Building on the theories explained in the previous edition, this title explains how social sciences have adopted a hermeneutical approach in recent years, though with only a slight appreciation of the religious dimensions of the social-scientific endeavor.

From natural catastrophes to horrific human violence to death- dealing social systems, evil calls out ever more dramatically for explanation and understanding. Yet despite millennia of reflection, no consensus has developed on the character and dynamics of evil. This masterful survey volume composes a framework that separates out for analysis the many dimensions and aspects of the question of evil and then interrogates the best philosophers, theologians, psychologists, and social scientists of the last one hundred years on the question. Cooper's interdisciplinary focus captures insights from...

Paul Tillich, more than any other theologian of the twentieth century, maintained an energetic dialogue with psychology, and especially psychotherapy. This book explores what Tillich's theology has to offer psychologists and others working in the field of mental health, spiritual development, and pastoral counseling. Tillich's interaction with Carl Rogers, Erich Fromm, Rollo May, and other famous psychologists became an important part of his thinking. Tillich frequently pushed psychologists to see the underlying philosophical assumptions of their work. This investigation of the underpinnings...

Even under the best circumstances in life, we all suffer psychological injuries to our self. These injuries from others can range from passive hurtful comments to intentional abusive assaults. The end result is that our sense of being a cohesive and secure self is threatened. We may begin to experience degrees of vulnerability and self-doubts, or of rage and desire for revenge. We may even feel as if we were --falling apart.-- In all cases these self-injuries chip away at our self-cohesion and self-esteem. Grace for the Injured Self helps us to better understand the significance of these...

Grace for the Injured Self shows the reader how the 'self psychology' developed by Heinz Kohut can be an influential theory for pastoral care. The late Kohut affirmed that religion is not only an expression of the self, but can also sustain the self in the alliance between faith and grace, with self psychology and empathy.

Cooper and Randall articulately explore Kohut's psychoanalytic perspective of 'self psychology', orientated towards pastoral care for parishioners. The authors ascertain how the human condition is affected by 'self injury', and the relationship between this and...