The Human Person in Theology and Psychology: A Biblical Anthropology for the Twenty-First Century

"Beck and Demarest have written a fascinating, unusual, and carefully constructed study of humans from the perspective of both theology and psychology. This book is timely given the dialogue that is taking place between those practicing these two disciplines and given the shifting boundaries between the various parties in this dialogue . . . . This book is highly recommended. It addresses an issue that will likely increase in important. In an area where many of the books are superficial, it provides scholarship. In an area where some books are polemical, it is irenic. In an area where books are often highly selective in order to make a particular argument appear convincing, it provides a broad overview of both fields. In an area where far too many books are shoddy, it is carefully researched and organized." (Christian Education Journal 2006-10-01)

What does it mean to be human? Both the Bible and psychology have unique perspectives on the question, and when understood together they can enrich our perspective on people while improving our ministry to those in need.

Written by experts in their respective fields, this book explores four aspects of the human person: origin and destiny, substance and identity, function and behavior, relationships and community. After examining the underpinnings of anthropology from a biblical and theological position, it then analyzes what it means to be human from a psychological perspective. Finally, it integrates the two disciplines, creating a comprehensive textbook for courses in theological anthropology, clinical psychology, and counseling, as well as providing a resource for pastoral and professional counselors.

“This is a great organizational scheme and a great conversation, regardless of [whether theology or psychology] is the reader’s primary language.”

—Everett L. Worthington Jr.
Professor and Chair of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University

“This book is a remarkable achievement, bringing together theological anthropology, systematic theology, and contemporary psychology into a comprehensive text. Although I do not agree with all their conclusions, I applaud Demarest and Beck for their thorough scholarship and commend this book as a thoughtful and sometimes provocative look at the human person.”

—Mark R. McMinn
Professor of Psychology, Wheaton College

Bruce Demarest (Ph.D., University of Manchester) is director of the program in formation and soul care at Denver Seminary. A former missionary educator and professor of Christian formation, he is also the author of several books including Soul Guide, Satisfy Your Soul, and Integrative Theology.

James R. Beck (Ph.D., Rosemead Graduate School of Psychology) is professor of counseling at Denver Seminary. He is the author or coauthor of several books, including Healing the Hurting: Giving Hope and Help to Abused Women and The Psychology of Paul.