Incidental Psychotherapy within Christian Relationships points out the close similarity between the loving connections of Christians and therapeutic relationships between psychotherapists and clients. Thus, a simple Christian connection has an incidental therapeutic value for a troubled friend. This book continuously emphasizes that a Christian connection is never forged for the purpose of restoring mental health, but to obey the Christian mandate to love. The Christian connection, as a therapeutic alliance, merely provides a personal preparatory stage for possible later improvement. It does not apply in any way to the use of professional therapeutic techniques. The book discusses the nature of psychotherapy, the nature of "cures," and the credentials of qualified psychotherapists. Chapters focus on the nature of Christian connection and ways to improve it.

This book is the third in a trilogy of books on introductory psychology. It emphasizes the application of psychological principles for the improvement of individual and group behaviors. The two principles of greatest relevance are the Law of Effect and the Principle of Human Agency. The universally-accepted Law of Effect states that rewarded behaviors tend to be repeated, whereas unrewarded or punished behaviors are not likely to be repeated. The controversial Principle of Human Agency states that individuals can make voluntary choices of behaviors that may, or may not, be successful in achieving their goals in life. If this second principle is true, the behaviors of individuals are not totally determined by the personal heredity of the individuals or by their environmental rewards or punishments. Applied Psychology for Servant Religion discusses problem solving, interpretation of test results, and ways to improve individual and social behaviors.

This book asserts that the better one understands the causes of behavior, the better one can apply that knowledge to produce a better world. It describes the mechanisms that cause human behavior, such as freedom of will, in a manner consistent with religious beliefs. It also asserts that all avenues for studying human behavior, like intuition and prayer, are acceptable and necessary. Thus, when studying the agent of human action, we must rely on faith, logic, and intuition, in addition to the full use of empirical science. Principles of Psychology for People of God begins with a description of the nervous system and continues with chapters on development, perception, internal states, learning, memory, and the ultimate selection of behaviors. Nevertheless, it steadfastly emphasizes that behavior is not produced by physical mechanisms alone, but also by a non-material spirit that can transcend some inheritances and environments.

This book combats the anti-religious sentiment of some psychologists. It argues that Christians do not have to give up their religious faith to keep the contributions of science. A science compatible with religion accepts that human beings have freedom of will to select behaviors and that all methods of studying human behavior are acceptable. Both of these premises are accepted by a modern view of science which recognizes its inherent subjectivity. E. Rae Harcum explicitly asserts the important role of spirituality in psychology, especially in psychotherapy. The book confronts the relation between the human body and its non-material parts-the mind and spirit-and provides a way of looking at these metaphysical issues. A Psychology for People of God promotes the need of the Christian to love and to care for his or her fellows. After all, fitness for survival entails the willingness to serve.

The central proposition of God's Prescription for Mental Health and Religion is that the highway to mental health of individuals and of society is God's prescription of selfless devotion and service to others. Mental health does not refer to the absence of mental disturbance, but rather to feelings of happiness and well-being. This message represents an integration of psychological and religious thinking, both of which say that personal peace and happiness come to those who devote their lives to serving others, instead of those who focus their lives on a search for personal pleasure. This proposition is supported by rigorous psychological research showing that people who believe in a loving and supportive God do, in fact, enjoy better mental health. This thesis is also supported by the insightful advice of many experts and commentators on social problems, and by specific quotations from the Bible. So, smile if you truly believe your religion.

In Saving Our Church, the author argues that systemic diseases, which can infect and degrade any organization, are particularly virulent in the church because they are not recognized and therefore not treated. Many church members, called Churchians by the author, are more interested in earthly treasures of church membership than in serving God and their neighbors. Churchians are likely to control all levels of church governance. As a result, churches are converted into loveless social clubs that abuse dissident members and threaten the very life of the organized church. The author provides evidence for these claims through published accounts and two recent case histories. The book places major blame on the clergy, especially those in higher church governance, and states that the Churchians must be fought by recognizing their goals and methods, courageously confronting them, and healing their abuses by restoring and strengthening love in our church.

Harcum maintains that the proper assumptions about human nature are established by their relative utility in solving existing human problems. In order to facilitate solutions to familiar problems of daily living, the author advocates a definition of the science of psychology that includes the concepts of human freedom and intrinsic dignity. The author emphasizes the importance of the free will concept to behavioral scientists and practitioners as well as to citizens of the general population who, perhaps without realizing it, are forced users of behavioral science. The author's intention is to show that our cherished beliefs in the concepts of freedom and dignity are consistent with scientific principles and thus will become a vital part of a scientifically designed culture.

This book is a wake-up call for those who contend that the peer review system for journal publications works. It supports the current groundswell of dissatisfaction with peer review. Harcum and Rosen challenge the notion of simple biases of researchers and argue that many reviews are simply incompetent. The biases against new scientific approaches and philosophies are exacerbated if proposed by unknown researchers or if contrary to the established research stars. The authors also destroy the myth of the appeal system as a forum whereby peers can debate scientific issues.

The primary purpose of this work is to raise the consciousness of the scientific community, particularly psychologists, about serious flaws in peer review. The authors demonstrate in a dramatic way how poor the system really is, and propose a critical change--the institution of a viable system for appeals.

A question booklet designed to be used in a course on Introductory Psychology for the People of God, based on three textbooks by E. Rae Harcum, published by Hamilton Press: A Psychology for People of God, Principles of Psychology in Religious Context, and Applied Psychology for Servant Religion.