The Missing Link
Richard Gene Arno
Reviewed by Teresa Konopka
“The Missing Link: Revealing Spiritual Genetics” by Richard Gene Arno,
PhD and Phyllis Jean Arno, PhD is a highly intellectual book. It delves
into the human psychology and discusses how the human mind works from a
Christian perspective. The main aspects of man are described as being
personality / mask, character / behavior, and temperament / inborn
traits. From there, five main personality types are issued: melancholy,
choleric, sanguine, supine, and phlegmatic. These five terms are
expressed more in depth in the book.
Afterwards, the actions and reasons for actions of the five personality
types are honed in on. Alcoholism and sexual abuse, among other taboo
topics, are mentioned. When such themes come up, the Arnos present them
in a professional manner, revealing why they are wrong and what
emotional responses trigger them. The doctors try to explain to readers
why their minds lead them astray and how they can break such habits.
When expounding on these tidbits of advice, the authors do not go into
graphic detail. So, even the younger reader can understand why certain
behaviors are wrong, while not reading explicit passages. Other topics
discussed revolve around the need for affection, domineering attitudes,
strengths, weaknesses, patterns, and social inclusion. Also, while the
Arnos’ viewpoints are the focus, they also contrast popular and ancient
psychologists’ views to not seem biased.
Throughout the book, many key vocabulary terms are used. Thankfully,
there is a glossary in the back of the book--which readers can be
guaranteed to flip to at least twice per chapter. In general, this book
reads like a Christian psychology textbook. Or, some may take it as a
personal counseling manual. Either way, the knowledge put forth is most
erudite. This could be one of the few psychological gems that does not
delve into the human mind with an evolutionist perspective.