At times it takes re-reading passages in order to decipher the insightful messages. In an easily read, straightforward fashion, he clearly outlines a non-theological summary of the Christian spiritual perspective. He relates some of the main Christian beliefs to family systems. Finally, Thomas Smith, Pamela Valentine, and Rebecca Williams, in Chapter 8 tell us how to give good sermons in therapy. Elements of a good sermon are instructional, extend a person's understanding of the world, inspire, provide a new understanding to old problems, keep people attending to the message with unpredictable content and delivery, provide an illustration that carries the power of the message beyond words, conveyed with delivery that matches the message, and is effective in outcome.
Intriguing vignettes clarify each element.
In summary, this collection of articles offers provocative ideas that extend one's thought beyond the need to include spirituality in therapeutic encounters with families to consideration of how spirituality can be effectively addressed by imperfect therapists. New paradigms are proposed as ways of dealing with the challenge. Overall, this is a worthwhile book for thoughtful therapists. All rights reserved. This article is protected by international copyright laws and may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without written permission from the Wayne E. Oates Institute.