[From Sept 14 issue of Christianity Magazine]

[Buy The Guilt Book]

If I were to judge a book by the number of times I read sections out to my wife, this would rate very highly. It claims that many inside and outside the Church face the emotion they believe to be ‘guilt’ and that for these the remedy is found in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. But having confessed their sin and believed in Christ, many continue to experience ‘false guilt’. The book explores why and what we can do about it.

It includes a wonderful balance of the pastoral and therapeutic, perfectly befitting its authors: Rev Will, pastoral chaplain of HTB, and Dr Rob, a consultant psychiatrist. Especially impressive is the gracious analysis of the internal world that could be life-changing for those who are afflicted but are either unaware of their situation or paralysed by it. It has some extremely helpful self-analysis exercises that are sure to produce many ‘aha moments’, but it never suggests any quick fixes. The authors maintain a warm connection with the reader throughout.

If you are in a leadership role, you need this book to make sure you truly understand the basics and are not unwittingly creating a ‘guilt culture’ in your congregation. It will also be a major help to those in caring professions who might miss the true angst of the person they are caring for. And if, despite confessing sin, you feel emotional discomfort about your basic relationship with God, this book, with God’s gracious surgery, can set you free. [AP]

Five Stars  * * * * *