Love Your Neighbor: How Psychology Can Enliven Faith and Transform Community

Discover how science can shed new light on one of Scripture's greatest commands--and transform your community one relationship at a time.

The biblical call to "love your neighbor" echoes through centuries, yet remains one of Christianity's most profound--and challenging--practices. In this innovative synthesis of practical theology and psychological science, professors Katherine M. Douglass and Brittany M. Tausen bring ancient wisdom from Scripture and cutting-edge research into a conversation that can revolutionize how you build meaningful connections.

Pulling from their respective areas of expertise, Douglass and Tausen illuminate the psychological pathways and spiritual practices that activate neighbor love. Through engaging stories and evidence-based insights, they reveal why human connection often falters--and provide actionable strategies to overcome these barriers.

Each chapter pairs illuminating research with practical exercises that readers can implement immediately, creating ripples of connection that extend far beyond their immediate circles. Love Your Neighbor doesn't just explain the biblical command--it empowers you to live it. Ideal for personal growth, small groups, or community-wide initiatives, this essential resource will help you love better and cultivate more Christlike ways of living in community.

Katherine M. Douglass is associate professor of educational ministry and practical theology at Seattle Pacific University. She is also an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Her research interests include the role that the arts play in faith, confirmation as a rite of passage, ministry with marginalized youth, and religious socialization in the home.

Brittany M. Tausen is associate professor of psychology at Seattle Pacific University and director of Classrooms that Cultivate Character, an initiative that leverages science-backed practices to help young adults grow in virtue. Her research focuses primarily on ways to reduce dehumanization, enhance neighbor love, and cultivate virtue so that loving intentions more readily manifest in loving actions.