Just finished...

People of the Lie: The Hope for Healing Human Evil by M. Scott Peck
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I found the psychiatric case studies (chapters 1-5) most instructive, especially in light of the author's reflection on his own thoughts, feelings and struggles in the course of therapy. I appreciated the insights he had on reconciling traditional science with a moral, value-based diagnosis of evil (chapter 7) and the daunting challenge it represents. I thought chapter 6 regarding group evil to be a waste of ink. While a valid diagnosis, it offered no path out, no practical treatment plan and was a diatribe against the military-industrial complex. It was less than instructive.

The one thing I would have wanted was to hear more of the author's faith journey during the time period and discussion how it changed and challenged him in his approach to therapy. There were some limited references but I would have appreciated more.

Certainly worth the read for those who counsel.

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