Rating: 
Summary: Syncretistic, pop-psychology blather
Review: "Now the serpent was more subtle...."So goes the quote from Genesis 3:1 (KJV). "Subtle" also describes the errors in "How People Grow". Like many books passing themselves off as Christian, this latest effort from Henry Cloud and John Townsend has a worldview that in no way resembles classical Christianity. So thorough is the deception provided in the words of these two disciples of modern day psychology that many are unable to see how cleverly off this book actually is. Pop-psychology and true Christianity are two competing worldviews. One is correct and the other is a deception. Psychology appears to offer answers and help, but it actually only takes people further away from God. Most of this is due to the fact that psychology's main focus is propping up the self through manmade fixes. The Bible, on the other hand, claims that in order to find true peace and salvation in Christ, self must die - it has become so utterly distorted by the Fall of Man that it cannot be fixed, only crucified. That Cloud and Townsend try to shoehorn these two utterly incompatible worldviews into each other results in a syncretistic disaster. Sadly, it is a disaster that we have become so used to seeing passed off as reality that we have become numb to its true nature. We have a tendency to believe anything we hear often enough - and most Christian books today are filled with this kind of pop-psych pap - so "How People Grow" goes down smooth and easy. Unfortunately, we can't have it both ways. And though they speak of the Holy Spirit working in this process, the third person of the Trinity comes off as more a self-help group leader than the one who can burn the dross out of someone's life. Part of what makes this book so subtle is the preponderance of Scripture quoted in it. But this book uses the Bible errantly. Hundreds of verses are quoted to shore up the authors' presuppositions, but many are way out of context or interpreted in odd ways, always proving the authors' points even when those points are off base. Many examples of people struggling to overcome their problems (mostly self-inflicted) are included in the book. Cloud and Townsend anecdotally discuss how these people worked through their issues. Tellingly, few overcame their issues through acknowledging their sin, repenting, and crucifying self. A case in point would be appropriate. In Chapter 15, the authors tell the story of three wives. One of the wives is a Christian in a stagnant marriage. She eventually has an affair, divorces her husband, and - as Cloud and Townsend note - claims now to have peace with God. She's growing, and as the authors say, and I quote, "[She] did a lot of good things. She grew emotionally and relationally." Doesn't the fact that she ignored God, committed adultery, divorced her husband, and is now living a lie catch anyone as doing a lot of BAD things that created emotional and relational chaos? Isn't this the kind of person that absolutely needs to die to self? Just what kind of growth is this? Not the kind God approves of. Cloud and Townsend do add that this is not an optimal way of growing, but still, guys, just what are you endorsing? I was also put off by the constant references to their other books, especially the "Boundaries" series. It came off as a cry to buy more of their books. And sure enough, there is an ad for other books of theirs right there on the last page. This book also serves as a model for the self-help groups so common in the Seventies, but now almost entirely discredited in mainline psychology. The groups in the book appear to be like your standard Christian accountability group, but the level of disfunction of the group members is extreme from what the examples the authors give us show. And while the writers soundly endorse the method, we must ask just where all these trained leaders/facilitators are coming from. The average small group leader would be hard pressed to lead a group like this in the manner the authors endorse. Perhaps they also want you to take their extensive training courses at a few thousand a pop so you can lead like they do. For those looking to overcome their problems there is some Truth here (enough for two stars), but it is so buried in glop as to be hardly recognizable. For a truly Scriptural and far superior alternative see D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones' "Spiritual Depression - Its Causes and Its Cures." Please, as Cloud and Townsend extend their "ministry" to every corner of evangelical Christianity, take their advice with a grain of salt, a wary eye, solid doctrine, and a boatload of Scripture.
Rating: 
Summary: Makes you think!
Review: I enjoy the use of personal journey at the beginning of the book. The author's frustrations pan out to have real answers that are cleanly defined with the clarity only hindsight and rare perception can capture. I am finding the book tremendously useful, neither simplisticly nor weighted with academic analysis. Joe regular-Person will enjoy it. Psychologists and that ilk will benefit by it. Theologians may even have revelations as they read.
Rating: 
Summary: Very good, but questionable at the same time
Review: I read this book in 2001, and I must say that it is a very interesting, very encouraging and very uplifting book. It does offer one a lot of insights. My one issue with it are the authors' taking lines from Scripture and interpreting, translating them into a psychological perspective, basically saying this means this and that means that. I picked up an NIV bible, looked up some of the lines referenced in the How People Grow book, and got a totally different interpretation in the footnotes of the NIV bible. Now, I am not saying the authors are wrong or that the NIV is wrong; but they both can't be right - let alone all of the other interpretations out there, of which one of those may be actually right. And some of the authors' psychological interpretations did seem to be stretching it. But you won't feel like you wasted your money though.
Rating: 
Summary: Very effective tool for small group ministry
Review: My wife and I went through "How People Grow" last fall and were energized and encouraged by the fresh and relevant insights revealed in this book about how the bible speaks to personal growth. I grew up with a notion that the bible was not applicable to every day life, and this book has helped to turn that notion on its head. We kicked off a men's ministry group at our local church going through this book and now have as many as 12 men (including one professed atheist) coming together weekly to go through a chapter and "Confess our sins to one another and be healed." (James). I am amazed at what God is doing through the authors and the New Life Live ministries radio program. I have read many of the authors other books and I think this is their best work yet.
Rating:
Summary: True Spirituality
Review: The authors may have influenced my thinking and life profoundly in the 5 years I have come to listen and read them, but there was no way I would let anyone get away with clunky spiritual assertions. But I didn't have to as there weren't any in 'How People Grow'. Now this is difficult for me. Cloud and Townsend have themselves suggested and promoted that if we agree with someone about nearly everything, then there is probably something wrong. I would in an instant flame them, but 'How People Grow' just keeps getting me to appreciate and honour God more and more as I learn to walk in truth and grace. All I can do is thank God it was written. (I will let the flak be fired by the so-called heresy-hunters. They get spookier all the time.) From the first day 2 years ago, this book has always managed to to point me back to a God of loving and truthful holiness, grace, acceptance, unconditional love and majesty. It hardly seems possible that they write about the same Christian God who has been misrepresented in the legalistic and 'holier-than-thou' evangelical and Charismatic circles, and the One skewed beyond recognition by the liberal camp. Much of what I read in their books and listen to in their messages hark to the works of Henri Nouwen and Philip Yancey in the spirit and tenor of the themes. 'How People Grow' is ultimately about accepting that we desperately need God and His resources and His ways to accomplish life as He has planned it for us. People play an integral part in God's plan for us. Also, without humbly asking each other for help and support, we negate and cut-off a crucial resource of God to our detriment. 'How People Grow' is already the best devotional in my room among an impressive array of old trusted standards and it has spoiled me. I won't be able to read anymore "you-better-comply-or-God-will-be-mad-at-you" books. Neither the "look-at-me,aint-i-great-and-blessed, it-was -just- God- and-me-all-the-way" offerings. Thank God for tender mercies
Rating:
Summary: True Spirituality
Review: The authors may have influenced my thinking and life profoundly in the 5 years I have come to listen and read them, but there was no way I would let anyone get away with clunky spiritual assertions. But I didn't have to as there weren't any in 'How People Grow'. Now this is difficult for me. Cloud and Townsend have themselves suggested and promoted that if we agree with someone about nearly everything, then there is probably something wrong. I would in an instant flame them, but 'How People Grow' just keeps getting me to appreciate and honour God more and more as I learn to walk in truth and grace. All I can do is thank God it was written. (I will let the flak be fired by the so-called heresy-hunters. They get spookier all the time.) From the first day 2 years ago, this book has always managed to to point me back to a God of loving and truthful holiness, grace, acceptance, unconditional love and majesty. It hardly seems possible that they write about the same Christian God who has been misrepresented in the legalistic and 'holier-than-thou' evangelical and Charismatic circles, and the One skewed beyond recognition by the liberal camp. Much of what I read in their books and listen to in their messages hark to the works of Henri Nouwen and Philip Yancey in the spirit and tenor of the themes. 'How People Grow' is ultimately about accepting that we desperately need God and His resources and His ways to accomplish life as He has planned it for us. People play an integral part in God's plan for us. Also, without humbly asking each other for help and support, we negate and cut-off a crucial resource of God to our detriment. 'How People Grow' is already the best devotional in my room among an impressive array of old trusted standards and it has spoiled me. I won't be able to read anymore "you-better-comply-or-God-will-be-mad-at-you" books. Neither the "look-at-me,aint-i-great-and-blessed, it-was -just- God- and-me-all-the-way" offerings. Thank God for tender mercies
Rating:
Summary: True Spirituality
Review: The authors may have influenced my thinking and life profoundly in the 5 years I have come to listen to and read them, but there was no way I would let anyone get away with clunky spiritual assertions if there were any. But I didn't have to as there weren't any in 'How People Grow'. Now this is difficult for me. Cloud and Townsend have themselves suggested and promoted that if we agree with someone about nearly everything, then there is probably something wrong. I would in an instant be flame them, but 'How People Grow' just keeps getting me to appreciate and honour God more and more as well as walk in truth and grace that all I can do is thank God it was written. (I will the flak to the so-called heresy-hunters.) From the first day 2 years ago, this book has always managed to to point me back to a God of loving and truthful holiness, grace, acceptance, unconditional love and majesty. They write about the same Christian God who has been misrepresented in the legalistic and 'holier-than-thou' evangelical and Charismatic circles, and the One skewed beyond recognition by the liberal camp. Much of what I read in their books and listen in their messages hark to the works of Henri Nouwen and Philip Yancey in the spirit and tenor of the themes. 'How People Grow' is ultimately about accepting that we desperately need God and His resources and His ways to accomplish life as He has planned it for us. People play an integral part in God's plan for us. Also, without humbly asking each other for help and support, we negate and cut-off a crucial resource of God to our detriment. 'How People Grow' is already the best devotional in my room among an impressive array of old trusted standards and it has spoiled me. I won't be able to read anymore "you-better-comply-or-God-will-be-mad-at-you" books. Neither the "look-at-me,aint-i-great-and-blessed, it-was -just- God- and-me-all-the-way" offerings. Thank God for tender mercies
Rating:
Summary: Insightful viewpoint, very interesting
Review: This book can be summarized as a Biblical based approach to understanding personal growth and how that relates to spiritual growth. Two psychologists, Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend examine the personal growth process and point out how that process is found within the pages of the Bible. With that personal growth process as the starting point they then show how personal growth is in fact spiritual growth. This is one of the best books on personal growth that I have read. How People Grow is highly recommended to anyone seeking to change their life, get out of the rut of stagnation, or move to a happier place in their life. It is also recommended to Christian counselors, Pastoral counselors, and others involved with helping people.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent resource!
Review: This book encouraged me and reminded me that God uses all things to work together for good, for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. The authors bring together their many years of psychiatric hospital experience and their theological training. An excellent resource for anyone seeking to understand themselves or those they love.
Rating:
Summary: Good Book For Those Interested in Spiritual Growth
Review: While "How People Grow" concentrates on a small group setting, the book is also valuable for the individual person struggling with spiritual growth. Among the many interesting points the authors describe include: 1. We have to give up our self-sufficiency and submit to God's rule in our lives.
2. Humility is an essential trait for bearing pain and we are created to be dependent on God and others.
3. We are responsible for submitting our will to God's will.
4. Guilt is inwardly focused while godly sorrow is focused on how we have hurt others.
5. Grief is an essential part of spiritual growth.
6. Psychology is to used only to support, not supplant, the Bible.
7. We need to show people that change is not just for religious reasons, but as the way to a better life.
8. God has a special tenderness towards those who are needy and brokenhearted.
9. Life works much better when we surrender lordship to Jesus.
10. Excellent points on dealing with rebellion and overcoming temptation. Additionally, the book stresses the importance of being accountable to safe people who are interested in our spiritual growth and are not out to just judge others. The book is highly recommended for either the individual or small group leader interested in facilitating the spiritual growth of others. I believe the book would have been even more valuable if more text had been dedicated to developing strategies for finding safe people to confide in and some specific steps to facilitating growth. In other words, many principles were stated but fewer strategies were mentioned. For example, the tips for growers and facilitators at the end of every chapter could have been more specific (what questions to ask, what specific steps can you step to help those hurt by distorted Bible teachings, how can you teach the value of godly sorrow, etc.). The complaint aside, I highly recommend the book!
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