New Title Personhood and Christianity: in psychodynamic and corporate perspective By Oliver Forshaw An examination of the theology of pastoral counseling, with particular emphasis on the implications for individual and communal Christian life in the modern world. ISBN-13: 9780718892296 Specifications: 234x156mm, 332pp, Paperback Price: £25.00 • US$52.50 Publication: March 2010 Order this Title Now

About this Book

This is the first book to study the theological aspects of the work of Dr Frank Lake, one of the pioneers of pastoral counseling, since his death in 1982. The author explains Lake's research and teaching, drawing out the distinction between Lake's approach to psychodynamic therapy and that of psychoanalysis, whether Freudian or Jungian.

Making clear the Christian position that God's self-revelation is through human nature, Forshaw gives an account of the way a person is formed as an individual in community from the moment of conception onward. In doing so, he shows 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.

Forshaw argues 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. Throughout, 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.

About the Author

Having served parishes in Singapore, Yorkshire, and Cumbria, Oliver Forshaw was longest in a large UPA parish in Manchester where he set up with RC and Methodist colleagues a project to provide counselling and other community work.

He also led Clinical Theology seminars for many years, as well as serving on a panel of counsellors for clergy set up by the NW diocesan bishops. This experience increased his awareness of the need for psychodynamic therapy for many of the ordained. Since his retirement in 1992, he dedicates his free time to extensive reading and gardening.