Ray S. Anderson was Senior Professor of Theology and Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Previously a pastor, he held degrees from South Dakota State University, Fuller Theological Seminary, and the University of Edinburgh (Ph.D.). He was the author of more than 20 books, including The Shape of Practical Theology, On Being Human, Theology Death and Dying and Self Care.

`This is not a book about theory, it is a book about life. This volume is in the excellent Pactical Theology Series published by Jessica Kingsley and under the general editorship of John Swinton of Aberdeen University who writes the Foreword. Ray Anderson is an American pastor and academic of many years standing. His starting point is (pre) theoretical, arguing vigorously that practical theology has a particular end in view and therefore differs from the empirical (social) sciences. It is well worth sticking with his argument to see how it works out in practice. Early chapters with phrases in their titles such as `Spiritual Praxis of Practical Theology', `Integrative Gestalt of the Human Self', `Ecological Matrix of the Human Person' and `Social Ecology of Human Spirituality' might seem heavy going at times. Don't be put off! The reader is rewarded with highly relevant contemporary understandings of spirituality illuminating and illuminated by both Scripture and modern theologians and therapists. This book comes highly recommended for anyone involved in the field of mental health care.'

• Foreword, John Swinton, University of Aberdeen. Acknowledgements. Preface. 1. The Spiritual Praxis of Practical Theology. 2. The Integrative Gestalt of the Human Self. 3. The Ecological Matrix of the Human Person. 4. The Social Ecology of Human Spirituality. 5. The Life Continuum and the Formation of Self-identity. 6. Self-care: A Guide to Spiritual Fitness. 7. Recovering from Moral Injuries to the Self. 8. Casting Light on the Dark Side of Human Spirituality. 9. The Spiritual Power of Hope in Living with Disability. 10. The Human Ecology of Death and Dying. References. Subject Index. Author Index.

Ray S. Anderson was Senior Professor of Theology and Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Previously a pastor, he held degrees from South Dakota State University, Fuller Theological Seminary, and the University of Edinburgh (Ph.D.). He was the author of more than 20 books, including The Shape of Practical Theology, On Being Human, Theology Death and Dying and Self Care.

`This is not a book about theory, it is a book about life. This volume is in the excellent Pactical Theology Series published by Jessica Kingsley and under the general editorship of John Swinton of Aberdeen University who writes the Foreword. Ray Anderson is an American pastor and academic of many years standing. His starting point is (pre) theoretical, arguing vigorously that practical theology has a particular end in view and therefore differs from the empirical (social) sciences. It is well worth sticking with his argument to see how it works out in practice. Early chapters with phrases in their titles such as `Spiritual Praxis of Practical Theology', `Integrative Gestalt of the Human Self', `Ecological Matrix of the Human Person' and `Social Ecology of Human Spirituality' might seem heavy going at times. Don't be put off! The reader is rewarded with highly relevant contemporary understandings of spirituality illuminating and illuminated by both Scripture and modern theologians and therapists. This book comes highly recommended for anyone involved in the field of mental health care.'

• Foreword, John Swinton, University of Aberdeen. Acknowledgements. Preface. 1. The Spiritual Praxis of Practical Theology. 2. The Integrative Gestalt of the Human Self. 3. The Ecological Matrix of the Human Person. 4. The Social Ecology of Human Spirituality. 5. The Life Continuum and the Formation of Self-identity. 6. Self-care: A Guide to Spiritual Fitness. 7. Recovering from Moral Injuries to the Self. 8. Casting Light on the Dark Side of Human Spirituality. 9. The Spiritual Power of Hope in Living with Disability. 10. The Human Ecology of Death and Dying. References. Subject Index. Author Index.

Ray S. Anderson was Senior Professor of Theology and Ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California. Previously a pastor, he held degrees from South Dakota State University, Fuller Theological Seminary, and the University of Edinburgh (Ph.D.). He was the author of more than 20 books, including The Shape of Practical Theology, On Being Human, Theology Death and Dying and Self Care.

`This is not a book about theory, it is a book about life. This volume is in the excellent Pactical Theology Series published by Jessica Kingsley and under the general editorship of John Swinton of Aberdeen University who writes the Foreword. Ray Anderson is an American pastor and academic of many years standing. His starting point is (pre) theoretical, arguing vigorously that practical theology has a particular end in view and therefore differs from the empirical (social) sciences. It is well worth sticking with his argument to see how it works out in practice. Early chapters with phrases in their titles such as `Spiritual Praxis of Practical Theology', `Integrative Gestalt of the Human Self', `Ecological Matrix of the Human Person' and `Social Ecology of Human Spirituality' might seem heavy going at times. Don't be put off! The reader is rewarded with highly relevant contemporary understandings of spirituality illuminating and illuminated by both Scripture and modern theologians and therapists. This book comes highly recommended for anyone involved in the field of mental health care.'

• Foreword, John Swinton, University of Aberdeen. Acknowledgements. Preface. 1. The Spiritual Praxis of Practical Theology. 2. The Integrative Gestalt of the Human Self. 3. The Ecological Matrix of the Human Person. 4. The Social Ecology of Human Spirituality. 5. The Life Continuum and the Formation of Self-identity. 6. Self-care: A Guide to Spiritual Fitness. 7. Recovering from Moral Injuries to the Self. 8. Casting Light on the Dark Side of Human Spirituality. 9. The Spiritual Power of Hope in Living with Disability. 10. The Human Ecology of Death and Dying. References. Subject Index. Author Index.