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HEAD versus HEART
by Michael Hampson
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HEAD versus HEART
by Michael Hampson
Michael Hampson trained as a priest after studying cognitive, behavioral, and neurological psychology – the psychology of the mainstream scientific community. To HEAD versus HEART he brings the insights of this psychology – along with a practical, pastoral spirituality. The result is a powerful system for understanding ourselves and the people around us that is logical and rational throughout – and where the assumptions are the assumptions of faith: that when we speak of the experience of humankind we must speak of a spiritual journey, of gifts and temptations, and of participation in the wider community of faith. The emphasis throughout is on the practical and the positive: the gift and the potential that each person brings, and the path from where we are now to the very best of what we are called to be.
Reading HEAD versus HEART is a spiritual journey in itself. Page by page it gives new insights into our own struggles and dreams, and the gifts we take too much for granted, and the things that hold us back. It helps reveal our natural spiritual gifts and our individual calling – then plots the route toward the practical fulfillment of that calling. Along the way it also makes sense of the diverse people all around us – their weaknesses, their gifts, and the struggles and spiritual journeys in which they are engaged – making it so much easier to respect them, work alongside them, engage with them, and value their gifts.
While the language here is that of mainstream Christian spirituality – temptation and redemption, “the seven deadly sins,” biblical heroes, different patterns of prayer, “participation in the body of Christ” – there is plenty here for people of any faith or none. HEAD versus HEART is a personal journey of discovery – built on the common experience of what it is to be human in the world.