The Gift of Being Yourself: the Sacred Call to Self-Discovery

by David G. Benner

Paperback

Published January 1, 2018

About the author

David G. Benner (PhD, York University; postdoctoral studies, Chicago Institute of Psychoanalysis) is an internationally known depth psychologist, author, spiritual guide, and personal transformation coach. He currently serves as Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Spirituality at the Psychological Studies Institute, Richmont Graduate University. He has authored or edited more than twenty books, including Soulful Spirituality and Strategic Pastoral Counseling

Reviews

[Emily Holloway · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was rough to get through. More like a 2.5⭐️ for me. Readability wise moreso than content, but I wasn’t in love with its content either. Books like these don’t tend to resonate with me because the author is “too smart” and doesn’t articulate well for my understanding. I also struggle with the idea that “knowing myself” is as important as this book makes it seem in relation to my relationship with God. I’d like to think I’ll try to reread this in the future and try to understand it better, but it’s unlikely.

[Emma Shealy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a beautiful and highly helpful book coming from someone who thinks about identity often. The title is deceiving, as this is far from a self help book, but rather a book about how knowing self and knowing God are heavily intertwined. What a beautiful faith we have for that to be true! I am walking away from this book with a full soul and a mind that is brainstorming how to make more space within myself to know who I am in the depths and meet my Jesus there.

[Ella Moody · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good book about discovering who we are through God rather than affirmation. As a teenager getting ready to graduate, this is such a good reminder that your identity is not found through the career you choose or the person you have been, but that we cannot find our true self by seeking it, but by seeking God. As Benner says, it is by losing yourself in God that you discover your true identity.



"Christian calling will always involve the care of God's creation and people. This realigns us to the created world and to our neighbor, moving us from self-centered exploitation to self-sacrificing service and stewardship."

"Coming out of hiding requires that we embrace the vulnerabilities that first sent us scurrying for cover."

[Abbey Blocksidge · Rating 3 out of 5]

This books was good it was full of a lot of good perspectives and truth. It was just so dense and so hard for me to get through.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exploration of self-discovery that leads one to a closer walk with Christ. To understand Him, you must first know yourself. This book leads you through that process.

[Toni Clevenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

soooo good!! need to read the third this stuff clocks me every time

[Amy Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I understood it. I was able to follow it. I reread things I learned a lot about myself and God. I read this book twice and I’m probably going to read it again.