Image: Becoming Emotionally Whole by Len Lantz (CC BY-NC-ND)
Synopsis: Len's Star Rating: 9 out of 10. An excellent Bible study on emotions and has an encouraging and uplifting tone throughout.
BY LEN LANTZ, MD, author of unJoy / 12.2.2021; No. 50
Disclaimer: Yes, I am a physician, but I’m not your doctor and this article does not create a doctor-patient relationship. This article is for educational purposes and should not be seen as medical advice. You should consult with your physician before you rely on this information. This post also contains affiliate links. Please click this LINK for the full disclaimer.
Star Rating – 9 out of 10
Rating guide: 1 = horrible, 5 = average and 10 = wow
Author
Charles Stanley
About the author
Dr. Charles Stanley is reported to have written over 60 books from a Christian perspective. He obtained his Master of Divinity degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and his Master of Theology and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Luther Rice Seminary. For over 50 years, he was pastor of First Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia, where he currently serves as Pastor Emeritus. In 1977, he started an outreach ministry called In Touch, which is broadcast worldwide to thousands of radio and television outlets.
General description
Becoming Emotionally Whole is a volume in a Bible study series by Dr. Charles Stanley. The book can be used for individual reflection or in small groups. The text encourages interaction with the Bible and the principles of each lesson, and there is a generous amount of room for the reader to write down answers to the questions in each lesson. Dr. Stanley covers Christian perspectives on the healthy expression of a wide range of emotions in this 12-chapter book. Each chapter has a unique lesson with four components:
Overview – a summary of the lesson
Life’s Questions – 10 questions on the topic and Bible verses discussed
Living the Principle – encouragement to apply key points from the lesson
Reflection – key takeaways to implement immediately
Unique and most important aspects
Becoming Emotionally Whole surprised me with its positive tone, uplifting message, and depth of thought in each lesson. Dr. Stanley created a well-organized, high-yield study of emotions from a Christian perspective. He convincingly provides hope to the reader that it is possible to work through a variety of emotions in a healthy manner. While the text is highly organized and the components within each chapter become predictable as the reader works through the book, Dr. Stanley’s writing does not feel formulaic or cookie-cutter. However, I felt that the titles of some of the chapters were a bit forced. The Closing Prayer at the end of each chapter feels deeply personal and meaningful. While this book is part of a series of Bible studies on different topics, Becoming Emotionally Whole stands on its own as an excellent book.
Best quotes
“Some people allow themselves to have a free-flowing emotional response to life and have learned to control their emotions, but they are uncomfortable talking about the way they feel. Learning how to tell others what you are feeling is a part of becoming a mature person. It is a skill that is critical to the development of adult-to-adult relationships.”
“Emotions in themselves are neutral. Their expression takes on the nature of good and bad. All emotions are valid, and each has a place in God’s design of your human psyche and spirit. God created your emotions so you might enjoy them and communicate to others by using them.”
“Emotions are assets when they are controlled.”
“Love is a potent antidote for fear.”
“So don’t try to run away from your feelings. Don’t ignore them and hope they go away. Instead, as you continue forward on this journey toward a healthy emotional life, bring your emotions and your feelings to God. Share your thoughts and emotions with Him. As you do, you will be well on the way to becoming emotionally whole.”
Who would enjoy this book?
Readers who are interested in a Bible study on the topic of emotions would likely enjoy Becoming Emotionally Whole.
Who would not enjoy this book?
Readers who are looking for a book on emotions from a Christian perspective that is not structured as a Bible study are unlikely to enjoy Becoming Emotionally Whole.
Conclusion
Becoming Emotionally Whole is an excellent Bible study on emotions and has an encouraging and uplifting tone throughout.