Self Image God Image

Because of the author's profound shift in his understanding of identity issues, this bestselling book has been revised to help readers find victory over faulty views of the self and help them align their view of who they are with God's view.

Carroll Saussy believes that women, especially, have difficulty with self-esteem because their lives are shaped and controlled by patriarchal rules and roles that make them second-class citizens. Only in recent decades and in highly educated or politically active communities have women awakened to and begun to expose the damaging effects of the domination-subordination soul of patriarchy. Saussy takes a theological and ideological approach in reviewing the system that fosters such poor self-esteem.

Practical answers to help readers overcome their fears, anxieties, and lack of self-confidence. This book will show them how God's higher image of who they are can take root in their hearts and minds.

You were made for more than a love/hate relationship with your body. It's one thing to know in your head that you were created in the image of God. Yet it's quite another to experience this belief in your body, against the cultural ideals of a woman's worth. And between the two lies a world of frustration, disappointment, and the shame of somehow feeling both too much and never enough in your body. Jess Connolly is a bestselling author, sought-after speaker, and trusted Bible teacher who knows this inner conflict all too well, and this book details her journey--and yours--of setting out to discover how to break free from the broken beliefs we all hold about our bodies that hold us back from our fullest life. The truest thing about you is that you are made and loved by God. And the truest thing about Him is that He cannot make bad things. This book will help you believe it with your whole self, as Jess guides you through an eye-opening, empowering process of: Renaming what the world has labeled as less-than Resting in God's workmanship Experiencing restoration where there has been injury And becoming a change agent in partnering with God to bring revival to a generation of women Far from a superficial issue, self-image is a spiritual issue, because God has named your body good from the beginning. Whether your struggle is with eating and exercise habits, stress or trauma, infertility or injury, this book makes space for you to experience God meeting you in this tender place, and ring His freedom bell over your body in a whole new way.

Integrating modern psychological insights with Christian biblical teaching, In God's Own Image is a useful tool to the individual or group seeking personal growth, as well as to a counsellor, spiritual director or growth facilitator assisting others in that all important journey of human growth. it proceeds in three main steps: first portraying the ideal of the personality as God meant it to be, then the reality of what we are that includes goodness and deformation, and finally exmining how we can reclaim the ideal, both for ourselves and for those we assist; whether individually or as groups. The material is arranged under three parts. Part I describes the ideal: What god meant us to be. Part II describes the reality: what we actually are with both our original beauty and our fallen nature. Part III describes what we can become, how we can move towards our original beauty. A fundamental attitude to have in the arduous struggle of human growth - whether this concerns one's own growth or one's duty in assisting the growth of others - involves three convictions: 1) Change is difficult. A realistic appraisal of this fact doe not lead to discouragement. On the contrary it leads to perseverance, to patience, endurance, courage, and acceptance of occasional failure - all factors that accompany genuine growth. It helps us avoid the pitfall of looking for quick tangible results. 2) Change is important. In fact conversion and growth are not just important, they are fundamental to a life worth living. Striving towards our ideal self is the most important thing in our lives. For that reason it is worth spending on it every ounce of strength in us. When we are convinced of this then we are motivated to work for it. 3) Change is Possible. It is possible to improve, to be converted and to grow. When we have struggled to overcome one difficulty or another for years without visible success, we may get into the belief that it is hopeless to think of the possibility of overcoming the diffficulties. But the good news about each one of us is that however much the beautiful image of God in us has been tarnished and disfigured, we have the possibility to have it restored to its original beauty.

Learn seven clinical approaches to working with the God image in psychotherapy Each person has two ideas of God—the God concept and the God image. The God concept is intellectual in nature, while the God image is the subjective emotional experience of God that is shaped by a person’s family history. Those who struggle with mental health issues often have a God image that is distant, critical, and judgmental because they had parents who behaved that way. God Image Handbook for Spiritual Counseling and Psychotherapy: Research, Theory, and Practice provides therapists with the tools to effectively treat clients who harbor God image issues. This unique manual builds upon strong philosophical and research foundations to offer seven practical clinical approaches to working with the God image in psychotherapy. Leading clinicians and researchers from various disciplines offer expert insight and analysis to provide therapists with in-depth understanding of the God image. God Image Handbook for Spiritual Counseling and Psychotherapy: Research, Theory, and Practice comprehensively discusses the psychodynamic foundation and research that contribute to the understanding of the God image, and then presents seven different theoretical and technical approaches to help those who have personal and religious problems. Case examples illustrate how the God image changes through the therapy process. The guidebook also explores future developments and the implications of race, culture, gender orientation, and economic conditions that impact the God image. Each approach and theory in God Image Handbook for Spiritual Counseling and Psychotherapy: Research, Theory, and Practice examine: background and philosophical assumptions God image development God image difficulties God image change strengths and weaknesses Case examples discuss: client history presenting problem case conceptualization treatment plan interventions duration of treatment termination therapeutic outcomes God Image Handbook for Spiritual Counseling and Psychotherapy: Research, Theory, and Practice is an interdisciplinary guide that provides a holistic understanding of psychological issues and the God image, and is a valuable practical addition to the libraries of psychiatrists, psychologists, counselors, social workers, addiction professionals, clergy, spiritual directors, and pastoral counselors.

Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going? Familiar questions in our day and age. But has our search for answers led us too far in the wrong direction: away from our true position in Christ and toward a dangerous emphasis on self? Recent decades have seen the rise of a powerful and influential movement within the church. Identified by labels such as “self-image,” “self-esteem,” “self-worth,” and “self-love,” this movement has one common denominator—the emphasis on self. Regardless of religious persuasion, everyone seems to be fighting what they perceive to be a shared enemy: low self-esteem. Now well-known biblical counselor and noted author Jay Adams brings much-needed clarification to the area of self-esteem and offers the church and every believer a truly biblical view of self.