The Christian Psychologist: Mental Health for 21st Century Christ Followers

Episode 27: Surrender

Episode Summary

In the 27th episode, Dr. Knabb explores the topic of surrender, which is currently popular in the secular psychology literature as a form of coping. In addition, he discusses surrender, or abandonment, in the context of the Christian life, offering perspectives from Scripture and classic Christian spiritual writings. To conclude, he offers a short practice for Christians to cultivate an attitude and posture of surrender before God.

Episode Notes

References

Clements, A. D., & Ermakova, A. V. (2012). Surrender to God and stress: A possible link between religiosity and health. Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 4(2), 93–107. 

Cole, B. S., & Pargament, K. I. (1999). Spiritual surrender: A paradoxical path to control. In W. R. Miller (Ed.), Integrating spirituality into treatment: Resources for practitioners (pp. 179–198). American Psychological Association.

de Caussade, J.-P. (2008). The joy of full surrender: Contemporary English edition. Paraclete Press.

Hidas, A. (1981). Psychotherapy and surrender: A psychospiritual perspective. The Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 13, 27-32.

Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.

Upper Room Dictionary of Christian Spiritual Formation. (2003). Abandonment. Upper Room Books. 

Wong-McDonald, A., & Gorsuch, R. (2000). Surrender to God: An additional coping style? Journal of Psychology and Theology, 28, 149-161.