Abstract
Anyone writing or thinking about discipleship and Christian formation will need to have a well-thumbed copy of this book. It is, at its heart, a book about what it means to grow up into Christ. Collicutt has written a rich resource book that brings the insights of modern psychology to bear on the development of a Christian character. It begins, importantly, with the understanding that character is developed. Personality traits or temperament are to some extent given and may impact on how character is expressed, but formation is about a process of development. The book looks at aspects of psychology which may be familiar to some readers, such as attachment theory, but also introduces us to the latest current research on personality traits (‘The Big Five’), positive psychology, the Berlin Wisdom Paradigm and more besides.
Collicutt is clear about the evidential basis for psychological theories, and thus the book contains multiple references to authored studies. This can take some adjustment for a reader more used to theological than scientific styles of writing. What is clear is that we are in the hands of someone who knows the current material, and readers can benefit from her ability to digest what is a vast field of study. The referencing and extensive bibliography will enable those who wish to investigate further.
Yet this book is much more than a digest of modern psychological ideas about our character formation. Its strength lies in the way these insights are used to deepen an understanding of the life of faith. Collicutt offers us a way of looking at Christ, and developing our Christian character as we seek to become more Christ-like. Chapter 3, for example, offers pointers to key characteristics of Jesus life drawn from the Gospel accounts. It is with these in mind that the rest of the book explores how Christians can themselves develop such ways of being.
One example looks at the balancing of the competing demands in Jesus’ own life. This leads later in the book to exploring concepts of ‘flow’, of savouring life, of developing appropriate balance of work rest and play. In all of this, what it is to be a Christian is integrated into the whole of life. Collicutt constantly connects prayer, worship, attitudes and practice together, offering a picture of integration and authenticity. Her use of Scripture is faithful and insightful. There is a very useful biblical index, and I know that I will use this not just to reflect on psychology, but to look afresh at familiar texts.
This is a mature book about growing up into the full stature of Christ. It is the fruit of a mature and wise mind, given over to deep theological reflection, rich pastoral care and profound spiritual contemplation. I hope that it will be widely read, and that people will learn not just from its content, but from the remarkable way Collicutt brings together serious scholarship in the field of psychology, with a seriously mature understanding of the Christian faith.