Explaining Evil

In this three-volume set aimed at general readers and undergraduate students, Ellens, a retired philosophy, theology, and psychology professor with experience as a theologian, pastor, and clinical therapist, assembles 58 chapters that examine incidences of evil from ancient times to the present day. The set explores their causes and effects, and the relationship to psychology, religion, and spirituality, as well as concepts of evil in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Chinese philosophy, and Native American beliefs. The first volume considers the nature of evil, while the second describes its role and dynamics in the Church and society, and the third looks at the psychodynamics in countering evil and psychosocial efforts to contain, control, and cure it. Topics include the psychology, sociology, and biblical theology of evil; gnoticism; narcissism as evil; terrorism; ancient Egyptian sources; anti-semitism; evil in everyday life, Jungian psychology, and various countries, cultures, and contexts; the role of the church in mitigation; demon possession; and positive psychology. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

J. Harold Ellens, PhD, is the founding editor and editor-in-chief emeritus of theJournal of Psychology and Christianity.