely. The discussion focuses on emotional healing as a primary element in the Church's work, and on the New Testament theology of the corporate Christ as key to the recovery of faith in the 21st century; - Stress is laid on the world-directed purpose of the Eucharist through the ascended Jesus who is present everywhere. Personhood and Christianity will be of great interest to all involved in Christian leadership and in the caring services of Church and society generally, to those training for ministry and to everyone engaged in pastoral counselling and therapy.