Select Works of David G. Benner (4 vols.)

[A] clear and wise introduction. . . . Professionals as well as beginners will profit from this wide-ranging analysis of the ‘basics’ of soul care.

—John G. Stackhouse Jr., Sangwoo Youtong Chee Professor of Theology & Culture, Regent College

If psychology has lost its soul, I believe David Benner has found it. His Care of Souls: Revisioning Christian Nurture and Counsel is a remarkable achievement. When it comes to presenting a synthesis of serious research in a reader-friendly manner Benner has few peers. Here he applies his rare skill to present the spiritual and psychological connectedness of counseling and psychotherapy. The result is a foundational book for what may become a new science of soul care.

—Gary W. Moon, president of Psychological Studies Institute, Atlanta, Georgia

Care of Souls is a wide-ranging, intelligent, and useful map of that territory where Christian spirituality and therapeutic psychology intersect. Benner stresses our unity as bodily, psychological, and spiritual beings. He carefully defends the value of psychotherapeutic thought and practice for Christian soul care, yet is tough in his assessment of the confusions and abdications into which Christians have fallen at the instigation of psychology.

—Robert C. Roberts, professor of philosophy and psychological studies, Wheaton College

In my clinical practice of psychiatry I have been struggling with how to care for and cure the souls of those who have been molested, abused, and battered. This book provides practical and inspiring answers, based on the riches of 2,000 years of Christian experience in soul-care. Dr. Benner’s insights into the essence of psychology as viewed from a Christian vantage point are based on a careful literature review of what the master therapists and master spiritual guides have said, from the ancient desert fathers in Egypt, to the current literature on pastoral counseling and psychotherapy.

—Jeff Boyd, chairman of psychiatry and chairman of ethics, Waterbury Hospital

This book lives up to what we have come to expect from this author. Benner masterfully tackles a complex subject in a straight-forward and reader friendly manner without being simplistic. The first half of the book, where he discusses such diverse topics as the rise of the therapeutic culture of soul-care to Christian spirituality, is of immense educational value and alone is worth far more than the book’s price. In like manner, Part 2’s emphasis on the provision of soul-care is a must for pastors and mental health professionals. This book should be well-received for years to come.

—Peter Hill, professor of psychology, Grove City College

In Spirituality and the Awakening Self David Benner offers deep insight about the sacred journey of transformation of the unfolding self, emphasizing learning from the Christian mystics and the essential nature of contemplative stillness. There are also helpful appendixes on dreamwork, meditation, prayer, and awakening.

—Siang-Yang Tan, professor of psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary

Spirituality and the Awakening Self is a deeply thoughtful book to be kept and savored. Once again David Benner has seamlessly woven together his gifts and skills as psychotherapist and spiritual guide. As one of the wise voices of our time, his words deserve to be kept and savored.

—Margaret Guenther, professor emerita of ascetical theology, General Theological Seminary

Benner offers us a highly readable book--grounded in historic Christology and developmental psychology—in which he develops a psycho-theology of growth. He charts our development from the primitive awakenings of childhood to mystical participation in the Divine Spirit in maturity through repeated awakenings to our authentic selves and to God. Sell your bed and buy this best of Benner’s books!

—J. Harold Ellens, author, The Healing Power of Spirituality

David Benner is a trusted companion who helps us navigate the complex possibilities of personal awakening, of becoming more than we are, of movement beyond changed behaviors into changed being. This book guides us into life as truer persons and communities immersed in God.

—John Kiemele, founder and executive director, Selah Center, Woodway, Washington

Someone needed to write this book and I’m glad it was David Benner. His wise, incisive, and winsome style makes unsettling truth easier to receive and challenges to the status quo profoundly liberating.

—Ruth Haley Barton, founder, Transforming Center

In Soulful Spirituality David Benner has done it again! In this profound, highly readable book that plumbs the depths, he integrates his impressive gifts in psychology and theology with his own lived spirituality as a lifelong seeker. To immerse oneself in Soulful Spirituality is the next best thing to sitting down with him for a transforming, intimate, and enlivening conversation.

—Margaret Guenther, professor emerita of ascetical theology, General Theological Seminary

I believe this will be David G. Benner’s most important book. Some will find it controversial. But many more, I believe, will find it hope- and life-giving. Soulful Spirituality moves the reader beyond beliefs and practices to the discovery of the rich resources of an in-bodied Christian spirituality, resources for helping you become the unique and whole human being you were intended to be.

—Gary W. Moon, president of Psychological Studies Institute, Atlanta, Georgia

Soulful Spirituality is a feast of encouraging wisdom that nourishes soul and spirit. In inviting language, images, and narratives, David Benner describes a way of living that is integrating and inspiring—a hearty blend of psychology, theology, and spirituality for all of us who seek to mature and thrive.

—Tilden Edwards, founder and senior fellow, Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation

Soulful Spirituality embodies the inseparable invitations of the spiritual and human journeys. Dr. Benner’s writing is grounded in long years of research and practice at the intersections of human development, psychotherapy, and spiritual direction alongside his own desire to persist in becoming all that God intends. Soulful Spirituality stirs the reader’s longing for connectedness, fulfillment, aliveness, and wholeness that is uniquely possible through intentional cooperation with God. Benner provides solid theological and developmental foundations for the practices he offers to support growth and deepening. Soulful Spirituality invites readers to embrace life as it is and to be open to God in the midst of ordinary/extraordinary reality. It is filled with possibilities that evoke pondering and prayer.

—Jeannette A. Bakke, author, Holy Invitations: Exploring Spiritual Direction

Having journeyed with Dr. Benner in a transformational coaching relationship for the past year and having experienced profound shifts through reading his many books before that, I am privileged to recommend the book you hold in your hands. I am excited about the potential for a beautiful unfolding in your life as you encounter practical sacredness, wisdom held humbly, and God’s luminous presence within these pages.

—Lisa Whelchel, author, The Facts of Life: And Other Lessons My Father Taught Me

With his trademark blend of scholarship and accessibility, psychological insight and spiritual depth, David Benner has done it again. Presence and Encounter goes to the heart of spiritual formation and direction, awareness of divine presence. Whether in Eucharist or casual encounter, it is awakening to Presence that makes encounter possible.

—Gary W. Moon, president of Psychological Studies Institute, Atlanta, Georgia

I always learn when I read David Benner. Or perhaps it is more accurate to say that Benner expresses what I already know deep down inside, and he does so with such intelligence and eloquence that my heart just soars!

—Ruth Haley Barton, founder, Transforming Center

In Presence and Encounter David Benner provides a simple but profound guide to experiencing the presence of Christ (even in absence) in everyday life. Every day holds sacramental possibilities if only we learn by God’s grace to be present and to authentically encounter and dialogue with each other and with God. I highly recommend it!

—Siang-Yang Tan, professor of psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary

Presence and Encounter immediately draws a reflective reader into the essence of human living. It exquisitely points toward the possibilities of being totally engaged with all that is present in each moment--being available without reservation to oneself, to others, and to the loving presence that holds all. It is filled with joyous invitations to explore.

—Jeannette A. Bakke, author of Holy Invitations: Exploring Spiritual Direction