Suicide. Homicide. Eating disorders. Drugs and alcohol. Promiscuity. Academic failure. Today’s youths often are over-whelmed by difficult pasts and find themselves lacking in hope that the future will be more meaningful. Many suffer what is described as disorders of the self. Robert Dykstra uses case studies of four such young people from varied backgrounds to teach pastoral caregivers the theoretical knowledge and practical wisdom to offer youths effective ministry on the journey to find “self”.

“Most books on today’s youth are superficial and unrealistic. This book is neither. Robert Dykstra knows from first-hand experience what he is talking about and has written a book that is passionate, probing, profound, and hits uncomfortably close to home This is not bland stuff. Prepare to be moved. It is not what you think. Prepare to be enlightened.” Donald Capps, William Harte Felmeth Professor of Pastoral Theology, Princeton Theological Seminary and author of The Child’s Song: The Religious Abuse of Children.

Robert Dykstra is Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care and Counselling at Princeton Theological Seminary.