Overview
How does the imagination affect our spiritual growth and discipleship? Is it possible for our imaginations to cause harm in the world?
In his search to understand how the imagination works and how theology can nurture it for cultural discipleship, Justin Ariel Bailey realized the limitations of common discipleship models: The pursuit of spiritual growth often devolves into information transfer and behavior modification. Bailey argues that imagination is at the heart of discipleship, influencing our choices, behaviors, and beliefs about God, ourselves, and the world. But it needs both healing and training--a diseased imagination can result in harm to self and others.
Bailey examines the imagination's role in spiritual life, from perception and attention to hope and emotion, while diagnosing its diseases, including hypocrisy, distraction, control, and self-deception. Each chapter ends with an orienting prayer, culminating in a longer prayer that captures the book's themes.
With theological depth and pastoral wisdom, Bailey invites readers to reclaim their imaginations as a vital part of discipleship, shaping a life of deeper love and justice.
In his search to understand how the imagination works and how theology can nurture it for cultural discipleship, Justin Ariel Bailey realized the limitations of common discipleship models: The pursuit of spiritual growth often devolves into information transfer and behavior modification. Bailey argues that imagination is at the heart of discipleship, influencing our choices, behaviors, and beliefs about God, ourselves, and the world. But it needs both healing and training--a diseased imagination can result in harm to self and others.
Bailey examines the imagination's role in spiritual life, from perception and attention to hope and emotion, while diagnosing its diseases, including hypocrisy, distraction, control, and self-deception. Each chapter ends with an orienting prayer, culminating in a longer prayer that captures the book's themes.
With theological depth and pastoral wisdom, Bailey invites readers to reclaim their imaginations as a vital part of discipleship, shaping a life of deeper love and justice.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Undragoning the Imagination
1. The Eyes of the Heart: Imagination and Perception
2. Seeing and Believing: Imagination and Prayer
3. Close Your Eyes: Imaginative Resistance
4. Look Again: Imagination and Attention
5. The God Who Speaks: Imaginative Absorption
6. The God Who Sees: Imagination and Attachment
7. Taste and See: Imagination and Emotion
8. Seeing with Other Eyes: Imagination and History
9. What We Do Not Yet See: Imagination and Hope
Afterword: Innovation and Incarnation
Appendix: Imaginative Diseases
and Orienting Prayers
Indexes
1. The Eyes of the Heart: Imagination and Perception
2. Seeing and Believing: Imagination and Prayer
3. Close Your Eyes: Imaginative Resistance
4. Look Again: Imagination and Attention
5. The God Who Speaks: Imaginative Absorption
6. The God Who Sees: Imagination and Attachment
7. Taste and See: Imagination and Emotion
8. Seeing with Other Eyes: Imagination and History
9. What We Do Not Yet See: Imagination and Hope
Afterword: Innovation and Incarnation
Appendix: Imaginative Diseases
and Orienting Prayers
Indexes
Endorsements
“During my Christian formation, discipleship was often reduced to knowing and doing the right things. But what if we’ve lost something more fundamental, more central than either knowledge or action? What if we have misguided imaginations? In Discipling the Diseased Imagination, Justin Bailey artfully and convincingly makes a case that the imagination is the center of our discipleship. To reimagine is not a childish thing but a moral imperative of possibility.”
Alex Sosler, associate professor of Bible and ministry, Montreat College
Author
Justin Ariel Bailey
Justin Ariel Bailey (PhD, Fuller Seminary) is dean of chapel and professor of theology at Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa. He is an ordained minister in the Christian Reformed Church and has served as a pastor in diverse settings. Bailey is the author of Reimagining Apologetics and Interpreting Your World, and he is a sought-after speaker.