About the Book
From the author of the bestseller 'Christ-Centred Mindfulness', a transformative book that tackles the faulty stories we tell ourselves during times of pain and suffering.
Katherine Thompson shows how suffering can be a spiritual discipline, fostering growth, healing and a deeper faith in God. Her book provides a safe space to explore the difficult questions raised by suffering while encouraging us to confront personal challenges rather than avoid them.
'The Discipline of Suffering' offers practical strategies, real-life stories and useful skills to help reconstruct broken lives, equipping readers to navigate through difficult times.
Whether you seek healing, resilience or a renewed sense of purpose, 'The Discipline of Suffering' is your guide to redeeming your story and finding meaning amidst adversity.
Table of Contents:
Contents; Acknowledgements. 1. The Discipline of Suffering. Part I: Myths: 2. Christian Myths We Believe about Suffering. Part II: Dreams: 3. Cultural Dreaming; 4. Finding God's Dream for Us; 5. Disorientating and Reorientating Our Life and Faith. Part III: Narratives: 6. Rewriting Our Narratives; 7. The Narrative of the Suffering Christ; 8. The Narrative of the Apostle Paul; 9. Narratives that Externalise and Transform Our Faith and Suffering. Part IV: Stories: 10. The Stories We Tell Ourselves; 11. The Spiritual Discipline of Story Changing; 12. Redeeming Our Stories. Bibliography; About the Author.
About the Author :
Dr Katherine Thompson BA, BAppSci (Hons), BTh, BSW, PhD, is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and a Member of the Australian College of Social Workers. She works in the area of mental health as a therapist, lecturer, author and researcher.
Katherine is passionate about supporting young people with mental health challenges to live their best lives, and seeks to encourage people in ministry to thrive in their role. She currently divides her time between her work as a mental health social worker and therapist in private practice, and as a Senior Lecturer in Mental Health and Wellbeing at the Melbourne School of Theology and Eastern College Australia.
She has published in the areas of youth mental health, Christ-centred mindfulness, and cross-cultural mission. In 2019, her book 'Christ-Centred Mindfulness: Connection to Self and God' was announced the co-winner of the Martin Institute for Christianity and Culture and Dallas Willard Research Center Book Award.
Katherine has her own private practice with a focus on young people aged 12-25 years, as well as ministry and mission staff. She is most content when outside in nature connecting to God in quietness through his creation.
Review :
'This book, grounded in the lived experience of its author, Katherine Thompson, has grabbed a massive topic and wrestled with all the doubts, lies, truth and hope that circulate in the lives of those who follow Jesus. The book has the authority that comes from the author having contended with the harshest forms of her topic - suffering - and, having laid it at the foot of the cross, taken the reader on a journey of discovery and healing ... Intelligent and compassionate, honest and raw, authentic and hopeful, this book has a place on the shelf of any disciple of Jesus whose walk has been filled with complexity and nuance - for in it, they will find great wisdom.' Tim Argall, Executive Principal, Donvale Christian College
'Dr Thompson leads us through the depth of suffering in a manner softened by her vulnerability, combined with a rhythm that consistently brings us back to the surface for a revitalising breath of hope grounded in a close reading of the life of Jesus, the apostle Paul and Christian writings across the centuries. Non-simplistic analogies bring concepts to light that shift dominant paradigms of our self-oriented Western culture, and practical tools to assist us on our journey from brokenness to reconstruction guided by God's Spirit.' Dr Grant Bickerton, Psychologist; Leader of Missionary Development and Wellbeing, Power to Change
'This book is a gift. With vulnerability and intelligence, Thompson provides a guide to thinking, feeling and reimagining our way through life's most painful moments. In The Discipline of Suffering, the insights of Bible, theology, psychology and story are woven together in the most accessible and practical way. This is a book I'll return to again and again.' Rev. Dr Simon Carey Holt, Pastor, Collins Street Baptist Church
'Dr Katherine Thompson has written a must-read for anyone facing grief and suffering. Weaving her own story throughout, she isn't just sharing good ideas, she is showing us how to walk a path she has already trod. Using stories, theological reflection and practice exercises, she gently guides readers to unpack the false stories we tell ourselves about our suffering and encourages us to reframe, reset and step toward Jesus, whatever comes our way. Easy to read, gentle and practical in its approach, this will be a helpful guide to navigating suffering for years to come.' Rev. Bree Mills, Director, Micro Movements
'The Discipline of Suffering is a great gift to the Christian community. If offers us deeply practical help as we live through painful experiences. Katherine Thompson shares her own stories of suffering with vulnerability, giving the book a deep sense of real-ness. She uncovers the myths and lies that we so often tell ourselves when life is hard and then invites us into a different story. Instead of believing half-truths about God and ourselves, we can reframe our stories out of our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Katherine provides us with practical tools to engage in this task - so as you read this book, please don't skip the practical exercises at the end of each chapter! Practise them, put this book to work and grow through the discipline of suffering.' Rev. Dr David Williams, Director of Training and Development, CMS Australia
