Broken Gods: Hope, Healing, and the Seven Longings of the Human Heart

by Gregory K. Popcak

 
"You are gods."

Blasphemy? No, those mysterious words, spoken by Jesus in the Gospel of John and alluded to in Psalm 82, point to a holy longing deep in our hearts that tells each of us that we were created for more.
 
“Imagine that you were to wake up tomorrow to discover that, by some miracle, you had become a god overnight,” writes Dr. Gregory Popcak.  “Not THE God—omnipresent, all-knowing, all-powerful—but a god in the classic sense. That is to say, you woke to find that you were perfect, immortal, utterly confident in who you are, where you were going in life, and how you were going to get there. It might seem ridiculous to consider at first, but allow yourself to imagine this truly miraculous transformation.  What would it be like to live without fear? How would it feel to be completely at peace with yourself and the people in your life? Imagine what it would be like to be able to resolve—once and for all—the tension that currently exists between all your competing feelings, impulses, desires, and demands. What would change in your life as a result of your having become that sort of divinely actualized person?”
 
Bold questions are in need of bold answers. And in Broken Gods , a work that is both practical and inspirational, Dr. Greg explores what our deepest desires-- and even our darkest desires- - tell us about our ultimate destiny and reveals a commonsense approach to fulfilling our true purpose in life.

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Nonfiction, Faith, Spirituality, Theology, Psychology

208 pages, Hardcover

First published April 14, 2015

About the author

Dr. Gregory Popcak is the Executive Director of the Pastoral Solutions Institute, an organization dedicated to helping Catholics find faith-filled solutions to tough marriage, family, and personal problems. The author of over a dozen popular books integrating solid Catholic theology and counseling psychology (including; For Better…FOREVER!, Holy Sex!, Parenting with Grace, Beyond the Birds and the Bees), Dr. Popcak is an expert on the practical applications of the Theology of the Body. Through the Pastoral Solutions Institute, he directs a group pastoral tele-counseling practice that provides ongoing pastoral psychotherapy services to Catholic couples, individuals and families around the world. Since 2001, he and his wife and co-author, Lisa Popcak, have hosted several nationally-syndicated, call-in radio advice programs including Heart, Mind and Strength (Ave Maria Radio 2001-2010), Fully Alive! (Sirius/XM-The Catholic Channel 2007-2010), and most recently, More2Life (Ave Maria Radio–Airing M-F, Noon-1pm Eastern– 2010-Present). They have also hosted two for EWTN (For Better…FOREVER! & God Help Me!). Dr. Popcak’s articles appear regularly in Catholic periodicals such as Catholic Digest, Family Foundations, and others. Dr. Greg Popcak and Lisa Popcak are sought after public speakers and trainers and have been honored to address audiences across North America, Australia, and Hong Kong.

In addition to his ministry work, Dr. Popcak serves as adjunct faculty for the Franciscan University of Steubenville in both the sociology and graduate theology departments where he teaches Christianity & Society and Pastoral & Spiritual Direction respectively. He also serves on the faculty of the doctor of social work program for the Harold Abel School of Behavioral Health at Capella University.

Reviews

[Jeanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I selected this book to review, I was aware that it was written by Catholic Counselor; however, when I started reading I had forgotten that it was written with a Catholic viewpoint. Until I came across some teaching that to say left me a little uncomfortable. I will briefly list what I was uncomfortable with and why. Gregory K. Popcak indicates that our longings are God given which I agree with however, our longings (our desires) are designed to be satisfied in the character of God. What I am uncomfortable with is that God loves us so that God wants to make you a god. (kindle location 985). Anytime that was referenced I had a cringe moment, however, I am glad that I read on and I go in further detail as to why. The reason why this is bothersome to me is the language itself. We are not god, not even close. However, we are made in the image of God. Being made in the image of God, we can reason, create, love, and being made in the image of God, Satan desire to destroy anything that bears God’s image and uses his creation to do that. We do have the Holy Spirit to guide us and walk with but I do not believe it makes us god. The trinity does not include us. Another teaching was mysticism. This may add to doctrine and to the character of God. God is holy and out of his holiness his character is true. We worship God in Spirit and in truth. I also found lacking is the gospel. We all need the gospel 24/7. What makes God’s love so amazing is we do not deserve it and in his sovereignty, he pursues us. Salvation is from God and we respond to that with a broken heart or a hard heart.


I was blessed by Gregory K. Popcak his teaching on the longings of our heart and our pursuit of abundance, dignity, justice, peace, trust, well-being and communion. We can never get enough of the desires that do not satisfy our soul. Our soul is only satisfied when it is quenched with what our souls were created for – the glory of God .


Fighting against pride is humility. The “I” in pride is changed to “U” in humility.

Fighting against envy is dignity. Our envy becomes a competition in our relationships, instead of giving others the dignity in the act of kindness.

Fighting against wrath is justice. Our wrath is our selfishness unleased. Just as God is patient with us, we must be practice patience with others.

Fighting against sloth is peace. With diligence in doing the will of God, we will discover peace.

Fighting against greed is trust. The root of greed is fear. By practicing generosity, we fight our fear of losing what we have and trusting God for what we need.

Fighting against gluttony is a divine longing for well-being. (Mental and physical). With practicing a balance of pursuing and using all good things in healthy ways, we fight against gluttony.

Fighting against Lust is a divine longing for community. Practicing purity with those we are in community with, we fight against lust. We need communion to be fully human. This is backed up in studies with infants regarding their needs being met and the significance of their future development. If our lacks of needs are not met during our young lives, we become “programed” in adapting which usually means that we fulfill our needs destructively. Love is a to care, to bring the best out of another, however, when we use another for gratification or to get something, we have dehumanized one that is made in the image of God. “The sin of lust has everything to do with treating a person as an object, we are not designed for this” …when something is treated in manner for which it was not designed, it breaks down…the human person who was designed for love breaks down and has a harder time receiving true love and experiencing communion when they have been used by other or have used themselves through lust.

The study goes deeply into each longing with contrasting pitfalls that we encounter because of sin. Our longings are a tool that is bring us to the presence of God, a deep relationship with Him to know Him and be known by Him. Each chapter ends with a prayer and the acronym COAL which stands for Curiosity/Openness that encourages you to dig deeper, to ask yourself questions and with understanding/discernment not judgement. Judgement always brings up walls and shuts down any progress to reconciliation. Acceptance of your past experiences and acceptance of God’s will. Love with a care that steers you to the direction of what will truly satisfy your soul.


I found some very beneficial teaching especially with dealing with my needs. My background has been to repress my needs but by doing so, I have built a wall to protect my heart.


I love this quote…Our union with God, …is not merely some self-improvement project, a duty that demands to be met, or a job that needs to be completed. It is our joyful participation in the greatest love story ever told.

With the theological differences, I was encouraged by his teaching and the contrast of my weakness and the strength of God.

A special Thank you to Crown Publishing and Netgalley for ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Guy Miguel · Rating 5 out of 5]

¡Qué libro! Léelo:
si te interesa conocer por qué actúas de determinados modos.
Si te interesa ser más empático con quienes te rodean.
Si quieres ser capaz de ayudar a otros.
Si quieres conocer unos "secretos" del comportamiento humano.
Si quieres dejar tu vida "conforme" has vivido y dar pie a una vida nueva.

Si buscas realmente ser quien eres. Ser quien quieres ser.

[Jorge Pérez Palafox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una punto de vista disruptivo y muy humano de los anhelos más profundos que tiene el hombre y sobre cómo los pecados capitales nos dicen mucho acerca de la necesidad tan grande que tenemos de colmarlos. Muy recomendable.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to read alongside prayer!

[Federico De Obeso · Rating 4 out of 5]

Qué sencillas se vuelven las cosas cuando logras entenderlas.
Este libro da una claridad a temas que parecería son imposibles.

Las cosas cuestan… ¡y mucho! Pero son menos complicadas de lo que pensaba.

[R.H. Naranjo · Rating 5 out of 5]

En este libro, Popcak busca dar una perspectiva poco explorada de los siete pecados capitales: cómo responden de manera imperfecta a deseos verdaderos y buenos programados en el hombre por Dios. Esto lo hace porque el esquema clásico, que contrapone cada pecado con su virtud opuesta, puede llegar a ser difícil de visualizar o propenso a entenderse en un contexto de esfuerzo (si consigo X virtud, me libraré de Y pecado).

El ser humano no funciona así, pues la herida del pecado no puede ser vencida por la práctica de virtudes. La perspectiva que Popcak busca brinda así una nueva dimensión al problema, pues comprende que, al final del día, los pecados se cometen porque el ser humano está llamado a bienes reales y muy grandes. Recomiendo muchísimo este libro.

[Cassidy DeStefano · Rating 5 out of 5]

My therapist recommended this and it taught me a lot about the interplay of the heart’s longings, vices and virtues. I definitely got some actionable insights from it.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

We truly can "never get enough of what [we] don't really want" (Mark Shea, 2001). So what is it that we truly want? What is our innermost heart's desire?

Written with profound clarity and precision, Dr. Popcak helps to (re)orientate readers back to what we really want in our lives and who we really are in the eyes of God. This book touched my heart deeply; it was a thought-provoking, mature and honest insight to the seven longings of the human heart. In particular, I especially enjoyed the manner in which Popcak was able to systematically deal with the seven deadly sins and seven heavenly virtues in relation to the seven longings of the human heart.

I highly recommend this book.

[Ry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Papcek introduces the incredible news of God's plan to divinize us. The book, though, focuses more on how He wants to do that in us, in a very practical way. He walks through the "Divine Longings", uses traditional Catholic Christian understanding of the virtues, all supported by years of clinical psychological expertise.

This book makes the great Christian mysteries, particularly of divinization and holiness, very, very accessible to someone who isn't swimming in religious environment 100% of their week.

"The spiritual journey is not a guilt trip. It is not a trail of tears we walk for a cruel, heavenly master who demands either perfection or death. It is a honeymoon, where our heavenly Lover runs to meet us, to save us from ourselves, and to make us whole with his love so that we can live together in joy and passion for all eternity."(188)

[María Luengo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Espectacular. No tengo palabras para expresar lo bonito que es.
A mí parecer está muy bien escrito, y muy bien explicado. Y te ayuda a ver el pecado no como algo en lo que deprimirte como si no valieras para nada, sino verlo como una manera de saber mejor acercarte a Dios porque sabes qué te falta en ese momento.

[Ethan Fortes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short book but dense in wisdom.... explaining how our desire to be with God sometimes leads us to settle for little, namely the 7 Deadly Sins. The book points out well how we need to look at the 7 Divije Virtues that counter the 7 Deadly Sins and actually help us fulfill the deep desire we have to be united to God!!!

[Vic Bau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Te da una visión profunda y absolutamente opuesta a lo que hemos escuchado de los 7 pecados capitales. Te ayuda a ver el mensaje "de eternidad" que transmiten las tentaciones.

[Andrea González · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un verdadero trip hacia mi interior que nunca había experimentado y que me llenó de esperanza
Lo recomiendo 1000% a cualquiera (sea o no practicante)

[Noé Fuentes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Espectacular libro, todos deberían de leerlo, lo súper recomiendo...

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

My super Catholic dad gave me this book and in an attempt to be open-minded I gave it a chance. While I don't necessarily agree with EVERYTHING it says, it was very interesting reading this in the midst of my first 6th step in a recovery program. The 7 deadly sins are the basis for many of the common defects of character and Popcak is able to thread a few difficult needles spiritually speaking. In many cases, the problem of desire and attachment seems to be the ultimately insurmountable issue that once you release, you're able to live free and enlightened. I've always found this to be intellectually flat and spiritually demotivating. Like I'm not just lightness and goodness, I'm also firey passion and drive and to pretend that those motivations don't exist seems like a recipe for frustration, repression, and ultimate disaster or dissatisfaction. This book gives you a Catholic methodology developing into your fullest potential through spiritual means. The functionality of this thinking is fascinating and worth exploring. When taken to extremes, the seven deadly sins are profoundly anti-social behaviors that leave you empty, sad, unhealthy, isolated, and dejected--in many cases causing your own untimely death through suicide or accident -- so being able to embrace a story that doesn't judge those drives, but rather recontextualizes them to something better and more powerful to move you into a more pro-social, productive, service-centered place that has the potential for much greater fulfillment. Certainly worth exploring for anyone who struggles with addiction and can swallow their own anti-Christian bullshit meter long enough to find that he's got some really good advice in here about how to move past your defects in an honest way.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, everyone should read this book.

[Xavi Valles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Libro de lectura obligatoria para cualquier católico que quiera entender sus vicios/defectos y como ello apuntan a un anhelo de Dios.

[Aime · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Broken Gods” by Dr. Gregory Popcak is a captivating journey that skillfully weaves together profound quotes, insightful tips, and heartfelt explanations. This book goes beyond the ordinary, delving into the intersection of faith, psychology, and our deepest emotional experiences.

The author poses bold questions that challenge conventional thinking, inviting readers to ponder the idea of humanity’s potential for divinity. Dr. Popcak’s exploration of our ultimate destiny is both practical and inspirational, offering a guide that transcends the boundaries of traditional self-help.

The incorporation of Gospel references adds a rich layer to the narrative, creating a bridge between profound spiritual concepts and the practicalities of daily life. The author’s wisdom shines through as he addresses the complexities of human emotions and desires, providing a fresh perspective on fulfillment and purpose.

“Broken Gods” has left an indelible mark on my understanding of faith and self-discovery. The blend of psychological insights and spiritual guidance is not only thought-provoking but also transformative. Dr. Popcak has crafted a masterpiece that speaks to the soul, leaving readers inspired and equipped with practical tools for navigating life’s journey.

This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper connection with their faith and a profound exploration of their true purpose in life.

[Don Mario · Rating 3 out of 5]

La idea de que, al inclinarnos al mal, buscamos en realidad un bien, es sin duda interesante. Por lo tanto, deberíamos dejar de esforzarnos por evitar el pecado y dirigir nuestros esfuerzos hacia el auténtico bien al que anhelamos incluso con el pecado. Desde esta perspectiva, los siete pecados capitales podrían considerarse expresiones "rotas" de los profundos anhelos que Dios ha depositado en nuestro corazón para que Le busquemos.

Algunos pasajes son muy buenos, y la tractación de la lujuría, aunque muy psicológica y poco sobrenatural, me pareció de lo mejor que he leído sobre el tema.

Sin embargo, todo el desarrollo se centra en el perfeccionamiento personal más que en la búsqueda de Dios. Se insiste en nuestro ser "dioses rotos" que pueden repararse (¿transformándonos en "dioses enteros"?) en lugar de ser hijos de Dios que buscan el rostro de su Padre. Además, hay cierta confusión terminológica, quizás debida a la traducción, y demasiada influencia de psicología popular. Las referencias religiosas parecen forzadas, con oraciones que, personalmente, resultan más molestas que útiles. En resumen, no aconsejo leer este libro. Hasta diría que su enfoque es gnóstico, si no fuera que la gnosis suele ser más profunda.

[Andrea L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tantas veces se me olvida que Dios nos quiere tanto, pero tanto. Y que su Amor es capaz de esto.

He leido muchos libros espirituales, pero nunca me había topado con una perspectiva como esta.

Es la Misericordia en su máxima expresión: convertir lo peor de nosotros en una llamada a lo más grande.

Siento que debo releer cada cap para acabar de entender lo que me proponen, es difícil de creer sinplemente porque es puro. Con los libros populares, muchas veces siento que estan targiversando la realidad, o intentando acomodarla a moldes que suenan más amigables de lo que se sienten. Pero siempre es probable que mis propios moldes sean más oscuros y distorsionados de lo que debería ser la vida.

COAL me gustó mucho. Resoné con la dignidad y la comunión.

[Meredith Hooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took me a while to finally pick up this book, but I’m glad I did. I’ll admit I didn’t fully grasp its purpose in the first few chapters, but once it clicked, I found it both insightful and practical. Popcak explores the seven deadly sins and their corresponding spiritual virtues, explaining why we’re drawn to each sin, how we attempt to satisfy those desires in unhealthy ways, and how we can break that cycle. He offers guidance on replacing sinful habits with God-centered virtues, helping readers align their desires with God’s plan to experience a more joyful and fulfilling life.

The slower start kept me from giving it a full five stars, but the depth and practicality of the content make it a worthwhile and encouraging read.

[Alejandro Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Que buen libro!

El autor logra plantear, de manera disruptiva pero clara desde un inicio, la idea de que estamos creados para algo divino. Bajo esta premisa, Popcak analiza cada anhelo divino al que aspiramos todos los seres humanos como personas, haciéndonos ver que, al ser débiles, nos conformamos con una versión distorsionada de esos deseos; razón por la que pecamos a través de los pecados capitales, y nos olvidamos de que la verdadera solución a esos anhelos se encuentra en dejar que Dios los transforme y los eleve. En lugar de sentirnos deprimidos por nuestras debilidades, el autor nos invita de una manera concisa a redirigirlas hacia su fin más alto: la divinización.

Gran libro para leerlo poco a poco e ir reflexionando cada deseo divino.

[Foreign Grid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great ideas and theological-psychological insights.

Would have preferred if the book was less self-helpish in style and dedicated more time to the actual writing. The over simplistic phrasing at some points in the book brought me out of it. I feel if it went for a tone, delicacy, and structure of the kind seen in Body Keeps the Score, the ideas inherent in the book would be taken a lot more seriously by a greater body of individuals. This is especially important because it does follow up on the spirituality aspect of several points mentioned in Body Keeps the Score (almost like a companion book)

[Pippo Boyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book - reminiscent of Be Healed, by Dr. Bob Schuchts but with a far greater focus on each individual longing (and corresponding deadly sin). I found this format to be a bit tedious, as I know my own primary vice, so reading the other 6 felt slow and unrewarding. However, the chapter on my specific vice held good advice for learning the corresponding virtue and served as a nice reminder.
At the very least though, the book is full of good wisdom of the Saints, which is always wonderful and heartening to encounter.

[lu sawaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Siempre te explican los pecados capitales con una definición vaga y demasiado general sin profundizar realmente. Este libro no solo te dice lo que está mal sino lo que está bien, redirige la razón de por qué cometemos esos pecados y cual es el deseo de nuestro corazón que estamos “satisfaciendo” de manera incorrecta. Explica también la manera en la que puedes llenar esos deseos a través del amor. Gran libro, no es para leerlo de una sentada sino para poco a poco ir viendo la historia y la verdadera realidad de cada pecado capital.

[Monica Zeringue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thought provoking and encouraging read! Popcak is salt of the earth and light of the world in his effort to encourage and gently challenge Christians everywhere to eradicate their lives of vice, yet not to be discouraged while doing so.

The author affirms mankind's goodness while emboldening the reader to reach for that holy perfection (not perfectionism) by professing a great truth of Christianity: we are fearfully and wonderfully made!

[Sara López · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una forma preciosa de explicar los 7 pecados capitales y de cómo todos tenemos un profundo anhelo de Dios mismo. Si te lo tomas en serio, te lleva a una introspección profunda, a conocerte y entenderte mejor.

A mí, como futura psicóloga, lo que más me interesa es el desarrollo personal, el encontrar tu mejor versión y crecer. Pues resulta que acercarte a Dios es el mayor crecimiento que puedes experimentar, y este libro te invita a ello.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the way this book approached sin. Sin is when we try to fulfill a diving longing in a broken way. For me, this has been helpful in recognizing the roots of what is going on in my life and responding in a more appropriate manner.

[Rosalinda Saravia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maravilloso! Transformador! Victorioso! En este libro nos encontramos todos, nos descubrimos todos, nos desenmascaramos, nos reconocemos amados, queridos, salvados🙏 Este libro es una escalera al cielo! Léanlo y suban conmigo❤️

[Christian Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ensayo muy interesante. No había visto a los pecados capitales de la manera en que los analiza Popcak: como resultado de las maneras equivocadas de saciar los anhelos divinos de nuestro corazón. Digno de ser recomendado.