Biblical Psychology: Christ-Centered Solutions for Daily Problems

by Oswald Chambers

Any book by Oswald Chambers is a repository of treasures. And this particular volume, one of the few books the author would see in print before his untimely death, reveals his gifts of insight and analysis. If you've ever tried to reconcile the yawning gulf between faith and a world full of anger and fear, this book will answer your most pressing questions.

Genres: Christian, Psychology, Nonfiction, Theology, Christian Living, Devotional

248 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1962

About the author

Oswald Chambers was born to devout parents in Aberdeen, Scotland. At age 16, Oswald Chambers was baptized and became a member of Rye Lane Baptist Chapel. Even as a teenager, Chambers was noted for his deep spirituality, and he participated in the evangelization of poor occupants of local lodging houses. Oswald married Gertrude in May 1910, and on May 24, 1913, Gertrude gave birth to their only child, Kathleen. In 1915, a year after the outbreak of World War I, Chambers was accepted as a YMCA chaplain. He was assigned to Zeitoun, Cairo, Egypt, where he ministered to Australian and New Zealand troops, who later participated in the Battle of Gallipoli. Soon his wooden-framed "hut" was packed with hundreds of soldiers listening attentively to his messages. Confronted by a soldier who said, "I can't stand religious people," Chambers replied, "Neither can I." Chambers was stricken with appendicitis on October 17, 1917 but resisted going to a hospital on the grounds that the beds would be needed by men wounded in the long-expected Third Battle of Gaza. On October 29th, a surgeon performed an emergency appendectomy, but Chambers died November 15, 1917 from a hemorrhage of the lungs. He was buried in Cairo with full military honors. Gertrude, for the remainder of her life published books and articles for him edited from the notes she had taken in shorthand from his sermons. Most successful of the thirty books was, "My Utmost for His Highest", which has never been out of print and has been translated into 39 languages.

Reviews

[Tony · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent book. One thing I so appreciate about Chambers is his insistence on obedience to and trust in Jesus. Granted, I always walk away from his stuff not be8mg so sure I agree with his use of scripture. Can’t put my finger on it, just always think he uses scripture more loosely then I would prefer.

In one section he presents a screwy view of creation, and other little things like that. Nothing I would describe as heretical, just suspicious.

Theological and doctrinal perspective: definitely not Reformed. Not fully Pentecostal or Charismatic, but leans more towards that way of thinking. He was part of the Holiness Movement (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holin...). I say all this to give a small hint on how he thinks, or seems to think.

Definitely be a Berean (http://ref.ly/acts17.11) with everything we read, but this one probably requires special care but a lot of what he says sounds good but might not be as accurate as I would like.

[Benita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wisest men on earth:
1. King Salomon
2. Oswald Chambers

[Erik Hall · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Knowledge of good broadens a person's mind, makes him intolerant of sin, and shows itself in intense activity."

Hoping to read a book with practical guidance for the spiritual life I picked up "Biblical Psychology" by Oswald Chambers. I was quickly disabused of my conception of what this book was. Rather than a practical guide, this book is an assembly of loosely connected and at times repetitive lectures on the spiritual life. After finishing it, I have mixed feelings about it.

On the positive side, Chambers correctly identifies the physical body as good and an important component of sanctification. Also, he emphasizes the necessity of community for spiritual growth. Both of these, and others, are good and beneficial for the spiritual life.

However, there is also a negative side. Chambers has odd beliefs about the soul. In particular he argues that the soul is located in the heart. At first I thought he meant emotions (which also has problems) but it actually appears that he is referring to the organ. He then goes on to make a connection between the soul and blood which is...unique. While this is the most peculiar thing the author asserts, there are other times in which he says something puzzling or strange.

So, like most books, this one has both positives and negatives. However, I cannot recommend it. The oddities in the book outweigh any good it contains in my opinion.

[Ken Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christ Centered Solutions, by Oswald Chambers, Biblical Solutions!

Each of you are in a journey of transformation as Oswald, presents this incredible study in Biblical Psychology.. I wish I would have been presented this year's ago. I present it to you as a must read, slowly,, in prayer, for the Glory of our Loving Heavenly Father and His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, being thankful for everything that has occurred in your life knowing the producing of Christ's life in us takes the assistance of the Holy Spirit. May it be a blessing to you and your family and friends. In Jesus Name. Love Bro=ken

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant. Still relevant 109 years later. For me personally, it's a beautiful bridge between theology and psychology. I will definitely read it again, next time with my Bible open and taking notes. I recommend this book because it is a window into how the mind [should work, can work, works] as a believer.

[Jihyun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of wisdom and knowledge

Used this for our Book Club. This book gives so much insight, knowledge and wisdom - a trademark of any books of Oswald Chambers. It makes you think about your life, the way you live it, our soul, body and spirit and even our relationship with God and our salvation.

[Thomas E. Deneau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely Inspirational

The book was exactly what I needed to deepen my faith. It gave me more understanding of my weakness and how I was trying to lead God to make me this great person. The book help me start the process of putting God as the Creator and me as His creation. Highly recommend and it helped to read small increments and reflect.

[Chris Harsh · Rating 2 out of 5]

This just didn’t talk about psychology in my opinion and was just his opinion on scripture passages. As a Pentecostal Christian he blasted our belief in speaking in tongues at the end and that definitely has nothing to do to do with psychology either. Just felt like he wanted people to hear what he thinks more than educate us on how psychology and scripture work together.

[L.D. Stewart-Author · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye opening and solid truth from Oswald. You need this to be able to get into deeper dialogue when discussing the psychological makeup of the people in the Bible, but most importantly you are closer to knowing more about God through these teachings. Priceless!

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Challenge worthwhile

This book is difficult to assimilate, especially in the first six chapters but absolutely worth the effort. Your theology will be challenged. On some points you may want to hold your ground but on more you will find new and wonderful ground.

[Dawn Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO GOOD

A timeless piece of literature that is so relevant today as if it was written yesterday and not over 100 years ago. Oswald has a way of speaking directly to the heart of each one of us!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well worth the read. I'll be thinking about this book for a long time.

[MIKE HARRISON · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opens different ways you respond to people

[Mira · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t understand his take on some of the verses he referenced.

[Jarrod Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whew.

This is a beast. There’s some immensely beneficial stuff in here, but this is a DENSE read. Take your time with it - but you will definitely get some really good insights out of this.

[Chris pariseau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teacher

So much wisdom. I will read it again. The encouragement it brings in understanding the words of God. Praise the Lord, for good teachers.

[Yolonda Bodden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear and concise language of GOD!

Everyone must read of the 21 century life. Good read for the thoughts of GOD teachings, moreover HIS wonting to learn of HIM.

[C.S. Areson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be reading this again.
Psychology spoken here isn't what we typically mean by it in most settings today.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uplifting and challenging!

[Jim King · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard read, I liked difference between, conscious, soul, spirit and body.

[Lidik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reminds you to apply what you read in scripture to not only what you do, but also the way you think about life. I didn't agree with all his points.... but on the whole I'm glad I read it.