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Author says destructive emotions prevalent among Christians

How prevalent is guilt, fear, and anger in the Christian community? According to psychologist and author Florence MacKenzie, more prevalent than most people might think.

"Many Christians struggle secretly, fearing disapproval or condemnation from family, friends or church contacts," says MacKenzie. "They try to put on a brave face and not admit they need help."

In her new book, Destructive Emotions: Facing Up to Guilt, Fear and Anger [WinePress, 2007], psychologist and author Florence MacKenzie says she has become increasingly aware of the chronic effect of emotions like guilt, fear and anger in people's lives. "These emotions become destructive when they destroy our happiness, impair our usefulness, and damage our ability to cope effectively with life."

MacKenzie uses a cognitive-behavioral approach throughout her book, drawing extensively on Biblical references and illustrations, as well as examples of people struggling with guilt, fear, or anger. The book's solution-focused emphasis can be seen in the short, practical suggestions which offer specific ways to deal effectively with destructive emotions.

"There's no use identifying problems of guilt, fear or anger and just telling people they need to change," says MacKenzie. "It's important to demonstrate how that change can be effected."

"I believe that God is in the business of changing people who have come to Him in repentance and faith, through Jesus Christ. When we show a willingness to commit to change and tap into His power to enable us to change, then He begins to transform us little by little into the people He wants us to be."

Born and raised in the north of Scotland, MacKenzie is on staff in the School of Psychology at Aberdeen University in Scotland where she regularly lectures to classes of over 600 students as well as teaching psychology in small group settings.

MacKenzie is the author of a number of small group Bible resources, a featured speaker at Christian conferences in both Scotland and the United States and the co-founder of the internet-based Christian ministry, Equipped for Living. The author and her husband live in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Full story at Christian Newswire.