Almost all youth workers agree that “self-esteem” is a key determiner in the maturation process for adolescents. Almost all young people in trouble with the law suffer from low self-esteem as do most who never reach the courts but constitute the groups referred to by statistics quoted by educators, politicians, clergy, parents, policemen and media commentators.
The central question continues to be, “What will we do about it?” Obviously, each individual has his or her own particular set of circumstances and causes; however, social scientists look for solutions in environmental and cultural dysfunctions, politicians suggest structured or economic redress and psychologists attempt to adjust the attitudes and values of teenagers to fit the prevailing moral climate. All fall short of a lasting answer, and they leave out the spiritual dimension. Daniel Patrick Moynihan describes this dilemma accurately in his classical treatment, “Defining Deviancy Down.”
On a personal level, I am suspicious of Christian writers who deny the findings of sociologists, psychologists, educators, and even politicians. The problems of youth and how they view themselves is a complex, multifaceted subject and all can offer insight. For people who believe in God, particularly Christians, it is equally foolish to ignore the Bible and what God, the Creator of us all, has revealed to us about ourselves and our world.
Charles Gerber has done an excellent job of bringing the Christian gospel to bear on the subject of self-esteem without yielding to the temptation to ignore the social sciences or to tear us away from the Bible toward the therapeutic model.
Christ-Centered Self-Esteem is what it says it is. It is a thoroughly researched and carefully written attempt to help us see that “self-esteem” is not a psychological buzzword but a necessary part of our God-given humanity. He helps us to see that the attack of our souls’ enemy is well directed toward the self because it is in this strategic assault toward our souls that the effectiveness of our lives can be lost. Gerber helps us to understand that God is not the enemy of the “self” but of “selfishness,” not even of the ego but of egotism. To a large degree this constitutes the battle between psychology and Christianity. This book lowers the suspicion and turns on new lights. All those who care about and work with youth will find this book to be a valuable new resource. It deserves a place on our forefront shelf.
Dr. Jay Kesler
President, Taylor University
