In this superb book, Thompson examines shame using three lenses: theology, neurobiology, and psychology. Each stands intelligibly on their own. Each harmonizes well with the others. This is quite a feat. Interdisciplinary books too often show real wisdom in one area of study while displaying little beyond awareness in others. Thompson clearly has studied deeply and reflected often in each of these areas. The result is a trustworthy book that offers comprehensive and actionable wisdom.
While reading this book I found myself reflecting upon the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture. This doctrine does not mean that the Bible tells us everything there is to know on the matters it discusses. The Bible regularly explores matters of shame but that doesn’t mean that it tells us everything there is to know about shame. Thompson shows us how neurobiological and psychological wisdom can help us better understand what the Bible does say about shame. We need to be careful to avoid standing on the authority of Scripture in such a way that we discount the wisdom outside of it.
Given the ubiquity of shame, this is a profitable book for the church. I have found myself leaning on its wisdom while preaching on deliverance from the temptations of the flesh, the world, and the devil. I hope I lean on it wisely when dealing with myself.