Perfecting Ourselves to Death: The Pursuit of Excellence and the Perils of Perfectionism

by Richard Winter

Publisher:

InterVarsity Press

, 2005

Overview

Perfect body. Perfect clothes. Perfect family. Perfect house. Perfect job. We strive for excellence in all areas of our lives. And there's nothing wrong with a healthy, mature pursuit of excellence. But what begins as healthy and normal can sometimes become neurotic and abnormal, leading to debilitating thoughts and behaviors: • Eating disorders • Anxiety and depression • Obsession and compulsions • Fear of failure • Relational dysfunction In Perfecting Ourselves to Death, Richard Winter explores the positive and negative effects of perfectionism on our lives. He looks at the seductive nature of perfectionism as it is reflected in today's media. He examines the price and perils of perfectionism. And he explores the roots of perfectionism, delving into what originally awakens this drive in us. After analyzing the negative feelings and defeatist behaviors that unhealthy perfectionism births, he provides practical strategies for how to change. "The important thing to see," writes Winter, "is that we are to strive to become better people, not just to be content with who we are or how we measure up to the standards of the culture around us." For Christians this means becoming more like Christ in every area of our lives. Here is the "perfect" book for those who struggle with perfectionism and for those pastors, counselors and friends who want to understand and help perfectionists. About the Author Richard Winter, a psychiatrist, is professor of practical theology at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. His books include The Roots of Sorrow: Reflections on Depression and Hope, Choose Life: A Christian Perspective on Abortion and Embryo Experimentation, and Still Bored in a Culture of Entertainment: Rediscovering Passion and Wonder.

Product Details

• Title: Perfecting Ourselves to Death: The Pursuit of Excellence and the Perils of Perfectionism
• Author: Richard Winter
• Publisher: InterVarsity Press
• Print Publication Date: 2005
• Logos Release Date: 2020
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subject: Christian living
• ISBNs: 9780830876488, 9780830832590, 0830876480, 0830832599
• Resource ID: LLS:WS_EE365B9877ED4C8C9E47ECCA33C8396B
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T04:27:47Z

About Richard Winter

Exploring the interface between psychology, medicine, and theology in teaching and counseling, enjoying the challenge of passing experience to the next generation of pastors, teachers and counselors. I have come to love and deeply respect my fellow professors with whom it is a great privilege to work. There is a remarkable unity of belief and purpose among us and a deep care for one another. All of us are deeply grateful for the grace of God in our imperfections and weaknesses.