Mental Illness

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Jun 20, 2022
6,460
1,331
113
#1
Mental Illness, Psychological Disorder, whatever term available is broken down into categories based on behavior traits that all arrive from the brain.

But I wish to discuss a Biblical reasoning for how Mental Illness begins within any given human being.

Yes, we can find fault in the use of medications during pregnancy, there's also environmental problems that can lead to a developing fetus becoming mentally ill, there's smoking and drinking during pregnancy, there's accidental conditions like a trauma created by a fall or vehicle collision or many other possible factors, and some Mental Illness can be formed from physical and mental abuse which can be found in several narcissistic patients. The fact is there's many possible ways someone could become mentally ill including Genetics.

But when I look at these possible factors, I see something very distinct. I can see SIN.

I see SIN from environmental issues because of how greedy humans dealt with certain chemicals, I see SIN from the medications of greedy manufacturers telling pregnant women their baby would be safe, look at the metal content discovered in baby food causing Autism and other issues, I also see SIN from a pregnant woman choosing to drink and smoke during pregnancy, I see SIN in Genetics.

I see so much possible ways how SIN created cause and effect it made me realize that ultimately Mental Illness is a condition of Generational SIN that is mentioned over and over in the Holy Word of God.

Another reason I believe this is Generational SIN because every human I ever met dealing with Autism, Narcissism, Asperger, Psychological Disorder has believed I suffer Mental Illness for believing in GOD. That really strikes me odd. These people have been medically diagnosed and live in a literal alternative world but believe people who think GOD is real are straight up nuts and off their rockers.

Generational SIN seems to explain this the best.

I would be fortunate if others would share their thoughts towards this Topic. Do YOU believe Mental Illness is a condition of Generational SIN?
 
Jan 14, 2021
1,599
526
113
#3
Do YOU believe Mental Illness is a condition of Generational SIN?
No.

"Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him." - Ezekiel 18:19-20 KJV
 
Jun 20, 2022
6,460
1,331
113
#4
No.

"Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him." - Ezekiel 18:19-20 KJV
Your Verse only pertains to those who are Followers of God. But for those families that for generations have denied and refused to follow God Your Verse has no meaning towards it.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,503
12,955
113
#5
I would be fortunate if others would share their thoughts towards this Topic. Do YOU believe Mental Illness is a condition of Generational SIN?
Not really. Mental illness is a departure from reality, but there is a good possibility that either demons or Satan are behind this (as seen in the Bible). So it is in fact a spiritual problem which cannot be addressed through medications. All human beings are sinners, but only a small percentage are mentally ill. There could be many reasons, but a broad outline is given to us in Romans chapter one. A "reprobate mind" is mentioned there.
 
Jun 20, 2022
6,460
1,331
113
#6
No.

"Yet say ye, Why? doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? When the son hath done that which is lawful and right, and hath kept all my statutes, and hath done them, he shall surely live. The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him." - Ezekiel 18:19-20 KJV
 

Attachments

Jun 20, 2022
6,460
1,331
113
#7
What is the connection for those who suffer psychological disorders to think believing in GOD equals mental Illness?
 

wattie

Senior Member
Feb 24, 2009
3,054
1,032
113
New Zealand
#8
Mental Illness, Psychological Disorder, whatever term available is broken down into categories based on behavior traits that all arrive from the brain.

But I wish to discuss a Biblical reasoning for how Mental Illness begins within any given human being.

Yes, we can find fault in the use of medications during pregnancy, there's also environmental problems that can lead to a developing fetus becoming mentally ill, there's smoking and drinking during pregnancy, there's accidental conditions like a trauma created by a fall or vehicle collision or many other possible factors, and some Mental Illness can be formed from physical and mental abuse which can be found in several narcissistic patients. The fact is there's many possible ways someone could become mentally ill including Genetics.

But when I look at these possible factors, I see something very distinct. I can see SIN.

I see SIN from environmental issues because of how greedy humans dealt with certain chemicals, I see SIN from the medications of greedy manufacturers telling pregnant women their baby would be safe, look at the metal content discovered in baby food causing Autism and other issues, I also see SIN from a pregnant woman choosing to drink and smoke during pregnancy, I see SIN in Genetics.

I see so much possible ways how SIN created cause and effect it made me realize that ultimately Mental Illness is a condition of Generational SIN that is mentioned over and over in the Holy Word of God.

Another reason I believe this is Generational SIN because every human I ever met dealing with Autism, Narcissism, Asperger, Psychological Disorder has believed I suffer Mental Illness for believing in GOD. That really strikes me odd. These people have been medically diagnosed and live in a literal alternative world but believe people who think GOD is real are straight up nuts and off their rockers.

Generational SIN seems to explain this the best.

I would be fortunate if others would share their thoughts towards this Topic. Do YOU believe Mental Illness is a condition of Generational SIN?
Well like you posted there are alot of factors that contribute to somebody becoming mentally ill.

At the moment in my life:

*lost my job
*trying to break an addiction
*have renewed issues with my eyesight
*am dealing with the after affects of recovering from food poisoning.
*have hurt my back

So its an alert/danger time for me for mental illness developing.

This though is not 'generational' it's my own life factors.
 

Rosemaryx

Senior Member
May 3, 2017
3,719
4,080
113
62
#9
Well like you posted there are alot of factors that contribute to somebody becoming mentally ill.

At the moment in my life:

*lost my job
*trying to break an addiction
*have renewed issues with my eyesight
*am dealing with the after affects of recovering from food poisoning.
*have hurt my back

So its an alert/danger time for me for mental illness developing.

This though is not 'generational' it's my own life factors.
Praying for you brother right now...
 
Mar 4, 2020
8,614
3,679
113
#10
Seems like out of control anger can lead to rage. Anger is known to manifest itself physically in a person’s body. It can lead to higher blood pressure which can cause even more serious health problems.

People sometimes don’t understand how intimately connected our spiritual self is to our physical self, possibly because of all of the things about crucifying that naughty flesh that wars against God, but actually God made us with a physically body for a good reason and He said it was good.

Just something to consider.
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,699
113
#11
I see so much possible ways how SIN created cause and effect it made me realize that ultimately Mental Illness is a condition of Generational SIN that is mentioned over and over in the Holy Word of God.
Jesus will meet you right where you are at. It is the state of your heart that matters to Him. Many things are a result of Adam's sin, but Jesus died so that we might be healed of all manner of infirmities on some glad morning.

Revelation 3:20
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
 

wattie

Senior Member
Feb 24, 2009
3,054
1,032
113
New Zealand
#12
Praying for you brother right now...
Thank you Rosemaryx, I appreciate that.

I'm also very blessed by God to have a comfortable place to live, a close family and a good church. But I can relate to what Runningman has posted... the affects of sin do manifest themselves physically sometimes.
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,699
113
#13
Well like you posted there are alot of factors that contribute to somebody becoming mentally ill.

At the moment in my life:

*lost my job
*trying to break an addiction
*have renewed issues with my eyesight
*am dealing with the after affects of recovering from food poisoning.
*have hurt my back

So its an alert/danger time for me for mental illness developing.

This though is not 'generational' it's my own life factors.
I will pray that you come through this time even stronger than you were before. Jesus can use things that seemingly break us to actually make us. Just remember, through all these things, that He loves you.

God bless you, my much beloved brother.
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,699
113
#14
What is the connection for those who suffer psychological disorders to think believing in GOD equals mental Illness?
Draw closer to Jesus. When you know Him personally, you know that you know that you know.

James 4:8
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
 
Jan 14, 2021
1,599
526
113
#15
It's an interesting topic. Jer 31:29 may exist as a turning point where it no longer applied.

"In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge." - Jer 31:29 KJV

If we look further at your Exo / Deut passage:

"Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments." - Exodus 20:5-6 KJV, also Deut 5:9-10 KJV

It would seem to be the case that the subsequent generations did not face visited iniquity themselves if they chose to love God and keep the commandments. But the hatred of a father would count negatively against a son even if the son was only apathetic. But apathy would still seem like a sin or sinful state in itself.

At the very least we can't expect handicaps like blindness, deafness, etc. to be the result of sin.

"And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him." - John 9:1-3 KJV

Still an interesting topic. What are your thoughts on these passages?
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,503
12,955
113
#16
What is the connection for those who suffer psychological disorders to think believing in GOD equals mental Illness?
This attitude reflects the fact that Satan is behind those attacks. He does not want anyone believing in God or the Lord Jesus Christ, to whom he said "IF THOU BE THE SON OF GOD...".
 

Rosemaryx

Senior Member
May 3, 2017
3,719
4,080
113
62
#17
Thank you Rosemaryx, I appreciate that.

I'm also very blessed by God to have a comfortable place to live, a close family and a good church. But I can relate to what Runningman has posted... the affects of sin do manifest themselves physically sometimes.
Yes I agree...Sin does have its consequences...But past sins are forgiven , we need only to come to our Lord if we have sinned , and He promises to wash us clean...Pruning is painful , but so good for us...Jesus did not promise us an easy life , but He promised to never leave us nor forget about us...God bless you brother as you carry on towards the Kingdom of Heaven Amen...xox...
 
P

persistent

Guest
#18
But I wish to discuss a Biblical reasoning for how Mental Illness begins within any given human being.
19th century preacher Charles Spurgeon in a sermon suggested that anyone that was not living in accord with Bible teaching was to some degree insane. As I don't recall what if any Scriptural evidence he gave I post here possible verses which may support his statement and possibly addresses the question you posted on this thread.
Seems the worldly vs Christian understanding of 'mental illness' and 'sanity' may also need to be considered regarding this issue. And further consideration according to social norms. Even among 'Christian' organizations which are Bible based doctrine and tradition of each may factor in and need be considered. Some 'Christian' organizations may claim to be Bible based and seem to contradict Bible teaching and 'mental illness' and 'sanity' may be perceived according to their doctrine and tradition.

Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. 26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; 29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, 30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: 32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
 

HealthAndHappiness

Well-known member
Jul 7, 2022
8,214
3,405
113
Almost Heaven West Virginia
#19
This is a big topic.
I agree that there are many causes of many things. Sin is certainly a factor in very many illnesses of various categories. However, as often as it is, it's not always the cause.
Salvation, that is trusting Jesus as your Savior, followed by a growing love and closeness to Him will solve problems that no psychiatrist on earth can help.
 
Jun 20, 2022
6,460
1,331
113
#20
I am making no concrete judgment here but mainly looking at factors.

It's like after Adam and Eve SINNED and generations of Sin are compounded to a cause and effect, look at all of the birth defects other than mental Illness like attracted to same sex and not being fully developed correctly and many other possible outcomes.

It seems if there was no SIN these would be non issues. But because of Sin, and added to generations of Sin look at how things have changed.

I truly believe had Adam and Eve not SINNED no child would have ever been born defective.

But because they did Sin followed by generations of Sin these are now the cause and effect of that Sin.