Curt Thompson - Anatomy of the Soul: Surprising Connections Between Neuroscience and Spiritual Practices that Can Transform Your Life and Relationships

A fascinating synthesis of religion and science, Anatomy of the Soul offers an illuminating journey through the Bible and the brain that has profoundly practical implications for how to live our lives more fully. Curt Thompson is a passionate student of both ways of knowing, bringing his unique perspective as a practicing psychiatrist and devout Christian to illuminate the overlap between the teachings of Jesus and the New Testament with my own field, interpersonal neurobiology. With an eloquent mastery of the interdisciplinary principles of the mind, the brain, and intimate relationships, our guide illustrates the healing power of integration at the heart of love, compassion, and well-being. Readers from religious and secular backgrounds alike will find this accessible and absorbing intersection of these two worlds to be deeply educational and inspiring.

Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., author of Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation; founding editor, Norton Series on Interpersonal Neurobiology; executive director, Mindsight Institute

As a bookseller who reads widely, I can say that it is not every day that a truly great book comes along by an exceptionally proficient psychiatrist who is also a good writer, a fabulous storyteller, and a mature Christian in love with the things of God, who yearns for the wholeness of Gods Kingdom. It is also rare when the serious science of brain studies is explained in a way that is both interesting and immediately helpful, as well as rooted in a vital biblical perspective. For some of us, reading neurological lingo makes our brains go soft. Trust me on this, though: whether you are a person who wants to improve the stability and joy of your daily living, a follower of Jesus who wants to deepen your experience of spirituality, or a helping professional who wants to integrate contemporary scientific theories with a distinctively Christian worldview, Anatomy of the Soul will be a thrill to read.

Byron Borger, Hearts & Minds Bookstore, Dallastown, Pennsylvania

It has long been noted that God has two books: the book of special revelation (the Bible) and the book of nature. In Anatomy of the Soul psychiatrist Curt Thompson convincingly demonstrates that the book of nature, through recent neurological findings, can broaden and deepen our understandings of the Christian life. With rich insight and clarity, Thompson forges new paths in comprehending the marvels and mysteries of our Creator, who made us to live integrated lives centered in his designs and purposes.

Dennis P. Hollinger, P h .D., president and Colman M. Mockler Distinguished Professor of Christian Ethics, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Curt Thompson probes deeply into the truth of the self in its relational, emotional, and imaginative dimensions beneath the tight technological propensities of our society. He does so with remarkable agility as he moves between his special expertise in neuroscience and his firm grasp of theological verities. His title, a phrase from John Calvin, goes beyond anatomy as metaphor in Calvin to take anatomy seriously as a dimension in spiritual health. Thompson writes in an accessible way, his argument being illuminated by many specific narratives of persons enroute to deeper health that is grounded and wholistic. This will be, for many readers, a category-changing read.

Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary

A must-read for those who desire to know and understand the spiritual journey.

Dr. Tim Clinton, president, American Association of Christian Counselors

Anatomy of the Soul is a very important book that beautifully integrates knowledge from the field of neuroscience with insight from the worlds of psychology and spirituality. Such integrative work needs to be done in order to have a holistic view of how people grow and transformwhich is at the heart of the gospel message. Thompsons contribution is extremely valuable!

Ruth Haley Barton, president, Transforming Center; author of Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation

There are far too many books these days that insult either your intellect or your faith in God... or both. Anatomy of the Soul does just the opposite. In it, Curt Thompson weaves together the very new insights of brain scientists, the ageless wisdom of the Bible, and his own experiences as a therapist and follower of Jesus into a genuine volume of hope. There arent many psychiatrists I know well enough to enthusiastically recommend, but Curt is certainly at the top of that list.

Tony Campolo, professor emeritus, Eastern University; author of Red Letter Christians

Integrating psychology and Christianity is messy business. Critics come from many sides, quickly dismissing even the notion of a Christian approach to psychology. Dr. Thompson brings a unique message that challenges all of us to consider counseling, medicine, and a relationship with Christ. His heart for helping those who hurt, combined with his head for medicine and science, blend into an arguable case for rethinking this integration. Dr. Thompson has been my friend for years, and Im thrilled for others to hear his wisdom and insight, and gain greater hope.

Dr. Michael Easley, former president, Moody Bible Institute; lead pastor, Fellowship Bible Church, Nashville, Tennessee

People of science should read this book for what it will teach them about faith, and people of faith should read it for what it will teach them about neuroscience. People who are hurting should read this book for what they can learn about mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical healingone of the true meanings of the word salvation . The author is a practicing psychiatrist and a person of faith who understands both. In this book, he does a delicate dance between science and religion without missing a step, affirming Einsteins famous maxim, Science without religion is lame; religion without science is blind.

William J. Carl III, P h .D., president, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary; author of The Lords Prayer forToday

Anyone who cares a whit about emotional health, marital satisfaction, effective parenting, or hope for the future should carefully savor Anatomy of the Soul . Here, science affirms the great promise of Romans 12: that recalibrated minds produce transformed lives, and that such inner retooling can inoculate entire family systems from crippling emotional, relational, and spiritual legacies. Dr. Thompsons inspiring road map offers clarity and empowerment, not only for personal journeys and relationships, but also for ministries seeking to apply potent spiritual principles to the basic stuff of life.

Beverly Hubble Tauke, LCSW, therapist and family counselor, Cornerstone Family Counseling, Fairfax, Virginia; author of Healing Your Family Tree

With wit and wisdom, illuminated by years of successful psychiatric practice and a profound engagement with Scripture, Curt Thompson leads us on a fascinating look at how recent discoveries in neuroscience can inform our understanding of ourselves and aid us in transforming our lives. Most strikingly, Dr. Thompson compellingly describes at the level of neurology what the Bible and religious experience have long testified to: the genuine possibility of renewing our minds! This book is hopeful and helpful, practical and potent. I recommend it to anyone who seeks to deepen their faithfulness and connection to God, their family and friends, and themselves.

Dr. Jeffrey Dudiak, associate professor of philosophy, The Kings University College, Edmonton; author of The Intrigue of Ethics