A distinguished Christian psychiatrist’s reflections

ENOCH’S WALK – 95, NOT OUT:
Journey of a Psychiatrist’
By Dr David Enoch
Y Lolfa Publication. 352 pages. £14.99
ISBN 978 1 800 990 760

At the age of 95, world-renowned psychiatrist Dr David Enoch has finally published his inspiring autobiography Enoch’s Walk – 95, Not Out: Journey of a Psychiatrist.

Enoch’s Walk tells the fascinating life story of a man who has been a doctor, psychiatrist, preacher, broadcaster and author. Starting from humble beginnings in Penygroes, South Wales, David Enoch has been at the forefront of societal, religious and medical changes, making this account a valuable first-hand account of 20th-century history as well as an honest story of one man’s journey of faith.

Throughout his career David Enoch has been determined to bridge the gap between faith and medicine. His original intention was to become a member of the clergy, but the four years he spent in India serving in the armed forces changed all that. On his return, two mentors suggested to him that he should consider medicine as a career because that would enable him to help others physically and mentally, as well as allowing him to preach to more extended congregations.

As a result he trained as a doctor at St Thomas’ Hospital, London before enjoying a very distinguished career in psychiatry where he was at the forefront of humanising this field of medicine. He has been consistently prominent in the battle for the mentally ill to be acknowledged and treated appropriately. He has also championed a positive relationship between psychiatry and faith.

Dr Enoch also shares openly the highs and lows in both his private life and his career, but clearly states: ‘In spite of all the changes and ramifications of this period, my faith was preserved and enriched.’

Every day is important, but some can prove life changing. The day I met David Enoch was that significant. I have always sought to reconcile the challenging insights of contemporary science with the profound insights of the Bible. It seems to me that we should never be afraid of the truth whatever its source, and so I was particularly delighted to learn that the ‘distinguished’ Professor Enoch had agreed to speak at a Baptist Ministers’ Conference I was scheduled to attend in 1985. Little did I realise at the time just how important that conference was to prove in my life as a pastor.

As always, David spoke with clarity, authority and great personal insight, and what he said that day prompted me to purchase copies of his marvellous textbooks Healing the Hurt Mind and Uncommon Psychiatric Syndromes, books that have proved hugely helpful and influential in my ministry.

But David Enoch is far more than an academic and a teacher. He is also a great preacher who communicates his faith with clarity, passion and credibility. He is powerful evangelist too. Like many others, I will never forget the large ‘congregation’ of (some) believers and (many) non-believers who packed into a local hotel to eat a hearty meal and to listen to him wax lyrical about ‘A Psychiatrist’s Faith’. It was a memorable night indeed.

I am delighted to commend this book because it reflects the life and passion of a man I feel privileged to call a friend and who has contributed so much to a world that will only find ‘life in all its fulness’ when people acknowledge the same Lord that David Enoch has served so faithfully. Like the Biblical Enoch, David has walked with God and as a result has much to teach us. This is an unforgettable book, and it has the potential to change lives.