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 Spiritual Depression July 25, 2008
Spiritual Depression: Its Causes and Cure
An excellent book for those who struggle with depression. Especially for those who have grown up in religious or Christian environments. If you want good sound doctrine and understanding this is one place to find it. Lloyd-Jones speaks from his personal experience which is unparalleled.
Spiritual Depression - by Martin Lloyd Jones June 18, 2008
This is one of the best books ever. Pastor Lloyd-Jones understands that Scripture is sufficient. Too many times, Christians first turn to the medical or psychiatry instead of first turning to the Word of God. I have given this book to several friends and members of my family who agree with its value.
 Unusually Topical on Christocentric Psychology March 2, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Sometimes expository preachers need to take a break out of their expository preaching series when a specific need arises. This is what Pastor Jones does here, the first of his topical sermon series I have read. Here the readers would learn there is a clear distinction between biblical and secular psychology, specifically in dealing with spiritual depression; the former being Christocentric and the latter anthropocentric. The first few sermons deal with the true nature of the Christian faith and life, as well as the radical transforming "dynamite" power of the gospel in one's mind, affection, will and the whole entire being; the lack of understanding or conviction of which is one reason behind the occurrence of spiritual depression among Christians. Simultaneously, there is also an exposure to the danger of false teachings or defective biblical views, among whom are for example, prosperity gospel with its toxic promise that God is your lackey and he is committed to see to it, in your own created reality, in your own strength and will-power to accomplish "your best life now", full of worldly material blessings happily ever after, or Antinomian, Arminian, Hyper-calvinist, perfectionist or legalistic gospels, that cause Christians, not having been brought up properly in solid doctrines and discipleship to experience spiritual depression as well. Pastor Jones did an excellent treatment on the subject of spiritual discipline against laziness and procrastination, taken from the second epistle of Peter, and divine chastisement, from Hebrews 12, which unless understood correctly; the cause, the method and the purpose of it, might also lead to spiritual depression that shows itself in three possible ugly faces; hardness of heart or a cavalier attitude toward it, despair, and bitterness. On the subject of contentment, however, taken from the familiar text in Phil 4:11, which Pastor Jones argues as a critical attitude to posses in order to combat and cure spiritual depression, the study is nowhere close to the intensity, weight and practicality of either Jeremiah Burrough's "The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment" or Thomas Watson's "The Art of Divine Contentment" The subject of contentment is so important and powerful that I believe perhaps Pastor Jones should have mentioned these two Puritan texts for the readers to explore further.
Nevertheless, over all, those who are into Christian counseling would appreciate and do well to learn from Pastor Jones' insights to help brothers and sisters who are struggling with depression. Psalm 42:5, 11; the subject of the first sermon, summarizes exquisitely the right cry and the proper response for the spiritually depressed, "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." Amen.
 Spiritual Depression: Evalutation and Review April 10, 2007
6 out of 12 found this review helpful
Though a beautifull collection of Sermons by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones of the Westminster Chapel preaching on the relatioships between the physical, the psychic and the spiritual it is completely founded in Christianity. I found it a little too dogmatic about "Unhappy Christians" being a poor recommendation for Christian Faith from clear common causes to ending with on how to be content, exclusively rooted in biblical scripture. For me it was too religious, but a fair but a fair read for us commom folks. The sermons were from the pulpit in 1964, taken down by shorthand, and eventually published in 1966. I expected the book to more contemporary and not so old, however, if ypu lean towards a strict fundamentalist understanding and approach to Christianity, you will find this book still applicable to to your faith today in the arena of "God's Gymnasium". It is seen through a prism beginning with a strong foundation, sin and vain regrets, fear of the future, spiritual bondage, discipline, trials, and the peace of God. I was still left wanting, however, I experience a life long history of genectic and physiologic clinical depression, and I am not a literalist when it comes to theology.
The Best Book on this Subject! February 7, 2007
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book is written by one who understands what the Scriptures teach regarding depression. Before you seek a drug prescription, read what Jones has to say. You will be "glad" you did.
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