What the Bible Says about the Dangers of Self-Deception: An Exegetical Approach
Ebook
How do people know if they are deceiving themselves? Self-deception is something everyone practices to one degree or another, and it is closely related to other-deception (deceiving other people) and Satan's deception as the father of lies (John 8:44). How dangerous is self-deception? It can cost people their eternal destiny if they are deceiving themselves about their salvation. Self-deception has been a topic of keen interest among philosophers, theologians, and psychologists and is also a significant theme in the Bible. This book first introduces what the fields of philosophy, theology, and psychology say about self-deception and then examines many Bible passages that address the topic of self-deception to gain a biblical understanding of what it is and how to prevent it.
“This book is a well-informed, faithful exposition of the theme of self-deception drawn from various Scriptures with solid grounding in their Old and New Testament contexts. Pak gives a clear and engaging explanation of self-deception and its characteristics, including helpful insights from philosophical and psychological treatments of the topic. His treatment frequently provides perceptive analyses of self-deception in everyday human behavior and practical suggestions to lead readers to greater self-awareness and wisdom in practical living.”
—Buist Fanning, senior professor emeritus of New Testament studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
“Joseph Pak’s book, What the Bible Says about the Dangers of Self-Deception, is the product of decades of thoughtful and pastorally sensitive research. Pak explores the heart issues behind the pervasive and serious problem of spiritual self-deception, and readers will greatly benefit from reflecting on Pak’s interpretation and application of relevant biblical material. This is a clear, important, and engaging book for churchgoers and ministers alike.”
—Gregory S. MaGee, professor of biblical studies, Taylor University
“Dr. Joseph Pak traces the concept of self-deception throughout the Bible. He thoughtfully points out the close connection between self-deception and the fallenness of the human heart with its selfish desires, pride, and rejection of truth. The work also explores how the New Testament addresses this concept with those who profess faith without having genuine faith. His attentive exegetical work on Scripture can be likened to a mirror for our own soul. A very helpful book for those interested in this topic.”
—May Young, associate professor of biblical studies and Old Testament, department chair for biblical studies, Christian ministries, intercultural studies, and philosophy, Taylor University
- Title: What the Bible Says about the Dangers of Self-Deception: An Exegetical Approach
- Author: Joseph K. Pak
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2024
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9798385227136, 9798385227129, 9798385227112
- Resource ID: LLS:9798385227136
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-10-22T20:40:41Z
Joseph K. Pak is professor of biblical studies at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. He has a PhD in New Testament studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. He is the author of False Believers in the New Testament (2011), numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and dictionary and encyclopedia articles. He also translated several books from English to Korean, including The Purpose-Driven Church by Rick Warren and The Background of Early Christianity by Everett Ferguson.