Worship and Awe in Christian Psychology: How Centering God Transforms Mental and Spiritual Health

Mental health resources increasingly focus on the self as the antidote to psychological suffering, offering strategies for prioritizing self-care and self-esteem. Yet as people focus more on the self, their suffering may actually worsen, as evidenced by the prevalence of mental health disorders today. According to Christian clinical psychologist Joshua Knabb, when people focus less on the self and more on God, their mental and spiritual health may improve.

Combining up-to-date psychological research with theological reflection, this book helps readers better understand the role that awe, pursued through the act of worship, plays in optimal psychological and spiritual functioning. Knabb explains that at its core, Christian mental and spiritual health involves worshipful awe of God, which can be intentionally cultivated throughout the day. The book also includes practices for readers to try out and use in clinical contexts.

Worship and Awe in Christian Psychology will benefit students in Christian counseling and psychology programs, mental health practitioners, and others who want to improve their mental and spiritual health from a Christian perspective.

Joshua J. Knabb (PsyD, Azusa Pacific University), a board-certified clinical psychologist, is professor of psychology, director of the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program, and associate dean for the psychology division in the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at California Baptist University in Riverside, California. He also serves as editor for the Journal of Psychology and Christianity. Knabb is the author of many books, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Christian Clients and Christian Meditation in Clinical Practice.