Before Them Set They Holy Will

by Graham Reeves

Reflecting on the text in the Synoptic Gospels where Jesus encounters the demon-possessed boy and his father, and then extending that reflection by means of the 14th century icon of the same text, this small book argues for a greater recognition of those with mental health problems as people vitally important to God and made in His image. Using iconography in a pastoral way, the author argues that it provides a 'reminder' to Christian Chaplains in mental health, Church communities and Christians everywhere, usually against the prevailing culture of 'pick and mix' spirituality, to see that there are many positive opportunities to considering this theology in 'paint and wood', not only to recover some idea of our own identity as Christian carers but to see Christ in those who can be stigmatised by society.

75 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2011