Those ...prepared to grapple with science, social science, and Christian theology, will find [this book] important, thought-provoking, and rewarding. ?Sharon Daloz Parks, Whidbey Institute In this deep and enlightening discussion, psychologist, and theologian James E. Loder demonstrates how a theological perspective enlarges our understanding of how humans grow and develop from birth through the life span. Loder examines the intimate relationship between human nature and the divine and provides moving case studies, bringing the work of psychologists Freud, Erikson, and Piaget to that of seminal Christian theologians Kierkegaard, Barth, Torrance, and Pannenberg.Loder acknowledges that psychological stage theories enable us to understand the logic of humans' evolving relationship with the world and with God. At the same time, he demonstrates that the divine spirit has a logic of its own, which is not bound by stages. Seminarians, theologians, ministers, and pastoral counselors will benefit from this rich, thought-provoking guide. James E. Loder is the Mary D.Synnott Professor of the Philosophy of Christian Education at Princeton Theological Seminary and author of The Transforming Moment and coauthor of The Knight's Move.