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With Unveiled Face: A Pastoral & Theological Exploration of Shame

Reviewed by Bridget Jenkinson.

Paul Goodliff has a wealth of experience in ministry and counselling which he brings to bear on the sensitive subject of ‘shame’. He does this with a pastor’s heart and a depth of spiritual and theological insight.

The author helpfully differentiates between the protective and destructive aspects of shame - protective being discretion (e.g. behaving appropriately, wearing suitable clothing for an occasion), destructive being unhealthy inhibition (e.g. preventing openness in deep relationships and possibly leading to self-harm or worse). Using vivid illustrations drawn from his pastoral and counselling ministries (with due regard to confidentiality), Goodliff encourages readers into the realisations of the importance of nurturing experiences in early life and the trends in present-day society that induce destructive shame. These are set against an awareness of an increasing lack of protective shame. Into this context he expounds the revolutionary way Jesus responded to people who were ‘shamed’ by the society or religious leaders of His day. The writer opens up ways for Christian leaders to develop their own self-awareness in these areas and move towards healing in Jesus Christ. He also suggests practices that could help in pastoral care, church and family life.

This book makes compelling reading. It is demanding, not so much academically, but spiritually and emotionally if readers engage seriously with the issues raised. It is a timely, invaluable resource for all who work in pastoral care.