Understanding People: Why We Long for Relationship

Even though I am not a professional counselor like the author, I did find the title to be an informative read on human nature. The book covers basic Christian viewpoints of human nature: we are fallen and yet are on a search for deep and lasting fulfillment. The book is divided into 3 major areas: 1. A Sufficient Bible - Finding answers in scripture. 2. Understanding People - A tarnished image and broken relationships. 3. Growing Toward Maturity - A restored image and healed relationships. The book covers principles such as: 1. Different positions on how the Bible addresses problems. 2. Describing human nature (we are emotional, free to choose, personal, can truly change). 3. How we and our relationships can be improved (move out of an emphasis on self-protection from pain and become more involved in other people's lives, realize that pain is a normal in life and we should not expend too much energy trying to feel good, and realize that Christ is our sufficiency). Understanding People is an enjoyable read and is recommended for the professional counselor, minister, or anyone who wants to know more about human nature from a Christian worldview.

"Understanding People" marked something of a turning in Crabb's writing and ministry. In some of his previous works such as "Effective Biblical Counseling" and "Basic Principles of Biblical Counseling," Crabb focused more on integrating biblical and psychological concepts. With "Understanding People," Crabb emphasizes a biblical model of the "imago Dei" (the capacities of the image of God in human nature). The first section, consisting of four chapters on the sufficiency of Scripture, is perhaps the most vital material in the book. Crabb logically, practically, and biblically states his well-thought-through model of the Scriptures as a foundation for Christian counseling. The bulk of the book then focuses on the nature of human nature. Here Crabb describes the four fundamental capacities of the human personality: we are relational (we long), rational (we think), volitional (we purpose), and emotional (we feel). Interestingly, some have criticized Crabb's teaching on relational longings, stating that no one in Church history prior to Crabb made longings an aspect of the "imago Dei." These folks should read more Church history. Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Baxter, Edwards, and so many more stalwarts of the Christian faith, not only taught about religious affections and relational longings, they taught that they were essential components of the human personality as designed by God. One could wish that "Understanding People" said more about our physicality and the inner-play between mind and body. One could also wish for more "how to" based upon the excellent insights into our inner nature. However, no one book can do it all. "Understanding People" does successfully meet it's primary goal of providing a biblical psychology of human nature--in it's original glory, fallen depravity, and redeemed dignity. Reviewer: Dr. Robert W. Kellemen is the author of "Soul Physicians: A Theology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Spiritual Friends: A Methodology of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," and the forthcoming "Sacred Companions: A History of Soul Care and Spiritual Direction."

Crabb sets forth the idea that our deep longings for true relationship inevitably lead to pain and hurt. Attempts to avoid the pain of sorrow, disappointing relationships, or conflicts rob us of the experience of our true humanness. In reality, these circumstances can push us on to a deeper awareness of our dependency on God, which in turn frees us to love ourselves and others as fallen, not-yet-glorified human beings. Though the book is intended to assist counselors and others who facilitate change in others, it also offers many insights for anyone who is seriously interested in understanding human behavior.

I was required to read this book for my Biblical Foundations of Counseling class, and I am so glad I actually read it! This book seriously helps you understand the workings of your own mind and even if you don't have deep rooted issue, you still are able to understand things like your thought process better! I recommend anyone who wants to understand the way sinful humans think to read this book! I loved it! I hate to read and I couldn't put it down! If you like to read interesting books(cause usually one likes to read boring books) read this one! Crabb has done it again!