The Spiritual Side of Mental Health

In 'The Unseen Realm,' Michael Heiser presents a detailed analysis of the supernatural world as described in the Bible. He argues that modern theological systems often ignore or explain away difficult passages related to the supernatural, and he seeks to restore the original ancient readers' and writers' understanding of these texts. The book covers various themes, including the divine council, the 'sons of God,' the fall of mankind, and the ongoing cosmic conflict between God and hostile spiritual rulers. Heiser's work aims to help readers view the biblical text unfiltered by tradition or theological presuppositions, providing a clear and accessible biblical theology that embraces the unseen realm.

In 'People of the Lie: The Hope for Healing Human Evil,' Dr. M. Scott Peck delves into the psychology of human evil, presenting case studies from his psychiatric practice to illustrate the destructive behavior of individuals who refuse to acknowledge their own flaws and instead project their failures onto others. The book distinguishes between ordinary sin and evil, emphasizing that evil arises from a persistent refusal to acknowledge one's own sins. Peck also explores themes of possession, exorcism, and group evil, using examples such as the My Lai massacre. He approaches these topics from a distinctly Christian perspective, arguing that spiritual healing is crucial in addressing human evil. The book is both disturbing and fascinating, offering a unique approach to understanding and combating human evil.

In this book, M. Scott Peck uses his experience as a psychiatrist to guide readers through the challenges of life. He argues that life is inherently difficult and that spiritual growth and self-awareness can only be achieved by confronting and overcoming these difficulties. The book is divided into four parts, focusing on discipline, love, spiritual growth, and the concept of grace. Peck emphasizes the importance of discipline in delaying gratification, accepting responsibility, dedicating oneself to truth, and balancing conflicting factors. He also discusses the myths and realities of love and how it supports spiritual evolution. The book highlights that avoiding problems leads to decreased growth and increased suffering, while facing them can lead to greater self-knowledge and inner peace.

In 'A Secular Age', Charles Taylor explores the transformation of Western society from a pre-modern world where belief in God was inescapable to a modern secular age where believing in God is just one option among many. Taylor argues against the 'subtraction story' of secularization, which posits that religion has been removed from society. Instead, he describes a complex historical process involving the Reform movement in Christianity, the rise of disciplinary society, and the emergence of exclusive humanism. The book examines how these changes have affected the conditions of belief and unbelief, and how they have shaped modern social forms, moral orders, and spiritual experiences.