Joy and Tears The Emotional Life of the Christian

by Peterman, Gerald W.

• ISBN13: 9780802405883
• ISBN10: 0802405886
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2013-03-01
• Publisher: Moody Publishers

Summary

This book presents a biblical and practical look at Christians and their emotions, building off of the concept that most contemporary Christians have misconceptions about why we have emotions and how we should handle them. Trusting God doesn't mean being consistently tranquil or subdued. Truth is, such a view makes life flat and two dimensional. We often forget that emotions are a gift; to fear them or stow them away would be to deny a huge part of what makes us human. This book explores the significance of the gift and the benefits of living a robust life of thought, action, and feeling. Illuminating the emotional life of Christ and his followers, As Dr. Gerald Peterman asks: If I'm forgiven, why do I feel guilt and shame? What about anger? What if I'm angry with God? What is the place of sadness in the Christian life? Is love only an action? Emotions don't just happen to us like the virus or the flu, they are inherently part of us. Readers will find that the discussion extends beyond "good" and "bad", as many emotions are neutral and it is up to them to figure out how to glorify God with them. Extended chapters on love and anger are included.

Author Biography

GERALD PETERMAN (PhD, King's College at The University of London) is professor of New Testament studies and chair of the Bible department at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL. Dr. Peterman has contributed to The Moody Handbook of Preaching, Proclaiming Jesus, and The Moody Bible Commentary. He has also published six essays in various journals and bulletins.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Why "The Emotional Life of the Christian?" Chapter 2: How Emotions Work Chapter 3: The Fruit of the Spirit is Joy Chapter 4: If I'm Forgiven, Why Do I Feel Guilt and Shame? Chapter 5: In My Family, We Never Talked about Anger Chapter 6: What If I'm Angry with God? Chapter 7: Is Love Only an Action Chapter 8: Fear: A Good Kind and a Bad Kind Chapter 9: Having Both Contentment and Holy Longing Chapter 10: The Loss of Sadness Chapter 11: Conclusion: Emotions and Spiritual Growth