Author Dr. Kevin Chapman, a licensed psychologist with a specialty in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), offers Christian readers a remarkably helpful manual for pursuing emotional health.
Dr. Chapman’s workbook represents a blending of two schools of thought that, he asserts, have historically been perceived as completely opposed to each other, namely, the Bible and CBT. Dr. Chapman explains, “Interestingly, through my exploration as a Christian and a clinical psychologist, I have learned that these two schools of thought reflect similar principles that share more commonalities than disparities.”
Dr. Chapman relates that a result of his discovery was that “the Lord has placed an unwavering desire within me to assist fellow Christians in understanding the following: the role and function of emotions, the mysteries of the soul, and God’s divine purpose as it pertains to managing emotions so that we may be effective in witnessing to others while prospering as our souls prosper (3 John 1:2).”
Mastering Our Emotions is suitable for individual and group study. Dr. Chapman explains how the manual is designed and how to use it: read each chapter (preferably spending one week on each one), meditate on the Scripture that’s included, honestly and objectively answer the reflection questions, and apply what he calls the “being skills” to daily life. These skills include being present, being renewed, being adaptive, being physical, and being consistent.
Dr. Chapman’s contribution to encouraging emotional health in Christians is thought-provoking, accessible, and biblically sound. Readers will discover that the author is a wise and compassionate guide from whom they can reap benefits if they take seriously the work set out in the manual. (IVP)
About the Author
Sonya VanderVeen Feddema is a freelance writer and a member of Covenant CRC in St. Catharines, Ontario.