Whether depression is felt mildly or acutely, temporarily or persistently, it strikes just

about everyone, and Christians are not exempted. Many believers ask, "Why

should I feel down since others tell me that my personal Christian faith should give

me a permanent sense of joy and spiritual assurance? Other questions soon follow:

What is depression? What brings it on? Why would a Christian commit suicide?

Does depression usually indicate a spiritual problem? What hope for conquering

depression do the Bible and Christianity offer?

The answer to these and other perplexing questions are competently given by

Frank B. Minirth and Paul D. Meier, who havecombined their professional training,

counseling experience, and biblical knowledge in this volume. Happiness Is a

Choice is up to date, clinically thorough, yet nontechnical. It s an easy-to-follow

guidebook for families as well as a convenient resource volume for pastors,

counselors, and family physicians.

Beyond descriptions of depression and its causes, symptoms, and treatments,

Minirth and Meier offer basic steps and guidelines for recovering and sustaining a

happy, fulfilling, and meaningful life.

Frank B. Minirth and Paul D. Meier are adjunct teachers in pastoral ministries at

Dallas Theological Seminary, They serve as president and vice president of the

Minirth-Meier Psychiatric Clinic located in a suburb of Dallas. Using the facilities

of Richardson Medical Center and Garland Memorial Hospital, the clinic treats

patients from all over the world.