Theology of Emotions Book
Theology of Emotions Book
Emotions exist within the Trinity, and therefore, as Image-Bearers, emotions exist within us. Massive confusion concerning their significance and place exists within Evangelical Christianity and in world cultures. Emotions are a critical element for the Christian counselor, pastor, and discipler to understand. Emotions are also a major area of struggle in the spiritual life as presented in the Bible. Using emotions as a starting point, we will biblically examine their place in the doctrine of salvation and ecclesiology, and especially their role in spirituality.
Theology of Emotions is the newest book by David Eckman, Ph.D. It was originally released in 2005, but since then many updates and additions have been made in 2021, with co-author Kimberly Grassi, Ph.D.
Why have a book and course solely on emotions? Why begin with emotions and end with emotions? Would it not make more sense to have a course on the Christian and his or her mind? Or the Christian and the will? Why emotions?
Here are two important truths: 1. Our emotions reveal our internal truths and 2. our emotional responses to these truths can help us evaluate if what we believe to be true about ourselves aligns with the truth of Scripture.
The first reason for this course is that emotions are closer to us than the air we breathe. As we begin to address our emotional lives, we learn to better evaluate what we are feeling in light of God’s truth. This enables us to have a greater understanding of ourselves and our ability to experience our emotions without being ruled by them.
The second reason is that the Evangelical’s approach to emotions may be the weakest part of our “system” of spirituality. Some believers are suspicious of anything that is emotional. They believe that God needs to be understood with the mind through study. They do not trust emotions because they can be based on experience rather than truth. Another perspective in the church is that spiritual experiences should be emotional. The deeper the emotional response, the closer one is with God. Both perspectives have elements of truth, but we desperately need clarity and leadership in this area.
The place of emotions is not only a significant issue in the church but also in the pages of the Bible. Managing emotions is critical to the spiritual life.