Lynn Underwood

For Shame

Philosophy

“With examples from life, philosophical analysis, biblical stories, and humor, Ten Elshof argues that there is a narrow band of appropriate feelings of shame that are actually positive. He points out that most of us want to be well-regarded in a community of others we respect, feeling honored rather than feeling shame, and this urge to avoid feeling shame can contribute to the good of our communities. However, he cautions against the shaming of others and urges societal changes that would actively honor those who feel ashamed or less than others for no valid reason, for example due to their ethnicity, gender, disability, or circumstance beyond their control. Counselors, psychologists, pastors, chaplains, and spiritual directors would find this book useful. His critique of the research on shame and his careful distinctions between shame and other feelings such as guilt, low self-esteem, and self-hatred should aid future researchers and help all of us who look to apply that research and subsequent interpretations interpretations to our lives and the lives of those we care for.”