Finding Quiet: My Story of Overcoming Anxiety and the Practices that Brought Peace

by J.P. Moreland

In May 2003 prominent philosopher, author, and professor J. P. Moreland awoke in the middle of the night to a severe panic attack. Though often anxious by temperament and upbringing, Moreland had never experienced such an incident before. Thus began an extended battle with debilitating anxiety and depression.

More than a decade later, Moreland continues to manage mental illness. Yet along the way he's moved from shame and despair to vulnerability and hope. In Finding Quiet Moreland comes alongside fellow sufferers with encouragement and practical, hard-won advice. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, nearly 20 percent of Americans suffer from mental illness, and people in the pews are not immune. Moreland explores the spiritual and physical aspects of mental illness, pointing readers toward sound sources of information, treatment, and recovery.

Bracing and honest, Finding Quiet will validate the experiences of believers with mental illness, remind them they are not alone, and provide reassurance that they can not only survive but thrive again.

Resources and study summaries available in the audiobook companion PDF download.

PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Christian, Counselling, Christianity, Christian Living, Theology

224 pages, Paperback

Published May 7, 2019

About the author

J.P. Moreland is the Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University in La Mirada, California. He has four earned degrees: a B.S. in chemistry from the University of Missouri, a Th.M. in theology from Dallas Theological Seminary, an M. A. in philosophy from the University of California-Riverside, and a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Southern California.

He has co-planted three churches, spoken and debated on over 175 college campuses around the country, and served with Campus Crusade for Christ for 10 years. For eight years, he served as a bioethicist for PersonaCare Nursing Homes, Inc. headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland.

His ideas have been covered by both popular religious and non-religious outlets, including the New Scientist and PBS’s “Closer to Truth,” Christianity Today and WORLD magazine. He has authored or co-authored 30 books, and published over 70 articles in journals, which include Philosophy and Phenomenological Research, American Philosophical Quarterly, Australasian Journal of Philosophy, Metaphilosophy, Philosophia Christi, and Faith and Philosophy.

Reviews

[Jacob Aitken · Rating 5 out of 5]

P Moreland tells his story of how he overcame crippling anxiety by using practices known to the historic Christian tradition. He responds to the bad advice that says Christians don’t need anxiety medication because all you need is the bible and you’re in sin. That is crippling, if not enslaving advice. Flee from it.

Some fundamentalists say we can’t go to the outside world to learn about the soul or medicine, but Scripture does exactly that: Isaiah 19:11; Jeremiah 49:7; Zech. 9:2; Job 28:1-11).

Moreland begins with his well-known insights on the soul. “The soul is an immaterial substance or thing that contains consciousness and animates/enlivens the body” (Moreland 31). The soul has sensations that reside in the soul, not the brain. However, given certain “triggers,” they can obtain during physical moments. The soul also contains faculties, capacities that are not currently “being actualized” (32). When these capacities are properly grouped, they are called “faculties.”

The spirit is the faculty of the soul that relates to God (33).

Moreland’s key point, which I believe unanswerable, is that the body and the soul, while not the same thing, interact with each other. The body “traduces” the soul, as it were. The soul has the faculty of sight, but without working eyes it cannot see. The body traduces the soul.

Then there are habits. These are ingrained bodily practices. Moreland argues, and I think it makes sense, that “anxiety is a learned habit that, through repeated flesh-forming activities (e.g., engaging in ‘what if?’ thinking about the future and exaggerating what might happen if the ‘what if?’ actually happens), forms grooves in the brain, the heart muscle, and nervous system that trigger uncontrollable anxiety” (43).

Let’s Sum Up

Our habits form grooves in the brain. If these grooves are triggered (e.g., by a memory), “the conscious state will obtain in the soulish aspect of the body” (45)
Getting a Handle on Anxiety/Depression

Anxiety is a feeling of uneasiness, apprehension, or nervousness. It always has a trigger, but we often don’t know what the trigger is (Moreland 52). It acts as a cover on many of our deeper feelings.

Happy thoughts are not narcissistic. In this book Moreland tells you to think happy and positive thoughts towards yourself. He isn’t saying “Be happy clappy.” The point is that you are trying to replace bad brain grooves with good ones.

Tools for Defeating Depression

Anxiety is a habit that is wired into our brain and nervous system (66ff). Moreland draws upon the concept of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to form new grooves. This is why habit is so important. Presenting our bodies before God in a certain way can rewire the brain.

The Four Step Solution

Step 1: Relabeling. We identify our destructive habits.

Step 2: Reframing. We change our perception of the deceptive brain message (71).

Step 3: Refocus. We focus on something that distracts our attention. We need to be very careful not to “outmuscle” the deceptive brain habit, since that only focuses on it all the more.

Step 4. Revaluing.

Heartmath

The heart is the deepest recess of our being (81).

Step 1. Freezeframe. Take a time out from the deceptive thought.

Step 2. Refocus. Shift away from the thought and focus more on your physical heart muscle. I’ve done this. It works. Pretend like you are breathing in and out of your heart.

Step 3. Wait for the emotion. CFAN (Compassion/Care, Forgiveness, Appreciation, Nonjudgmentalism).

Step 4. Melt the anxious thought.

Habit-Forming Practices

Contemplative prayer. This is tricky, as it is easy to take it in a New Agey/Yoga Mom direction. That’s not what Moreland is doing. He isn’t saying, “Empty your mind and connect with the Beyond.” Rather, we attach our emotions to God and calm ourselves in his presence. In any case, it’s often hard to pray to God when you are buzzing with different thoughts and emotions. This lets you “pray until you can pray.”

Step 1: Find a Quiet Place.

Step 2: Do a body scan and see if your are tense or anxious. Start praying some of the psalms you have memorized.

Step 3. This is probably where some will push back against what Moreland is saying. He is saying, “Open yourself to Jesus’s presence.” As long as you don’t get New Agey about it, it’s probably not a bad idea.

Step 4. Quietly wait in anticipation on God.

Step 5. Let go of all distractions. Say, “Jesus, have mercy on me.” “I receive you.” It hones your focus on God.

This isn’t mindless repetition, since the point isn’t to finally get God’s attention by chanting a mantra.

Practice Gratitude

I can attest to this one. I have practiced being grateful even when I haven’t felt like it. It really works.

Presenting our Bodies

Our fleshly habits are stored in our bodies. Remember, our bodies “traduce” our souls. If our bodies are messed up, if our brains have stored anxiety in their grooves, then they won’t be able to properly transmit from the soul. This is why taking medicine is okay.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

Bilateral stimulation. I used this a few years ago. It works, though I don’t find it as effective as Heartmath.

Heartmath: the ancients knew that the “heart” was both physical and spiritual and that it had its own rhythm. That’s the point behind ascetic disciplines. Good and bad habits are stored in bodily grooves. The disciplines retune the body.

Step 1: Heartfocus. Focus your attention on the heart.

Step 2: Heart breathing. Breathe in and out through the heart five or six times. This can synchronize the breathing and heart rhythm (other things being equal).

Step 3: Heart feeling.

[Justin Wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished reading Christian philosopher J.P. Moreland's book Finding Quiet: My Story of Overcoming Anxiety and The Practices That Brought Peace. I think it was very brave of him to write so honestly about how he made it through two nervous breakdowns, fought intense depression and anxiety through counseling, therapy, medication, contemplative prayer and community ,and found the healing that he needed to live a good meaningful life. I highly recommend this

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started this book skeptically, but Moreland did an amazing and concise job uniting both the science of understanding the brain with the Biblical understanding of the heart. Not only have lots of conversation come out of this book for me, I have learned ways of dealing with anxiety and depression that are invaluable. This is a book that will not be shelved and be referred back to over and over again. I highly recommend!

[Gabe Bruner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a vital read for me this week as I have been experiencing a rather new and difficult change in my fight against anxiety that has left me confused. Moreland speaks with such grace and while some portions of this were tedious, he always stuck the landing. For anyone reading this review that knows me, pray that with the help of the Spirit that I would start putting practices from this book in place to find new victory.

[Dr. David Steele · Rating 4 out of 5]

J.P. Moreland is one of the most influential Christian philosophers and thinkers of our generation. His writing has wielded a powerful influence in my life for nearly twenty-five years. His most recent book, Finding Quiet, is his most personal, transparent book to date.

In Finding Quiet, Dr. Moreland recounts his battle with panic attacks, anxiety, and depression. Moreland has a God-given gift to communicate complex ideas in an understandable way. Anyone familiar with his writing will be familiar with his scholarly approach. But this book, as mentioned above, is deeply personal and gut-wrenching. I found myself moved at various points throughout the book and was encouraged by the author’s willingness to share some of the deepest pits that nearly consumed his life. This kind of transparency is difficult to find, especially in the academic world.

The author not only tells his grim tale; he guides readers along a path that helps them understand how he gained victory over anxiety and relief from panic attacks. One of the most beneficial aspects of this work are the many tools that Moreland shares; tools that enable readers to walk toward wholeness and healing and conquer anxiety and depression.

To be clear, Moreland is firmly tethered to the Word of God, a reality that he makes plain throughout the book:

“Properly understood, we will see that presenting two members of your body – your brain and your heart muscle – to God as instruments of righteousness (which includes emotional flourishing and overall health) can be important in replacing anxiety and worry with deep peace and joy.”

But he is also committed to utilizing the latest research and resources that help anxious souls find relief and solace. For instance, as the author notes, “Anxiety is largely a habit wired or grooved into one’s brain and nervous system that becomes activated when one encounters certain triggers.” In response, several tools are offered to assist people in their quest for peace. Moreland graciously presents these tools, not as dogmatic solutions, but as options that people can consider that matches their unique needs.

Some Reformed thinkers (myself included) may find some of the discussion uncomfortable and even objectionable but thoughtful consideration of Dr. Moreland’s recommendations is suggested.

Personally, the two most powerful principles that the author presents include the commitment to living a life of gratitude and treasuring key Scriptures to help win important emotional battles. Several practical tips are offered to help cultivate an attitude of gratitude and Scriptures are offered that have been personally meaningful to the author.

I urge readers to explore Finding Quiet and benefit from Dr. Moreland’s God-centered wisdom. Again, not everyone across the board will agree with each of his conclusions – but all can certainly benefit from the fruit of his labor. My prayer is that this book will be a mighty source of strength for many people who battle depression and anxiety.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Remember, if you or a loved one struggles with anxiety or depression, I am one of you. I know exactly what it feels like, and I know the frustration in your heart and the longing to get better. So I offer what follows with the hope that what encouraged and helped me may also encourage and help you...

I am glad that I finally came across a book that tied faith and mental illness. I been a Christian for over a decade, but even as one, I do not classify myself as a religous person. I am more spiritual than anything, also a lot of things I abanonded becase it was rooted in tradition, legalism and stupidity if we are being honest. As I stated before, I struggled with depression many times before,I could not explain the reasons behind it other than life struggles. However, I will say that I overcamed by speaking to a therapist and reaching out to close friends.

Mental health is so crucial in the church so it was warming to read through the author trials. I know that it must have been hard to explain that one struggles with anxiety and depression even as a pastor or leader of the church. We have to stop making mental illness taboo, you cannot pray everything away or use religous rituals to be delievered from smething.

Three stars because of the content relevancy and the author transparancy but this did not really offer me anything. A lot of it sounded rehearsed, it was never giving any practicial tips for those that struggled with anxiety within the church. Granted the author did state to recite scriptures and not believe lies about indentity, it was not as exclusive.

Nevertheless, this was a decent bok about anxiety and depression..Anyone who is dealing with it, trust me that you are not alone!

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't recommend highly enough. It's intensely practical but also his breakdown of the soul and body and how they relate to anxiety was worth the price of admission.

Just finished rereading again in March 2023. This book has been an absolute lifeline for me over the past few years, but especially over the past couple of months. I return to it again and again.

[Russ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good: his honesty, vulnerability and research into treatment and counseling options. Bad: mysticism and weird anthropology.

[Andy Littleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshing that a rigorous evangelical scholar has shared his personal journey with anxiety and has sought to strike a balance between the medical, meditative, and Scripture based treatments available to deal with anxiety and depression. I found much of it helpful, and will recommend the book to many and hold on to it for return and reference.

[Brian Virtue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was probably 3 1/2 for me, but the section on prayer for me was worth the book for me as it captured or articulated some of my own experiences and clarified some significant points of the role prayer plays in navigating anxiety and depression. There's a lot that is specifically targeting debilitating anxiety so it can be a bit focused and specific in that direction. I did appreciate the apologetic for the integration of spiritual formation and counseling and even the medication side of it - not sure I've read too many efforts at that which were as detailed in working to lay a foundation for it but he goes into great detail, there's a lot of reasoning illustrated and mapped out logically and with Scripture. So many not for everyone, but there were a few sections that made it well worth it for me.

[Jane West · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent resource for those who have anxiety.

[Derek · Rating 2 out of 5]

We will be judged for every careless word, including our Goodreads reviews. Therefore, I want to be gracious.

Moreland's book is the first of his writings that I've read and it's clear that it is the fruit of a decades-long season of suffering and searching for relief. He offers several integrated approaches and techniques for dealing with anxiety.

I am not a philosopher and have no prior exposure to mind-body theories. I am not a psychologist and have no prior exposure to several of the techniques he recommends. On these, I cannot comment with any level of expertise, though I concede that they initially made me suspicious of their compatibility with Christian faith and practice.

What I do have experience with is exegesis, and in love, I can say that if the eisegesis done to justify positions on the topics above is concerning. "Theology is the queen of the sciences and philosophy her handmaiden"; this is not only a statement of rank but also of authority. Even if our use of the other contingent sciences is good, we discredit them and call them into question with bad exegesis. On these grounds, I believe myself justified to cautiously distance myself from the approaches commended in this book even without extensive knowledge on their legitimacy.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough good things about this book. After reading his introduction "My Descent(s) into an Abyss of Anxiety/Depression" I was totally and completely hooked. Knowing this man's scholarly background and his status as "distinguished profession of philosophy at Talbot School of Theology" I knew I was in good hands as he talked about the debilitating grip anxiety can have on a person's life.

Dr. Moreland gives a clear presentation on anxiety and walks you through the steps he took to free himself from it. The book is biblically sound and backed by extensive research. He has a wonderful annotated bibliography at the back. His steps/tools for overcoming anxiety are clear and do-able but require a steady discipline of time and effort.

Often books on a topic such as anxiety are big and complicated leaving one overwhelmed at where to start to begin a process of recovery. But Dr. Moreland's book is not one of those. In its relatively short 212 pages, he provides what you need to begin changing your old habits and creating new ones. But most importantly he provides hope - hope that one can overcome anxiety whether you struggle with it a little bit or have a severe case that keeps you from doing daily functions.

I learned about this book from Biola's magazine.

[Sarah Greene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting read! If you have spent a lot of time in the biblical counseling movement and have been frustrated with their dualistic approach to physical problems or how they handle mental illness, this is a great read for a more holistic approach. I really appreciate Morelands testimony and humility in writing about his experiences. He takes a wonderfully holistic and more integrative approach to the issues of anxiety and depression. Some of his therapy suggestions are a little strange sounding (heartmap and edmr) but overall, his overall philosophy and theology are fairly solid. Also, not a cessationist- so if you can get past that, it is well worth the read. We need more balanced and holistic books like this

[Jo Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A fantastic book that addresses anxiety from a holistic perspective. After listening to the audiobook, I immediately made another Christian anxiety/depression sufferer listen and then purchased the book.

I will revisit this and also continue to recommend it to others. Discovered the author through a podcast interview and very thankful I did!


—-update: my third time reading this book and it still is 5 stars. I do think the audio and book are complimentary; listening to it helps with understanding and grounding (and storytelling) but the book is a great tool for referencing and recommendations in the appendix and bibliography.

[Tiana Boller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was exactly what I needed. The way that J.P. Moreland takes researched psychology principles and shows how they are biblical is so helpful. Very thankful for all of the example of practical applications and healthy habits to start trying in my life.

[Eliana]

There are valuable truths in these pages. The sections meditating on gratitude, the role of imagination in faith, and lament were very helpful to me.

Although I think the author approached his writing with grace and humility, as with many "steps to curing anxiety" books the content can too easily slip into the self-help genre. The reader's conclusions could easily become, "Do the right things, do the right Christian things, and you'll get better," even if that was never the author's intention. As such, this book ought to be read in conversation with other people and other resources, especially surrounding discussions about the role of sin and grace in our lives, creation, and God's character, all in relation to mental health. To the author's credit, he includes an extensive annotated bibliography with helpful resources the reader can turn to next.

There's a lot of focus in the first few chapters on self, which is fine. It is good to learn how to see ourselves as God sees us: beloved and worthy of love. The author even couches it under the term "self-compassion" which is helpful in distinguishing it from "self-esteem." But again, that easily contributes to the "I can do it" mentality, and I think the author could have done a better job clarifying this particular point about learning to love the self in order to love our neighbor. It's true that it is difficult to love neighbor and God when we hate ourselves. But it's also important to nuance this with recognizing that we are beloved and worthy of love/loving because of what Jesus did on the cross, dying and rising again. We are not those things because we earned it. God's grace is so powerful and good and kind that even in our brokenness, even in the midst of struggles with mental health, we can receive his grace. The subject of grace is something I wish the author could have highlighted more clearly throughout the text, though I still thought he did a good job emphasizing our role in responding to this grace, even if he did not say it in quite those words.

All of that said, this book is a helpful starting point. If readers (such as myself) are already several years or a lifetime into a journey with anxiety and have developed their own grounding techniques that work and are healing with time, that is good. Maybe this book can help to encourage and solidify those habits or provide prompts for further thinking. If readers are just now starting to figure out how too cope with anxiety or other mental health struggles, this book should not be read as the be-all, end-all of practical spiritual guides. This is just one man's experience with mental health and his road to recovery. Read it in conversation with close friends and mentors. Read other books that might say something different. Everyone's mental health journey is a little bit different, and it takes a while to figure out what works for each person. Still, as I mentioned at the beginning of this "review," there are a lot of helpful things in this book, and it's worth mulling through, just take care to be an active reader and not passively soak in everything the author has to say. Be sure to approach it with humility but also critical thinking, spiritually.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on the authors own experience of depression and deep anxiety, and set against a family background disposed toward these disorders, Moreland tells his own story and his journey toward overcoming anxiety and depression. Moreland is a Christian philosopher and this is a very personal account.
Moreland proposes the use of medication to deal with some of the symptoms of anxiety and depression and explains various techniques that have been adopted and for which he aims to give some biblical justification.

The final chapter includes some more directly biblical reflection, about which I could quibble, but overall this is a thought-provoking and helpful book for those who are dealing with, experiencing or thinking through these issues.

[Rebecca]

I attended this guy’s lectures back when I was in college and found him to be brilliant and insightful. When I heard he had written a book on anxiety (something I strongly identify with) I was surprised and curious.
Interesting book. Short read. VERY Christian. Most helpful for a Christian who feels like a bad Christian for being depressed/anxious and for when church people are being judgey and unhelpful around issues of mental health.

[Gina M Poirier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a practical, helpful resource for Christians struggling with anxiety (and I think there are a lot of them). Moreland, who was mentored by Dallas Willard, shares his compelling personal experience and blends theology with recommended tools including approaches to therapy, contemplative and body awareness practices, and medication. I appreciate having this book as a resource I can highly recommend for anyone who feels stuck or ashamed with their mental health.

[Laura Roggenbaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a psychologist, my guard usually goes up when I am entering into a conversation about anxiety from a Christian. I was so relieved to hear Dr. Moreland offer such a balanced perspective on anxiety and would recommend to any Christian looking for some practical anxiety-management strategies. Proud to know he’s a professor at my grad Alma mater :)

[Morgan Copeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book for those suffering with anxiety & depression. J.P. Moreland writes a lot about the psychology of it and his goal is to help you reduce your anxiety. He gives many ways to do so; I have found some to be helpful, and some to be not so helpful. I recommend everyone suffering from anxiety and/or depression read this! He does not disappoint.

[Maddie Spadafore · Rating 3 out of 5]

ok this book was good it just was average I guess. doesn’t help that I took like 2 weeks off of it. I think useful tactics that I’ll need to revisit <<33. New information added 2 my brain lol. And some repetition I’d say. I love his approach to dealing w anxiety.

[Peter Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

J. P. Moreland is one of the most influential philosophers in the world today. When I saw that he had written a book on coping with anxiety (and depression), I had to pick up, Finding Quiet: My Story of Overcoming Anxiety and the Practices that Brought Peace (as I struggle with anxiety and depression).

As you might expect, the book chronicles his sudden and unexpected anxiety (and depression). Moreland explains how well his life was going making the appearance of anxiety so much more of an issue for him. There was no “ah-hah” moment of “this is what caused this.”

In the first chapter, Moreland looks – from his perspective as a Christian and philosopher – at the human self and how it is made up of soul, spirit, and body – concluding that the “human body in an ensouled biological structure” (35).

From this, he talks about self-talk and self-compassion. The parts of our self can become disjointed – especially by stress – and this is what (often) leads to anxiety and depression. It is through self-talk and self-compassion that you can realign the self in a real and holistic manner.

In the third chapter, he explains the habits he has adopted to help him control his anxiety/depression – first looking at the neuroplasticity of the brain – that repeatedly doing something over a few months will cut or realign “grooves” in the brain such that the habits become second nature.

Moreland then explains “the four-step solution,” “the HeartMath solution,” contemplative prayer, daily expressions of gratitude, medications, and “EMDR.” I will leave the details of these habits/practices for the reader to read. Suffice it to say, I have tried a few of these habits and found them helpful – and I am thankful that the author shows that it is no sinful to take medications to help with psychological/mental health problems. Too many Christians believe that medication is sinful, and one ought to be able to read Scripture, pray, and have them disappear. In some cases that may happen, but in others, medication is a good option.

In chapter six, Moreland looks at biblical and miraculous healing, as well as the lamentations of the Bible when it seems God is not listening, much less responding, to one’s prayers.

Each chapter ends with “bullet points” – the main points of the chapter – and all the bullet points are found at the end of the book for quick review.

The appendices contain a list of encouraging Scriptures one might memorize and repeat along with the habits, two prayers one can pray written by the author’s mentor, Dallas Willard, and a lengthy, annotated bibliography for further reader, concluding with chapter endnotes.

I am thankful for Moreland’s candor and honesty in written about his struggle – as I said, mental illness still remains something only talked about in hushed voices in many churches, and I have started to incorporate the habits he explains in my own life – that I would be healthier and more able to serve my God and Savior.

[This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

Even though the author says over and over that a person suffering from depression or anxiety needs to see a physician I kept getting the feeling that he felt he had discovered the magic solution. I'm glad all the techniques he described worked for him, but I was overwhelmed by the number of things involved in his healing. The last chapter on sickness and suffering was beneficial. I'm glad I stuck with the book and got to it. Also, the list of resources in the Appendices is excellent.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative yet also personal. There were some therapies recommended in the book that I would explore further before embracing. However, I agree with much of his approach especially regarding retraining or "rewiring" the brain to break out of the grooves developed by the kind of thinking that accompanies anxiety or depression.

[Karen L. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved that this book was written by an author who experienced severe, debilitating anxiety. He shares his success story of overcoming his anxiety through therapy, medication and his faith. Such a hopeful book. His practices were helpful to me.Love

[Matthew Boffey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't find the book too helpful; I ended up skimming the second half. Some good tips for someone in the thick of depression and anxiety, though. If that's you, I would recommend this book. This would've been a timely read several years ago for me.

[Rachael Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

In today’s society there are millions of Americans plagued by anxiety. It can be as quiet as an inner thought that won’t go away. It can be complete panic without any obvious reason why. Whatever the case may be, it can leave someone feeling helpless and alone in their struggles. I, myself, have struggled with anxiety my whole life. So, I approached this book with a genuine desire for answers. In his book, Finding Quiet, J.P. Moreland shares his own experience with crippling anxiety that led him on a downward spiral in his mental health. If you are one of many, this book could be a chance to finally find some quiet.

Finding Quiet begins with J.P. Moreland’s personal experience. The anxiety and panic attacks he began experiencing stopped his life in its tracks. Bedridden and depressed, he began to realize returning to normalcy would require drastic changes in his life. He began his journey to healing by integrating therapy, contemplative prayer, and medication. This book offers directions and tips on how to incorporate contemplative prayer with meditating on scriptures, focusing on God and His kindness, and releasing your anxieties to Him.

Moreland discusses other practical ways to take control of anxiety. For an example, one section describes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), a type of psychotherapy that takes a distressing event in someone’s mind and turns the emotions associated with it into positive ones. Another section goes into the role of medications in mental health and how they positively impacted him. Much of the book is spent giving spiritual guidance as it pertains to the Christian and their own struggles with mental illness. Moreland weaves scripture throughout this book and encouragement that any Christian struggling with this illness can use and hold onto as hope for healing.

I was moved by the story of J.P. Moreland’s journey with anxiety. The beginning of the book had me hooked. As a fellow anxiety sufferer, I was curious to know what worked for him. Knowing him as a thoughtful philosopher and apologist, I thought perhaps he would have some reasonable insights. He did have some great biblical advice when it came to prayer and how we as Christians should approach anxiety both as an actual illness and our day to day worries. He had a lot of encouragement and scriptures to ponder on. I believe it is worth a read simply on those fronts. Although there were plenty of positives I had with this book, there were some odd and borderline problematic positions he had about natural medicines and healing. As a Christian, I do believe we need to be thoughtful about our approach to medicines and how we seek healing for our earthly maladies. I think we should go to God in faith for our illnesses. This book may not approach these positions correctly, but I don’t think it renders this book completely useless. Overall, this was a great read and one I would add right in between my middle and top shelf!

[Abby Haydon · Rating 4 out of 5]

In some sense, I came away from reading this book questioning and confused (potentially not a bad thing). Still, much is helpful practically, philosophically, and theologically for the believer when considering mental illness. And his writing style as a philosopher is very helpful in establishing clear definitions, assumptions, and reasonings throughout the book.

The book is framed by Moreland's personal experience with anxiety and depression, while being mainly focused on strategies that have been helpful for him in addressing specifically anxiety. He bookends these sections with a theological/philosophical explanation of his approach to anxiety/depression and suffering/sickness.

Moreland begins by giving an overview of the relationship between the soul, mind, and body - including how each is related to and interacts with the others. Moreland draws on previous work which he has written here, so there were some things that were difficult to consider if I agreed with because they weren't fully explained, which is understandable. My interest is definitely piqued for further reading in this regarding these topics. His point on the helpfulness and appropriateness of addressing the physical components of mental illness were appreciated.

The chapters focusing on practical tools for addressing anxiety (much is applicable beyond the scope of anxiety, but he explains the tools in the context of his experience) were clear in explanation and seem easily able to be implemented by the reader, as is Moreland's clear intent. He has extensive references supporting the strategies that he describes. This is helpful for further reading, as I am somewhat skeptical of some tools that he describes and the validity of the research behind them, specifically regarding the HeartMath approach to the function of the biological heart muscle in regards to mental illness. It very easily could be legit, I'm just not completely convinced at this point.

The section which brought up the most questions theologically for me was on suffering, sickness, and healing. Moreland claims that sickness is distinct from other forms of suffering in that "almost without exception, God does not want us to be sick", which should lead us to pray for healing in a different way than we pray for relief from other forms of suffering. I have lots of questions regarding God's sovereignty and will in regards to healing here, which is much of what contributes to my lingering confusion coming away from reading this book.

Overall, I would recommend this book to believers who are living with mental illness. There is much to be considered from Moreland's experience and the things that have been helpful for him. I anticipate that I will continue to come back to this book as a reference and plan to implement at least some of the strategies that he has presented.