J. P. Moreland is one of the most influential philosophers
in the world today. When I saw that he
had written a book on coping with anxiety (and depression), I had to pick up, Finding
Quiet: My Story of Overcoming Anxiety
and the Practices that Brought Peace (as I struggle with anxiety and
depression).
As you might expect, the book chronicles his sudden and
unexpected anxiety (and depression).
Moreland explains how well his life was going making the appearance of
anxiety so much more of an issue for him.
There was no “ah-hah” moment of “this is what caused this.”
In the first chapter, Moreland looks – from his
perspective as a Christian and philosopher – at the human self and how it is
made up of soul, spirit, and body – concluding that the “human body in an
ensouled biological structure” (35).
From this, he talks about self-talk and self-compassion. The parts of our self can become disjointed –
especially by stress – and this is what (often) leads to anxiety and
depression. It is through self-talk and
self-compassion that you can realign the self in a real and holistic manner.
In the third chapter, he explains the habits he has
adopted to help him control his anxiety/depression – first looking at the
neuroplasticity of the brain – that repeatedly doing something over a few
months will cut or realign “grooves” in the brain such that the habits become
second nature.
Moreland then explains “the four-step solution,” “the
HeartMath solution,” contemplative prayer, daily expressions of gratitude,
medications, and “EMDR.” I will leave the details of these habits/practices for
the reader to read. Suffice it to say, I
have tried a few of these habits and found them helpful – and I am thankful
that the author shows that it is no sinful to take medications to help with
psychological/mental health problems.
Too many Christians believe that medication is sinful, and one ought to
be able to read Scripture, pray, and have them disappear. In some cases that may happen, but in others,
medication is a good option.
In chapter six, Moreland looks at biblical and miraculous
healing, as well as the lamentations of the Bible when it seems God is not
listening, much less responding, to one’s prayers.
Each chapter ends with “bullet points” – the main points
of the chapter – and all the bullet points are found at the end of the book for
quick review.
The appendices contain a list of encouraging Scriptures
one might memorize and repeat along with the habits, two prayers one can pray
written by the author’s mentor, Dallas Willard, and a lengthy, annotated bibliography
for further reader, concluding with chapter endnotes.
I am thankful for Moreland’s candor and honesty in
written about his struggle – as I said, mental illness still remains something
only talked about in hushed voices in many churches, and I have started to incorporate
the habits he explains in my own life – that I would be healthier and more able
to serve my God and Savior.
[This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and
Goodreads.com.]
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