Book Review – Out of the Cave
Image: Out of the Cave by Len Lantz (CC BY-NC-ND)
Synopsis: Len's Star Rating: 8 out of 10. A book on depression from a Christian perspective that effectively addresses mental health stigma and covers a wide range of ideas and natural strategies for addressing depression.
BY LEN LANTZ, MD / 7.18.2022; No. 88
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Star Rating – 8 out of 10
Rating guide: 1 = horrible, 5 = average and 10 = wow
Author
Chris Hodges
About the author
Chris Hodges is the founder and senior pastor of Church of the Highlands, a megachurch based in Birmingham with locations across Alabama and over 60,000 weekly church attendees. He obtained a Master of Ministry degree from Southwestern Christian University. Pastor Hodges co-founded the Association of Related Churches, which trains and supports church planters. He created a coaching network called GROW and serves as the chancellor of Highlands College, a two-year ministry training college.
General description
Out of the Cave is a book on depression for Christians that covers a wide range of ideas and natural solutions for addressing depression. The author shares his personal struggles with depression and anxiety and expands on his understanding of depression through the prophet Elijah. While his main focus is on spiritual, behavioral, and relational solutions for depression, Chris Hodges neither strongly advocates for nor against traditional psychiatric treatments. He categorizes his chapters into three main sections:
Defining Depression
Contributing Causes
Stepping into Solution
Unique and most important aspects
Out of the Cave goes a long way in successfully addressing mental health stigma among Christians, especially the stigma surrounding depression. Chris Hodges courageously shares stories of depression from his own life and his discussion of Elijah’s depression is well-balanced. He addresses spiritual battles/warfare several times throughout the book and expands on the critical role of relationships in healing from depression. In the appendices, he shares bible verses and prayers related to depression. The author also includes elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, such as the use of behavioral activation strategies. Important concepts from Out of the Cave include:
Tenets of Logotherapy
Daily Declarations to focus on an identity in Jesus
Reasons to avoid comparing yourself to others
How our internal narrative shapes our thoughts, behaviors, and emotions
The benefits of coaches and mentors
Best quotes
“In my own journey, I’ve struggled with several serious bouts of depression and anxiety.”
“But I do believe we are fundamentally spiritual beings in physical bodies who are created in the image of God. That means we need spiritual solutions as well as medical solutions.”
“It’s time to stop pretending that Christians don’t get depressed.”
“But depression is real. It’s just as real as cancer, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis. Mental illness is just as real and debilitating as any physical illness or injury.”
“It’s not a sin to be sick, physically or mentally. Our illness is not our identity.”
“In fact, one of the most liberating truths I’ve ever learned is that my problems are not a measure of my spirituality. The strength of my faith does not depend on having a worry-free, stress-free life.”
“When you develop schedules and maintain routines, your brain relaxes. Your mind sees that you have allocated time, energy, and necessary resources to accomplish goals, fulfill commitments, and practice habits—all related to living out your life’s purpose.”
“Viktor Frankl knew that the opposite of depression isn’t happiness—it’s meaning and purpose.”
Who would enjoy this book?
Readers who are interested in a Christian book on depression with a focus on spiritual, behavioral, and relational approaches would likely enjoy Out of the Cave.
Who would not enjoy this book?
Readers who are looking for a comprehensive guide including traditional psychiatric treatments for Christians with depression are unlikely to enjoy Out of the Cave.
Conclusion
Out of the Cave is a book on depression from a Christian perspective that effectively addresses mental health stigma and covers a wide range of ideas and natural strategies for addressing depression.