BELIEVER IN HELL

by Wesley C. Baker ‧ RELEASE DATE: Nov. 11, 1968

The theme of this unusual volume is depression. The author regards depression as something more deeply rooted in human nature than is often assumed by psychotherapists. Every human being, he believes, harbors contradictory forces making for being or non-being and the mystery of their operation can only be guessed at. The argument of the book is developed through an abundance of illustration drawn from the author's pastoral experience. But as the book proceeds, it becomes clear that much of it is autobiographical and that the author is writing out of his own struggle with depressive states. Rationally, he says, he can uphold the Christian doctrine of the incarnation; but ""emotionally I am an atheist."" The book is organized, not in chapters, but under ""reflections"" and ""motifs."" A central section is composed of portions of the Psalms with commentary in which the author often questions or denies the Psalmist's assurances. This is a disturbing but a compassionate book, and will speak both to professional clergy and therapists and to the lay person who knows the meaning of the author's struggle in his own experience.

Pub Date: Nov. 11, 1968

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Westminster

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1968

Categories: NONFICTION