Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero

A groundbreaking work on the integration of emotional health and contemplative spirituality that current models of discipleship fail to address. Many sincere followers of Christ-followers who are really passionate for God, join a church, participate weekly in a small group, serve with their gifts, and are followers who are considered "mature"-remain stuck at a level of spiritual immaturity. And even more so when faced with interpersonal conflicts and crises. Author Peter Scazzero unveils what's wrong with our conventional means of "spiritual growth" and offers not only a model of spirituality that actually works but seven powerful steps to transformation. This strategy for discipleship will help readers mature into a faith filled with authenticity and a profound love for God.

This is a good and helpful book. I think that we, as Christians, need to make Sabbath and healthy care of ourselves. This, taken inappropriately, could lead to too much self interest. But that is not the intent of the author. What kept me from five stars is that he spent a lot of time encouraging healthy behavior, but not enough describing what he did and alternatives. That is what I would like to see more of for it to be a great book for me.

Read as part of a church-wide series. This was okay, not great, in my opinion. Personally, I thought [b:Boundaries: When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life 944267 Boundaries When to Say Yes, How to Say No to Take Control of Your Life Henry Cloud https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1348423991s/944267.jpg 55483783] was better at explaining some of this content, and was more practical in application. My biggest issue with this book was that it didn't go far enough in its applicability. A lot of personal anecdotes, a lot of monasticism and text from religious figures throughout history, a little scripture (but not nearly enough to make his points sound). Some chapters were all over the place. I did really enjoy the sections on Sabbath, and though that was well explained, and am going to attempt to put some of those ideas into practice.Our church also used the Day by Day Daily Office study and a workbook; I only had the Day by Day, which was also okay. I kind of stopped about four and a half weeks in when I realized I wasn't getting a lot out of it (because I've already dealt with some of this stuff, re: Boundaries). I do wonder if the workbook would have helped bridge the gap between theory and practicality. Chapters:The Problem of Emotionally Unhealthy SpiritualityKnow Yourself That You May Know GodGoing Back in Order to Go ForwardJourney Through the WallEnlarge Your Soul Through Grief and LossDiscover the Rhythms of the Daily Office and SabbathGrow into an Emotionally Mature AdultGo the Next Step to Develop a “Rule of Life”