by Boyd C. Purcell, Ph.D.
Christianity Without Insanity: For Optimal Mental/Emotional/Physical Health is about love-based vs. fear-based Christianity [includes a chapter on other major religions]. This book, per the subtitle, is based on the truth of holistic health inherent in psychopathology which Dr. Purcell has taught at Marshall University Graduate College.
Dr. Lewis Whaley, an oncologist, endorsed this author’s previous book, Spiritual Terrorism, with this statement. “As a physician, I can validate Dr. Purcell’s understanding of psychopathology. The anxiety which religion, or any other factor, generates has the potential to depress the human immune system, affect every organ, and impair bodily functions.”
The apostle John captured the essence of the dynamics of psychopathology in these comforting, encouraging, and inspiring words: “Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers” (III John 2). No person’s soul can prosper and, therefore, no one can be in optimal holistic health if one is living in fear of eternal torture in hell for oneself and/or loved ones.
Do you know the symbolic meaning of the mixed metaphor, “salted with fire,” [of which few people have even heard]? If not, you owe it to yourself to read this solidly Biblically-based book. One can believe in Christian Universalism (CU), not in spite of what The Holy Bible teaches, but because of exactly what The Holy Bible teaches about sin, salvation, heaven, and hell. Based on Biblical and historical facts, Jesus clearly taught CU—both implicitly and explicitly—just as surely as the grass is green, the sky is blue, God is in heaven, and Christ is Lord!
Spiritual Terrorism is about the impact of fear-based religion on people’s lives who have been spiritually abused by a negative conception of God through eternal hell-fire preaching and teaching. The doctrine of eternal punishment in literal fire is at the heart of many forms of spiritual abuse and all forms of spiritual terrorism which is the most extreme form of spiritual abuse. This book effectively explains the symbolic use of fire in The Holy Bible and other Holy Books. The common misunderstanding of the metaphorical usage of fire is the primary cause of spiritual terrorism.
Dr. Purcell clarifies the confusion over the Christian doctrine of salvation by grace and judgment which is based on the deeds of life—good or bad. This allows readers to grasp the liberating truth that people are totally free to live their lives but are also totally accountable, at the end of life, for how they have treated others. God will ultimately teach universal empathy and bring about perfect justice for all without violating anyone’s free will.
Spiritual abuse has the potential to affect all stages of life: in the womb, childhood, youth, young adults, older adults, end of life, and bereavement after the deaths of loved ones. Spiritual abuse may also affect all areas of life: marriage/divorce, emotional/mental/physical abuse, medical treatment or refusal of such treatment for self and children, and domestic and international terrorism.
All major world religions are addressed: Judeo/Christianity, Islam, and the Eastern Religions—Buddhism, Hinduism, and Sikhism. Included as well are Native American Beliefs. There is a theme running through all major religions of God’s unconditional love, amazing grace, infinite mercy, perfect justice, and a universal homecoming.
The term “Judeo/Christianity” has been used to include Judaism in the major religions of the world and to acknowledge that Judaism is the foundation of Christianity. Judaism has only about seven million members worldwide so it is a minor religion in regard to members but Judaism has had a major influence on Christianity and significant influence on Islam. They have been called, “the three great monotheistic religions.” In regard to adherents, Christianity is the largest religion with about two billion members (one billion Catholics, half a billion Eastern Orthodox, and about half a billion Anglicans and Protestants); Islam has a billion, Hinduism is fast approaching a billion; Buddhism has approximately half a billion; and Sikhism is fifth largest with about 25 million. These religions include the large majority of the people of the world.
For a one-page summary of Spiritual Terrorism: Spiritual Abuse from the Womb to the Tomb, on the menu go to the tab, “Spiritual Terrorism,” and click on the option “Summary.” Please feel free to use the “Contact” tab to ask the author questions and/or give feedback, which will be welcomed and valued.