Shame: Theory, Therapy, Theology

by Stephen Pattison

This interdisciplinary study brings together many contemporary discourses about shame within a new critical perspective. It will be an invaluable, stimulating resource for all those who are concerned with understanding shame and assisting those whose lives are lived in the shadow of it. Psychologists, philosophers and therapists will find this a fascinating source of new insight into the theory and phenomenology of shame. It will be of particular interest to those who are interested in relationships between religion and mental health, to pastoral workers, and to religious thinkers and theorists.

Genres: Theology, Psychology, Christian, Counselling

356 pages, Paperback

First published October 4, 1996

About the author

Stephen Pattison is a British scholar and former H.G. Wood Professor of Theology at the University of Birmingham. He is best known for his research on practical theology, ethics, and public service management. He attended Bootham School, York and Selwyn College, Cambridge, before going on to train for ministry in the Anglican Church at Edinburgh Theological College and Edinburgh University, where he gained a PhD in Theology.

Reviews

[Wayne Charles · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a tough book to read, partly because of the heaviness of the subject matter and partly because of the dense, semi-technical writing style.

I found parts I and II of the book, "Approaching Shame" and "Encountering Shame" very helpful for developing an understanding of shame, particularly chronic (dysfunctional) shame. Pattison honestly acknowledges and painstakingly sorts through the complexities inherent in any discussion of shame--with a nuance I found refreshing.

Part III, "Shame and Christianity," was disappointing to me. Pattison comes across as incredibly pessimistic about the potential of Christianity for productively addressing and alleviating chronic shame. He has much to say about how Christianity can and has promoted dysfunctional shame, and little hope that it can help to alleviate shame. Here, his liberal theological leanings shine through clearly: he offers no hope in the power of the supernatural in the life of the shamed Christian; the best solution he can suggest is to reshape traditional Christian theology into a new form that would (supposedly) be less apt to foster feelings of shame among Christians. With how negatively Pattison reflected on the ability of traditional Christianity to meaningfully address shame, I was left wondering why he even identifies as a Christian at all.

[loafingcactus · Rating 4 out of 5]

The only reason this book doesn't get five stars from me is because it lacks lyricism. Hey, you have to be The Awesomest to get five stars.

This book is merely Super Awesome, excellent both in scholarship and in wisdom. I've read it three times- it's that good.