Episode 79: Spiritual Avoidance episode artwork

EPISODE · Nov 23, 2025 · 28 MIN

Episode 79: Spiritual Avoidance

from The Christian Psychologist: Mental Health for 21st Century Christ Followers · host joshua knabb

ReferencesAschenbrenner, G. (2007). Examen. British Province of the Society of Jesus.Cashwell, C. S., Bentley, P. B., & Yarborough, J. P. (2007). The only way out is through: The peril of spiritual bypass. Counseling and Values, 51(2), 139-148.Colombiere, C. (1980). Trustful surrender to divine providence: The secret of peace and happiness. Tan Books.Fox, J., Cashwell, C. S., & Picciotto, G. (2017). The opiate of the masses: Measuring spiritual bypass and its relationship to spirituality, religion, mindfulness, psychological distress, and personality. Spirituality in Clinical Practice, 4(4), 274.Ignatian Spirituality. (n.d.). Consolations and desolations. https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/consolation-and-desolation-2/Ignatian Spirituality. (n.d.). The examen. https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/ignatian-prayer/the-examenIgnatius of Loyola. (n.d.). Suscipe. https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/prayer/traditional-catholic-prayers/saints-prayers/suscipe-prayer-saint-ignatius-of-loyola/Knabb, J. (2021). Christian meditation in clinical practice: A four-step model and workbook for therapists and clients. IVP Academic.Knabb, J., Vazquez, V., Pate, R., Garzon, F., & Wang, K. (2019). Christian meditation for trauma-based rumination: A four-week program. Unpublished manual.Thibodeaux, M. (2015). Reimagining the Ignatian Examen: Fresh ways to pray from your day. Loyola Press.Welwood, J. (1984). Principles of inner work: Psychological and spiritual. Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 16(1), 63-73.Welwood, J. (n.d.). On spiritual bypassing and relationship. https://scienceandnonduality.com/article/on-spiritual-bypassing-and-relationship/

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Nov 23, 2025

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In the 79th episode, Dr. Knabb explores the problem of spiritual avoidance, also called spiritual bypass. First, a secular psychological perspective is offered on the dilemma of spiritual bypass, including research that suggests it is linked to psychological distress. Then, a Christian understanding is provided on the importance of accepting, not avoiding, emotions as God-given signals as 21st century Christ followers. To conclude, a spiritual practice, the daily examen, is offered to help Christians recognize that God is working in and through our emotional pain.

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Episode 79: Spiritual Avoidance

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This episode was published on November 23, 2025.

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