Wayfaring - Print

Wayfaring: A Christian Approach to Mental Health Care.

By Warren Kinghorn

Soft cover 312pp
1.9cm H x 22.8cm L x 15.3cm W (0.43kgs)
ISBN 9780802882240
Eerdmans (2024)

[Allow 4 weeks]

A theologically and scientifically engaged exploration of modern mental health care.

The current model of mental health care doesn’t see people: it sees sets of symptoms that need fixing. While modern psychiatry has improved many patients’ quality of life, it falls short in addressing their relational and spiritual needs.

As a theologian and practicing psychiatrist, Warren Kinghorn shares a Christian vision of accompanying those facing mental health challenges.

Kinghorn reviews the successes and limitations of modern mental health care before offering an alternative paradigm of healing.

Based in the theology of Thomas Aquinas, this model of personhood affirms four truths, we are:

• Known and loved by God.
• Creatures made of earth who are formed in community.
• Wayfarers on a journey.
• Called not to control, but to wonder, love, praise, and rest.

Drawing on theological wisdom and scientific evidence, Kinghorn reframes our understanding of mental health care from fixing machines to attending fellow wayfarers on the way to the Lord’s feast.

With gentle guidance and practical suggestions, Wayfaring is an essential resource for pastors and practitioners as well as for Christians who seek mental health care.

“Warren Kinghorn is a wise and gracious wayfaring guide. With expertise in theology and psychiatry, Kinghorn competently and compassionately walks alongside us – clinicians and clients, Christians and the curious – all who are longing to live with greater mental health and flourishing on our journey to God. Kinghorn counsels us to journey with others, keeping the ultimate end in mind, attentive to whom and what we love, asking what is needed now, while remaining open to wonder and surprise. A feast awaits.” Charlotte V. O. Witvliet, professor of psychology, Hope College

“Through stories and insights combined with the deep theology of Thomas Aquinas, Kinghorn reframes mental health care in a theological vein, guiding us away from isolation and shame toward the embrace of community and the divine love of Jesus. … This book is a beautiful contribution to theology, a gift to the church, and a powerful reminder of the soulfulness that all good mental health care should aim for.”  John Swinton, from the foreword