Blessed are the pure in heart, Jesus says. And we assume that by pure he means 'that really clean cut kid who doesn't cuss in the church youth group.' That's what I used to think. The 'pure' were the really, really good Christians. And I didn't measure up. Purity, it turns out, is about so … Continue reading Why Love is Core :: An Antidote to our Divided Selves
Love at the Core :: C.S. Lewis and “Empty Love Tanks”
In a previous post, I pushed back against the suspicion some biblical counselors have of what they call an "empty love tank" psychology. Presuming it to be some manifestation of humanistic psychology, it's critiqued as too-positive a view of human nature. The fear is understandable. Psychology which errs in the empty love tank direction can … Continue reading Love at the Core :: C.S. Lewis and “Empty Love Tanks”
Love at the Core:: An Illustration
She lost her mother before she was even able to grieve. You don't need Attachment Theorists to convince you how extraordinarily significant this loss must have been. She was just two...barely able to understand. And this, some might say, is an advantage. At two, you don't know any better. But, everything we know today says … Continue reading Love at the Core:: An Illustration
Why Love is Core
"Teacher," he said, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 26 He said to him, "What is written in the law? What do you read there?" 27 He answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your … Continue reading Why Love is Core
Love at the Core
I'm convinced that love is core. And I'm convinced that the notion that humans look for love in all the wrong places is right on. Now, you'd think that every Christian doing counseling would agree. But some of us nuance this differently, and the nuancing is important. I've taught Psychology in Relation to Theology courses … Continue reading Love at the Core
C.S. Lewis on Emotion and Repression
In a letter to Arthur Greeves, 8 July 1930 "You have I think misunderstood what I said about the return from austerity. I never meant for a moment that I was beginning to doubt whether absolute chastity was the true goal - of that I am certain. What I meant was that I began to … Continue reading C.S. Lewis on Emotion and Repression
The Real Adventure for Men
Part of what I've been addressing in this series on masculinity is what I view as a cultural movement which, in response to feminism, attempted to re-ignite a conversation on masculinity. I've referred to the pivotal work of Robert Bly, a Harvard poet whose distaste with radical feminism led him to Joseph Campbell and Carl … Continue reading The Real Adventure for Men
Expanding on my Critique of Powlison
A few friends have asked me to expand on my critique of Powlison's Idols of the Heart and Vanity Fair, as well as what I've said about the basic thinking around idols, repentance, and belief. Before doing that, I'll say that I agree with much of what I read from Powlison, and appreciate deeply the … Continue reading Expanding on my Critique of Powlison
C.S. Lewis, Bob Newhart, Masturbation, and Those Damned Longings
If I had a nickel for every Christian guy that came to me for counsel about masturbation when I lived back in Orlando, I'd not need this pastoral housing benefit I'll probably be losing pretty soon... We, Christians, are great at pointing out bad behaviors. We're experts at diagnosis. But our remedies often stink. We'll … Continue reading C.S. Lewis, Bob Newhart, Masturbation, and Those Damned Longings
When “Believing the Gospel” Doesn’t Work
Maybe you're like the many men and women who I've talked to. Having been through Sonship (a fairly well-known discipleship program in conservative Reformed circles) or having digested the writings of Keller or Powlison or Tripp, your still struggling. Or, maybe your version of "believing the Gospel" came from a preacher who told you that … Continue reading When “Believing the Gospel” Doesn’t Work