Looking Shame in the Eye: A Path to Understanding, Grace and Freedom

by Simon Cozens

What is shame and where does it come from? How can we break free and help others held in its vice-like grip? And what is the gospel when shame is the problem? Shame, humiliation and stigma are all around us. Online shaming reminds us of the power of shame, the crisis of self-worth, the weight of judgement and the need for freedom. At the same time, people are becoming less responsive to gospel messages about guilt, morality and sin. If we want to reach those around us and bring healing to their hurts, we need to speak their language: the language of shame. This book helps Christians to introduce 'shame thinking' into their own lives and the lives of those they disciple and evangelize. Above all, it shows how God's freedom can release anyone suffering from the debilitating grip of shame.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

Published October 17, 2019

Reviews

[Staci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently had a conversation with a 20-something student who was frustrated that the gospel message being preached in churches was generally not relevant to his peers. What they hear is: "You're bad. Accept salvation now so that someday you can get into heaven." Simon Cozens's book on shame widens our understanding of the gospel message and makes it relevant to all generations and cultures. In this day and age, where image is everything and people yearn for authenticity and acceptance, we need to see how Jesus has taken our shame and died with it. God offers us identity - a new name and a new family who accepts us. Our churches need this book to challenge us to welcome and speak that new identity over the shameful ones, including ourselves.

[Dick Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came to this book, with anticipation (because I had read some of Simon's writing on the subject before) and I have to say I really appreciated it.

It is timely, because we are more aware than ever of the impact of shame through social media, particularly on the young. But it reaches far deeper and more broadly than that.

Theologically it challenges, not the "good news" (the gospel) itself - but the way in which we so commonly frame it. It challenges especially the words we use when looking at the Genesis 3 passage we often call "the fall". But it goes far deeper than that into the Bible texts - Simon helps us re-examine many passages, and I keep getting "ah!" moments when I see again and again that the idea of shame gives new meaning to the reading.

It is an honest, and challenging book to read - this is not mere "dry" theology. The challenges are sometimes deeply personal. Simon often illustrates by making himself deeply vulnerable to the reader. And he challenges me as a reader to that same vulnerability.

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I came across this book, I assumed it was about “honour and shame”, as in the concept of some cultures being “honour-shame cultures” whilst others are “guilt cultures,” a dichotomy which has been much discussed (and sometimes challenged) especially in recent years in the mission world. However, this book, whilst touching on that idea, actually addresses the universal human experience of shame, and how the Christian gospel offers healing and restoration from guilt and shame.

Looking Shame in the Eye is not your average Christian book. It addresses a heart issue for all of us. It is not a light read, but it is very engaging, full of personal stories and examples, deep, challenging, and helpful. It is a highly personal book altogether. There is an “Over to you” section at the end of each chapter which gives questions to reflect on. It invites you on a journey of liberation. The more you engage, the more you will benefit from it. I do encourage you to read it.

[Jessie T · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book looked really interesting. I actually thought it would be a cross-cultural survey on shame, but found that asides from touching on Japanese culture a little, it was more about a book on the gospel and shame. It was good to think about the gospel in a new perspective, and I certainly found some noteworthy things. Although for some reason, it was quite hard for me to get into, hence it took me some time to read.

[Kristie M · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I loved about this book is that there is stuff to do at the end!
I am a plan and do person, so having application is really valuable for me.
The application from Simon is for me as Jesus follower, me as a disciples, and me as a church leader.