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The Proper Care of Snakes

Name: The Proper Care of Snakes
Author: Roger Kruger
ISBN: 978-0692356487

MANAGING PERSONALITY DISORDERS IN CONGREGATIONAL SETTINGS

by Roger Kruger ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 9, 2015

A field guide of armchair psychological diagnostics to be used within a congregation.

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A pastor trained in psychology examines the personality dynamics at work in any diverse congregation.

Kruger (In Jars of Clay, 2008), a longtime preacher from Nebraska, favors the view of a congregation as an ark, and all types are welcome, even “snakes”—his term for those problematic parishioners who deceive or at least confuse those who do not know how to handle them. He argues that the inherent inclusivity of Christian and other religious communities can enable certain personality disorders to disrupt the communities’ order. Even veteran preachers have difficulty navigating conflicts with parishioners who show signs of psychological instability. Citing The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-V—the holy book for the field of psychology—Kruger classifies the more destructive types of mental disorders into three clusters of trait types based on the challenges they present to a pastor and congregation as a whole: those who challenge inclusivity, those who challenge management, and those who challenge “meaningful care.” Each cluster is cataloged in its own chapter, with anecdotal examples drawn from Kruger’s own experience and those in other church communities. The latter part of the book provides specific tips for handling each personality disorder, such as a paranoid personality, a schizoid personality or an obsessive-compulsive personality. Although Kruger has experience with diagnosing and counseling these disorders, many of his descriptions take the form of “snapshots” that consist primarily of rehashed conversations. This presentation downplays the value this guide has in recognizing underlying psychological disorders in a casual setting. Kruger approaches the intersection of psychology and religion with the intent of helping pastors more effectively handle their congregations, but the danger may lie in allowing religious leaders untrained in psychology to attempt to counsel churchgoers who would derive greater benefit from working directly with mental health professionals.

A field guide of armchair psychological diagnostics to be used within a congregation.

Pub Date: Jan. 9, 2015

ISBN: 978-0692356487

Page Count: 176

Publisher: Grace Point Resources

Review Posted Online: April 6, 2015

Review Program: Kirkus Indie

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

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NUTCRACKER

by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996

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This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

Categories:

GENERAL NONFICTION

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER AND THE MOUSE KING
by E.T.A. Hoffmann ; adapted by Natalie Andrewson ; illustrated by Natalie Andrewson

- BOOK REVIEW
THE NUTCRACKER
by E.T.A. Hoffmann & illustrated by Julie Paschkis

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955

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An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.