In this episode, Dr. Knabb explores worship and awe in psychological and spiritual health, beginning by covering recent research and writings in secular psychology on awe. Then, he turns to a Christian understanding of worship and awe for 21st century Christ followers, before concluding with a short practice, anchored to a classic Christian spiritual writing, for cultivating a state of worshipfulness and awe before a perfect, benevolent God.
References
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Awe. https://dictionary.apa.org/awe
APA Dictionary of Psychology. (n.d.). Worship. https://dictionary.apa.org/worship
Bangley, B. (Ed.). (2006). The cloud of unknowing: Contemporary English edition. Paraclete Press.
Block, D. (2014). For the glory of God: Recovering a biblical theology of worship. Baker Academic.
Chirico, A., & Gaggioli, A. (2021). The potential role of awe in depression: Reassembling the puzzle. Frontiers in Psychology, 12.
Holman Bible Dictionary. (2004). Worship. Holman Publishing Group.
Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. InterVarsity Press.
Knabb, J., Vazquez, V., Wang, K., & Bates, T. (2018). ‘Unknowing’ in the 21st century: Humble detachment for Christians with repetitive negative thinking. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 5, 170-187.
Merton, T. (2014). Contemplative prayer. Image Books.
Monroy, M., & Keltner, D. (2022). Awe as a pathway to mental and physical health. Perspectives on Psychological Science. Advance online publication.
Peterson, D. (1992). Engaging with God: A biblical theology of worship. InterVarsity Press.
Sun, Z., Hou, Y., Song, L., Wang, K., & Yuan, M. (2023). The buffering effect of awe on negative emotions in self-threatening situations. Behavioral Sciences, 13, 44.
Upper Room Dictionary of Christian Spiritual Formation. (2003). Negative way. Upper Room Books.
Upper Room Dictionary of Christian Spiritual Formation. (2003). Worship. Upper Room Books.
Yaden, D., Kaufman, S., Hyde, E., Chirico, A., Gaggioli, A. Zhang, J., & Keltner, D. (2018). The development of the Awe Experience Scale (AWE-S): A multifactorial measure for a complex emotion. The Journal of Positive Psychology, 14, 474-488.