The Spirituality That Heals: God's Provision for Your Soul's Deepest Need

In The Spirituality That Heals: God's Provision for Your Soul's Deepest Need, Michael Youssef discusses the characteristics of ""true spirituality"" as formulated according to evangelical Christian doctrines of sin and salvation, arguing that physical and spiritual healing is an outgrowth of salvation. While the book contains some fine moments, too much of it is taken up with shadow-boxing what Youssef calls ""shadow spirituality,"" a popular humanistic understanding that he says is based in New Age teachings. Youssef does not cross the line into polemics, but his characterizations of ""shadow spirituality"" are sometimes misleading, as when he lumps ancient Eastern religions together with contemporary New Age beliefs. The writing style can also be overly forceful, ridden with rhetorical questions that are then answered by exclamatory declarations. Still, there are some strong thoughts here on the healing power of God's love and, intriguingly, God's joy.