The Logic of the Spirit: Human Development in Theological Perspective

by James E. Loder

Those . . . prepared to grapple with science, social science, andChristian theology, will find [this book] important,thought-provoking, and rewarding.
?Sharon Daloz Parks, Whidbey Institute

In this deep and enlightening discussion, psychologist, andtheologian James E. Loder demonstrates how a theologicalperspective enlarges our understanding of how humans grow anddevelop from birth through the life span. Loder examines theintimate relationship between human nature and the divine andprovides moving case studies, bringing the work of psychologistsFreud, Erikson, and Piaget to that of seminal Christian theologiansKierkegaard, Barth, Torrance, and Pannenberg.

Loder acknowledges that psychological stage theories enable us tounderstand the logic of humans' evolving relationship with theworld and with God. At the same time, he demonstrates that thedivine spirit has a logic of its own, which is not bound by stages.Seminarians, theologians, ministers, and pastoral counselors willbenefit from this rich, thought-provoking guide.

James E. Loder is the Mary D. Synnott Professor of the Philosophyof Christian Education at Princeton Theological Seminary and authorof The Transforming Moment and coauthor of The Knight's Move.

Genres: Theology, Psychology, Nonfiction, Christian, Spirituality, Faith

384 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 1998

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 8th reading and I think I'm beginning to get a sense of what Loder is doing and the structures that he's setting in place.
When it comes to human development (particularly of the child) this book is the daddy! Absolutely profound and significant in what it develops regarding the interactions of spirituality with child development.

[Patrick Oden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is far and away the best book on the integration of psychology and theology I have read. Using the developmental theories of Erikson and others, as well as the Faith stages of James Fowler, Loder puts together a magnificent, holistic study of faith and human development.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that defines and explains deeper psychology and spirituality.