The Psychology of Christian Character Formation offers clergy and those preparing for ministry some of the potential riches provided by rapidly developing branches of contemporary scientific psychology of which they might otherwise be unaware.

\["For Christians wanting to develop strong character traits", "Helps you understand the role of faith in character", "You will cultivate a more Christ-like character daily"\]

This book explores how Christian values shape character and personal growth.

Joanna Collicutt

The Psychology of Christian Character Formation

Introduction

Part 1 The Nature of the Endeavour

1 The F Word: What is Formation?

2 Growing up into Christ

3 The Character of Christ

Part 2 Insights from Psychology

4 Understanding Ourselves:From Temperament to Character

5 Understanding Ourselves:The Shape of Our Stories

6 How Growth Happens

Part 3 Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit

7 Intimacy with the Holy Other:Taking the Lord's Prayer Seriously

8 Humble Power: Having the Mind of Christ

9 Heaven in Ordinary:Watching and Praying

10 Personal Coherence:Getting the Balance Right

11 Hospitality:Visiting and Welcoming

12 Compassion:Seeing, Feeling, Doing

13 Not Retaliating: Forgiveness and Repentance

14 Wisdom:Inhabiting Uncertainty with Confidence

15 Transformation: Embracing the Pattern of the Cross

Bibliography

Sources for Boxed Quotations

The Psychology of Christian Character Formation offers clergy and those preparing for ministry some of the potential riches provided by rapidly developing branches of contemporary scientific psychology of which they might otherwise be unaware. Joanna Collicutt, an experienced psychologist and theological educator, focuses on the psychology of character, virtue and spirituality. Furthermore, the psychology is not used to support training in pastoral ministry to others, but rather to support the reader's own self-awareness and spiritual growth. Joanna Collicutt understands Christian formation as Christian communities and their members growing up into conformity with the character of Christ through the action of the Holy Spirit. This is explored in the three parts of the book: first, an exploration of the process of Christian formation that includes a detailed analysis of the character of Jesus of Nazareth; secondly some focused psychology aimed at supporting an informed self-awareness in the reader; finally - and the most lengthy section - a series of chapters devoted to using psychological insights to help cultivate the Christ-like characteristics identified in the first section.

This is a timely book. The challenge of how radical Christian disciples are made and formed is one of the most crucial ones facing the church today. Joanna Collicutt is an excellent guide to the ways in which psychology can inform the process of the development of Christian character. This book promises to make a significant contribution in this vital area. -- Graham Tomlin At long last, we have a stellar book about the spiritual, personal and theological formation of individuals. Joanna Collicutt is uniquely well-placed to write this prescient and pastoral volume, coming to the subject as she does with all her wisdom as a pastor, priest and psychologist of religion. The result is an outstanding meditation which combines sagacity, insight and practical thinking with spirituality and ministry. In a church increasingly dominated by functionalist approaches to ministerial education and training, Collicutt's book offers a brilliant and fresh way of thinking about our spiritual formation, which helps us to understand and appreciate those values and virtues that shape and form our character as Christians. This is one of the very best books to be written on formation and character - and it deserves to be widely read and studied. -- Martyn Percy In this book Joanna Collicutt has done us all a great service. She builds a bridge between the worlds of faith and psychology with compassion, elegance and wisdom. Somehow she manages to summarise the incredible complexity of her subject matter in deceptively simple writing- and make it look so easy. Read carefully this book will deepen our spirits and sharpen our minds. A delight to read. -- Dr Roger Bretherton In this wise and challenging resource on how faith might form our character Joanna Collicutt has produced a model of how interdisciplinary dialogue works in and between psychology and theology. It is meticulously written as it draws on deep reservoirs of research, learning, teaching and reflection on human experience and our shared struggles of living. Its strengths lie is its careful and intelligent use of the Bible; an accessible description and application of key psychological concepts and a rigorous integration of this knowledge as it is put to use to assist us in our formation and spiritual growth in our life in Christ. This masterful book establishes the authority of Joanna Collicutt as a distinctive, creative and wise practical and pastoral theologian. Read and reflect on these 15 chapters and prepare for a journey of learning and transformation! -- James Woodward This is a most welcome book for those who want to grow in Christlike character and help others to do so. In an in-depth conversation between psychology and Christian theology, Collicutt draws deeply from Scripture and Christian writings, as well as from the findings of empirical psychological research. The book offers fascinating and helpful insights from the interaction between psychology and faith without compromising the radical nature of Christian formation. This is an uplifting and absorbing read and an essential companion for those responsible for the formation of others in churches and theological training institutions. -- Eeva John

Joanna Collicutt is a chartered psychologist and Anglican priest who is Karl Jaspers Lecturer in psychology of religion and spirituality at Ripon College Cuddesdon and Oxford Diocesan Advisor for the Spiritual Care of Older People. She also ministers in a west Oxfordshire parish.

• Joanna Collicutt is a leading writer and much-sought-after speaker in this field and was involved in the development of the relevant module outlines within Common Awards. • The ideal set text for Common Awards in Ministry modules in spirituality and discipleship which will be taught in all ministerial training institutions throughout the CofE from autumn 2014 onwards.

The Psychology of Christian Character Formation offers clergy and those preparing for ministry some of the potential riches provided by rapidly developing branches of contemporary scientific psychology of which they might otherwise be unaware. Joanna Collicutt, an experienced psychologist and theological educator, focuses on the psychology of character, virtue and spirituality. Furthermore, the psychology is not used to support training in pastoral ministry to others, but rather to support the reader's own self-awareness and spiritual growth. Joanna Collicutt understands Christian formation as Christian communities and their members growing up into conformity with the character of Christ through the action of the Holy Spirit. This is explored in the three parts of the book: first, an exploration of the process of Christian formation that includes a detailed analysis of the character of Jesus of Nazareth; secondly some focused psychology aimed at supporting an informed self-awareness in the reader; finally – and the most lengthy section – a series of chapters devoted to using psychological insights to help cultivate the Christ-like characteristics identified in the first section.

This is a timely book. The challenge of how radical Christian disciples are made and formed is one of the most crucial ones facing the church today. Joanna Collicutt is an excellent guide to the ways in which psychology can inform the process of the development of Christian character. This book promises to make a significant contribution in this vital area.

At long last, we have a stellar book about the spiritual, personal and theological formation of individuals. Joanna Collicutt is uniquely well-placed to write this prescient and pastoral volume, coming to the subject as she does with all her wisdom as a pastor, priest and psychologist of religion. The result is an outstanding meditation which combines sagacity, insight and practical thinking with spirituality and ministry. In a church increasingly dominated by functionalist approaches to ministerial education and training, Collicutt's book offers a brilliant and fresh way of thinking about our spiritual formation, which helps us to understand and appreciate those values and virtues that shape and form our character as Christians. This is one of the very best books to be written on formation and character – and it deserves to be widely read and studied.

In this book Joanna Collicutt has done us all a great service. She builds a bridge between the worlds of faith and psychology with compassion, elegance and wisdom. Somehow she manages to summarise the incredible complexity of her subject matter in deceptively simple writing- and make it look so easy. Read carefully this book will deepen our spirits and sharpen our minds. A delight to read.

In this wise and challenging resource on how faith might form our character Joanna Collicutt has produced a model of how interdisciplinary dialogue works in and between psychology and theology. It is meticulously written as it draws on deep reservoirs of research, learning, teaching and reflection on human experience and our shared struggles of living. Its strengths lie is its careful and intelligent use of the Bible; an accessible description and application of key psychological concepts and a rigorous integration of this knowledge as it is put to use to assist us in our formation and spiritual growth in our life in Christ. This masterful book establishes the authority of Joanna Collicutt as a distinctive, creative and wise practical and pastoral theologian. Read and reflect on these 15 chapters and prepare for a journey of learning and transformation!

This is a most welcome book for those who want to grow in Christlike character and help others to do so. In an in-depth conversation between psychology and Christian theology, Collicutt draws deeply from Scripture and Christian writings, as well as from the findings of empirical psychological research. The book offers fascinating and helpful insights from the interaction between psychology and faith without compromising the radical nature of Christian formation. This is an uplifting and absorbing read and an essential companion for those responsible for the formation of others in churches and theological training institutions.

Part 1: The Nature of the Endeavour Part 2: Insights from Psychology Part 3: Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit

\["For clergy and those training for ministry roles", "Enhances self-awareness for deeper spiritual growth", "You will cultivate Christ-like virtues in your life"\]

This insightful book blends psychology with Christian character growth.

Psychology of Christian Character Formation

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Psychology of Christian Character Formation

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The Psychology of Christian Character Formation offers clergy and those preparing for ministry some of the potential riches provided by rapidly developing branches of contemporary scientific psychology of which they might otherwise be unaware.

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