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Christian Anthropology

be a challenging task, but there are small starting points.
For example, I see connections between his ideas and de-
votional meditation strategies that encourage Surrender.
Much more research is needed on such strategies, and
their exploration could lead to further theory develop-
ment.

Conclusion
Dr. Vasilyuk has written an article that broadens my un-
derstanding of how to comfort the suffering. His work
meaningfully connects empathy with more than just buil-
ding the therapeutic alliance. Metaphorically speaking,
he seeks to use it as a starting point for “spiritual graf-
ting” and a vertical ladder to God. His emphasis on cul-
tivating helpful attitudes in prayer resembles the concept
of Surrender found in the religious coping literature. His Dr. Fernando Garzon (USA) is
writing reminds me of the important interaction between a professor in the Center for
theoretical development and empirical research. There is Counseling and Family Studies
much to build on in his work. at Liberty University. His diverse
professional experiences include
practicing as a clinical psycholo-
gist in outpatient settings, being
an associate pastor for a Latino
church, and doing pastoral care
ministry. His writing and research
References interests focus on investigating
Anderson, N. (2000). The bondage breaker. Eugene, OR: Christian interventions in coun-
Harvest House Publishers. seling and evaluating counselor
Clements, A. & Ermakova, A. (2012). Surrender to God education practices in spirituality.
and stress: A possible link between religiosity and health. Dr. Garzon has written in the are-
Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, 4(2), pp. 93-107. as of forgiveness, Christian inner
Cole, B. & Pargament, K. (1999). Spiritual surrender: A healing prayer, multicultural issu-
paradoxical path to control. In W. Miller’s (Ed.) Integra- es, and lay counseling models of
ting Spirituality into Treatment: Resources for Practitio- ministry. He is the IRB Chair for
ners (pp. 179-198). Washington, DC: American Psycho- Liberty University.
logical Association
Garzon, F. & Tilley, K. (2009). Do lay Christian counse-
ling models work? What we currently know. Journal of
Psychology and Christianity, 28(2), 130-140.

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