by: Joshua J. Knabb

• Format

  Paperback

  ISBN

  9781540968562

  Dimensions

  6 x 9

  Pub. Date

  Jan 2026

  SRP

  $29.99

  Carton Quantity

  40

  Number of pages

  256

  Buy

About

Mental health resources increasingly focus on the self as the antidote to psychological suffering, offering strategies for prioritizing self-care and self-esteem. Yet as people focus more on the self, their suffering may actually worsen, as evidenced by the prevalence of mental health disorders today. According to Christian clinical psychologist Joshua Knabb, when people focus less on the self and more on God, their mental and spiritual health may improve.

Combining up-to-date psychological research with theological reflection, this book helps readers better understand the role that awe, pursued through the act of worship, plays in optimal psychological and spiritual functioning. Knabb explains that at its core, Christian mental and spiritual health involves worshipful awe of God, which can be intentionally cultivated throughout the day. The book also includes practices for readers to try out and use in clinical contexts.

Worship and Awe in Christian Psychology will benefit students in Christian counseling and psychology programs, mental health practitioners, and others who want to improve their mental and spiritual health from a Christian perspective.

1. An Introduction to Worship and Awe in Christian Mental Health
2. Worship and Awe in Christianity
3. Worship and Awe in Psychology
4. Christian Worship and Awe with Thoughts and Images
5. Christian Worship and Awe with Behaviors
6. Christian Worship and Awe with Relationships
Index

Endorsements

"This is a timely and excellent book on the topic of awe. It is unique from a Christian and integration perspective and will be helpful to many Christians. Highly recommended!"

Siang-Yang Tan, senior professor of clinical psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary; author of Counseling and Psychotherapy: A Christian Perspective

"This groundbreaking work challenges psychology's foundations by repositioning God at the center of therapeutic practice. Knabb thoughtfully integrates psychological research with theological wisdom, demonstrating how worshipfulness--not the self-centeredness often unintentionally fostered in traditional clinical practice--enables true human flourishing. Both theoretically sophisticated and practically transformative, this book offers clinicians a radical reorientation toward God-centered care. Essential reading for anyone seeking to practice psychology within a Christian worldview."

M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall, professor, Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University

"In Worship and Awe in Christian Psychology, Joshua Knabb offers a deeply needed vision for Christian psychologists--a vision that calls us back to the heart of our work: reverence for God. This is not just another integration text; it's a soulful, intellectually rich invitation to consider how awe and worship shape us as followers of Christ. With theological depth, clinical insight, and spiritual humility, Knabb helps us reflect on the sacred work of therapy. I found myself pausing, worshiping, and realigning. This book will form you as much as it informs you. A beautiful, essential contribution."

Jennifer S. Ripley, professor, Hughes Chair of Integration, Regent University

"So dominant is secular psychology and therapy in our day that many people are unaware of Christianity's God-centered psychology, model of human flourishing, and approach to therapy. What a gift, then, is this gem of a book that considers--from many different perspectives--the psychological value of worshipfulness, a worthy alternative to mindfulness, or at least its ultimate fulfillment. After reading this book, one might just wonder if we were made to worship God and enjoy him forever."

Eric L. Johnson, director of training, Christian Psychology Institute

"Worship and Awe in Christian Psychology is such a refreshing and practical guide for readers to reorient their lives around a deep, reverential awareness of God. What sets this book apart is its thoughtful integration of empirical psychological research with Scripture and spiritual practices from a wide range of Christian traditions. I especially appreciated the clear framework for intentionally cultivating awe. The journaling and exercises from different Christian traditions help make awe a regular rhythm, not just a fleeting moment. Joshua Knabb's unique expertise shines through, making complex concepts easy to apply in daily life. This is a rich resource for personal growth and for those guiding others, including pastors, counselors, and mentors."

Kenneth T. Wang, professor of psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary