Jeanne, I'm glad you mentioned Chris' upcoming article on Christian Psychology, because I'd like to mention something (that maybe Chris is already writing about, or maybe it isn't applicable for the article...) and that is narcissism.
Joshua's brother is dating a narcissist woman...and it is something I had not realized, until i came across an article this week (maybe it was God had me come across this article, because of the perfect timing) and the article stated the characteristics of this type of person...this woman fits all of it. She is not capable of empathy or of loving others, blames everything on everyone else, belittles, lies, tries to keep him from his friends...and family, only cares about herself and her needs, etc. I showed my son this information and am praying he can be strong enough to get out of this relationship.
The sad thing I read is that many, many people in this country are this way...well, I shouldn't be surprised.
2 Timothy Chapter 3
1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
This is actually scary...the narcissist person can learn the "empathy" skills and fool/manipulate undiscerning victims. This experience has opened my eyes...at my age, I should know these things. It is something pretty terrible.
Romans Chapter 2
14 For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
Before becoming saved, people still decide (because of God's Law that is written on men's hearts) that it is wrong to be covetous, boasters, proud, disobedient, false accusers, fierce...and they can love people and care about people...
but not the narcissist. it really is nauseating, and sad...
They are incapable of natural affection.