Your take on mental illness and the Christian faith...

[Dino246]

What do you mean?

There are no certainties, no definite causes, no consistently effective treatments. If you have what appears to be a mental illness, the doctors will try a medication to see how it affects you. If there's no (or inadequate) effect, they'll try something else. Many of the standard treatments simply dull the mind, rather than actually facilitating true healing.

 

[maxwel]

Most Christians simply do not have a clear understanding about the nature of mental illness. I think when most Christians use the term they are talking about hard and complicated problems that produce significant debilitating effects. When they see these problems they find them to be so extreme and troubling that they believe they must require some type of medication to correct a perceived physical problem.

Christians are right to want to provide all the help possible for these kinds of problems. If we want to provide real help, however, it will be important to know what we’re talking about when we use the term.

MORE

I agree.

It really only takes a bit of calm, rational thought to sort it out.
A. Do you have a brain?
B. Is that a physical thing which might encounter physical maladies?
C. Do you live in a fallen world where physical maladies are common?

The answer to the existence of mental illness just logically appears.


Fallen World / Multiple Problems

In a fallen world, it is possible to have physical ailments which affect any part of us, including our physical brains.

I think the theological disconnect occurs when we try to explain the overlap between these physical ailments, demon possession, sin, and emotional problems... all of which can cause a person to be irrational.

As Christians, we needn't just PICK ONE explanation, and disregard all others.

We live in a fallen world, it is possible for their to be multiple causes for our problems.

A. Demon possession, according to scripture, is real.
B. Sin, and the entire vast array of emotional problems it creates, is real.
C. Physical illness, which can affect any part of your physical body, including your brain, is real.

As Christians, we needn't tie ourselves to only one of these explanations, in some attempt to be more theological.
They ALL SQUARE WITH SCRIPTURE.

All of these explanations square with scripture.

So, mental illness is a real thing.
But it isn't necessarily the only explanation for a person being irrational.
Also, to believe mental illness exists, is NOT to necessarily tie us to every conclusion or diagnosis the modern psychological establishment arrives at.
We don't have to commit ouselves to agreeing with every little thing they say.
(A few years back homosexuality was clinically diagnosed as a mental illness, and now it is not. Well, whatever homosexuality is, it certainly cannot be an illness one day, and then not an illness the next day. Therefore, although mental illness exists, we needn't rationally have to agree to every little thing the medical establishment comes up with. To commit ourselves to the existence of mental illness in general is not to commit ourselves to the existence of every mental illness in particular.)


Alright guys, I'm just chucking out a few ideas about WHY I think we have so much disagreement on this issue.

There is usually disagreement for some reason.

God Bless.

.

 

[Eli12]

In the medical branch two types of mental problems are distinguished: neurosis and sycosis. Neurosis is a negative response of the individual to certain problematic situations. Sycosis is a physical problem that has to do with chemical imbalances in the brain. Neurosis is treated with education, and sycosis is treated with medication.

From the biblical point of view, neurosis can be fought through biblical education, so that the person who applies the biblical principles to a greater extent can improve his behavior based on biblical thoughts and application of divine principles. There are secular psychotherapies that can help, although the advice given in these sections is not always in line with biblical principles.

Sycosis requires professional attention. Some psychoses may be due to demonic attacks, and I underline SOME. The prayer of the brothers can help in these cases; the person must get rid of everything that may have been influenced by demonic spirits, any object that "belongs to them" or has been obtained from practitioners of spiritualistic religions ...

In any case, the person should seek professional help. I worked in a psychiatric hospital for 8 years. Christians, like any other person, can be a victim of these kinds of problems, even if they are demonic attacks.

PD: I used Google Translator to translate my post. Hopefully it is correct.

 

[Bingo]

"Something to ponder. A person that has a mental illness that removes
the ability to understand and comprehend the reality of the real world,
and a person of a sound mind that has the ability to understand and
comprehend the reality of the real world...we know not which person
would have more peace within. An example may be seen in those with
certain types of mental disability seem to show more physical love than
those without a mental disability. Autism often an example. And, does not
'blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth'...a notable statement
that bears a deep meaning."
'Praise God'

 

[Brandon123]

I agree.

It really only takes a bit of calm, rational thought to sort it out.
A. Do you have a brain?
B. Is that a physical thing which might encounter physical maladies?
C. Do you live in a fallen world where physical maladies are common?

The answer to the existence of mental illness just logically appears.


Fallen World / Multiple Problems

In a fallen world, it is possible to have physical ailments which affect any part of us, including our physical brains.

I think the theological disconnect occurs when we try to explain the overlap between these physical ailments, demon possession, sin, and emotional problems... all of which can cause a person to be irrational.

As Christians, we needn't just PICK ONE explanation, and disregard all others.

We live in a fallen world, it is possible for their to be multiple causes for our problems.

A. Demon possession, according to scripture, is real.
B. Sin, and the entire vast array of emotional problems it creates, is real.
C. Physical illness, which can affect any part of your physical body, including your brain, is real.

As Christians, we needn't tie ourselves to only one of these explanations, in some attempt to be more theological.
They ALL SQUARE WITH SCRIPTURE.

All of these explanations square with scripture.

So, mental illness is a real thing.
But it isn't necessarily the only explanation for a person being irrational.
Also, to believe mental illness exists, is NOT to necessarily tie us to every conclusion or diagnosis the modern psychological establishment arrives at.
We don't have to commit ouselves to agreeing with every little thing they say.
(A few years back homosexuality was clinically diagnosed as a mental illness, and now it is not. Well, whatever homosexuality is, it certainly cannot be an illness one day, and then not an illness the next day. Therefore, although mental illness exists, we needn't rationally have to agree to every little thing the medical establishment comes up with. To commit ourselves to the existence of mental illness in general is not to commit ourselves to the existence of every mental illness in particular.)


Alright guys, I'm just chucking out a few ideas about WHY I think we have so much disagreement on this issue.

There is usually disagreement for some reason.

God Bless.

.

Couldn’t agree more...

 

[UnderGrace]

There are no certainties, no definite causes, no consistently effective treatments. If you have what appears to be a mental illness, the doctors will try a medication to see how it affects you. If there's no (or inadequate) effect, they'll try something else. Many of the standard treatments simply dull the mind, rather than actually facilitating true healing.

There are therapists who treat without drugs with some mental illnesses.

Healing is big concept so I am not sure exactly what that would look like.

There are many treatments that do not use drugs, unfortunately not many psychologists/psychiatrists are trained in them and pharmacology has taken over, like most all of medicine, which has both benefits and costs.
Certainly brain imaging has made huge gains in the last ten years and will continue to do so, especially in the area of Autism and ADHD.

The bigger problem is that mental health is on the decline, certainly in the younger populations.

 

[jb]

...All mental illness issues are caused by demons i believe .

DEFINITELY NOT SO!

The Scriptures differentiate between demon possession and mental illness, and so should we! Matt 4v24.

I have seen well meaning Christians (who, as you do believe ALL mental illness is caused by demons (or demon possession), trying to cast demons out of blood washed, born again good Christians, with the result, that those good Christians end up in a mental hospital!

It is a most evil sin to say that Our Heavenly Father would let one of His dearly beloved Children, who is loved by Jesus, to be possessed by a demon!

God would no more have let the Lord Jesus be possessed by a demon, than one of His dearly beloved children!

The Scribes said that Jesus was possessed by a demon, and He said that they were in danger of eternal condemnation; i.e., blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. Mark 3v28-30.

So, those of you who hold this evil doctrine, go a long way down that road!

 

[Nehemiah6]

Mental illness? Look no further than your politically active liberal. They need prayer more than anyone.

Correct. The lunacy of the Left-Liberals has become so extreme that they all need to be locked up in mental hospitals (which have been slowly disappearing as though there is no mental illness).

As to the OP, I'm not sure what the poster wants by trying to connect it with the Christian faith. There are a huge number of psychopaths, sociopaths, and mentally ill people all over the world. So-called *mental health professionals* have automatically excluded the spiritual aspects of mental illness (in some cases demon possession).

They have blindly chosen to simply medicate these people, and as a result have caused more problems than anything. And then the justice systems of the West blithely release crazy criminals back into society, so that they can continue to murder, mutilate, rape and do all kinds of evil things.

 

[Sipsey]

Here is a link to a 100 page thesis with a heady title. I like it, others may not.


“The Creation and Rehabilitation of Psycho Christians An Experiential Sanctification Clinic for Epistemological Rehabilitation”


http://www.versebyverse.com/uploads/1/0/1/0/101034580/rehab.pdf

 

[MessageOfTheCross]

James 1:8 - A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. This sin is the cause of mental illness! UNSTABLE IN ALL HIS WAYS!

The desire and plan of the enemy is to cause unbelief, doubt, questioning, reasoning, wavering and confusion to rule your life. Demons, principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places will come to attack you because the devil knows that without faith it is impossible to please God. Without faith, you are unable to receive from God, and you will constantly strive to fulfill these voids selfishly and through immediate gratification.

We live in a world of instability. What far too many Christians do is mix a little of God with a lot of the world. If you lack stable faith, and misplace your faith, you become double-minded—two opinions, two wars working inside you. This sin of self-ability or self-righteousness resulted from the fall and characterizes the war that constantly rages between God and man. With our faith properly placed and maintained, the Holy Spirit, who works entirely within the parameters of the finished work of Christ, will then mightily help the believer. The Cross of Christ is the key (Romans 8:1-11).

This is why in James 4:8 we learn that those who are double-minded need their hearts purified: "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. (Once again and ever so, this is done only by Faith which ever makes the Cross its Object.) Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (Without a proper knowledge of the Cross regarding the Sanctification of the Saint, it is impossible for the Believer to live a Victorious, Christian life.)

Acts 2:36 says, God has made Jesus Lord and Christ. The slave to Christ becomes the Lords freeman - 1 Corinthians 7:21-24. In other words the more you become a slave to Jesus the freer you become as a person. The less you are a slave to Jesus the more bound you become as a person.

Brothers John Eckhardt, Tony Evans, and JSM

 

[Eli12]

There are no certainties, no definite causes, no consistently effective treatments. If you have what appears to be a mental illness, the doctors will try a medication to see how it affects you. If there's no (or inadequate) effect, they'll try something else. Many of the standard treatments simply dull the mind, rather than actually facilitating true healing.

It is exactly like that.

Another problem is that for a doctor it can be very difficult sometimes, to determine if the observable symptoms are due to a neurosis or a psychosis. Remember (as I said before) that neurosis is behavioral and psychosis is physical. In both cases the same symptoms could be seen even if the cause is one thing or the other. An exact treatment cannot be determined if it is not determined correctly if it is a psychosis or a neurosis.

 

[Dino246]

James 1:8 - A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. This sin is the cause of mental illness! UNSTABLE IN ALL HIS WAYS!

The desire and plan of the enemy is to cause unbelief, doubt, questioning, reasoning, wavering and confusion to rule your life. Demons, principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places will come to attack you because the devil knows that without faith it is impossible to please God. Without faith, you are unable to receive from God, and you will constantly strive to fulfill these voids selfishly and through immediate gratification.

We live in a world of instability. What far too many Christians do is mix a little of God with a lot of the world. If you lack stable faith, and misplace your faith, you become double-minded—two opinions, two wars working inside you. This sin of self-ability or self-righteousness resulted from the fall and characterizes the war that constantly rages between God and man. With our faith properly placed and maintained, the Holy Spirit, who works entirely within the parameters of the finished work of Christ, will then mightily help the believer. The Cross of Christ is the key (Romans 8:1-11).

This is why in James 4:8 we learn that those who are double-minded need their hearts purified: "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. (Once again and ever so, this is done only by Faith which ever makes the Cross its Object.) Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." (Without a proper knowledge of the Cross regarding the Sanctification of the Saint, it is impossible for the Believer to live a Victorious, Christian life.)

Acts 2:36 says, God has made Jesus Lord and Christ. The slave to Christ becomes the Lords freeman - 1 Corinthians 7:21-24. In other words the more you become a slave to Jesus the freer you become as a person. The less you are a slave to Jesus the more bound you become as a person.

Brothers John Eckhardt, Tony Evans, and JSM

This is irrelevant to the topic.

Double-mindedness has absolutely nothing to do with mental illness. Rather, it is the situation where one is unwilling to decide between the pleasures of sin and the blessings of righteousness.

 

[Sipsey]

We live in the most ego-enlarged, self-indulged, navel-examined society since the days of Babylon. Millions of people believe psychology holds the secret to happiness, but in reality, the psychological way of dealing with life's problems is merely arrogant preoccupation with one's self. "Psychology by no means holds the secret of human affairs, simply because this secret is not of a psychological order." (G. Politzer)

It is of a spiritual order.

 

[Brandon123]

My experience has been this...mental illness that is genuinely diagnosed as such is an illness of the mind .... so you can’t think your way out of the symptoms anymore than someone who has brain cancer can think away brain cancer....and if it was lung cancer what would be the likelihood of recovering from it by breathing more? Most of the people that I’ve met with severe mental illnesses thus far seem to have a better moral compass than many healthy people I know..and many of those with severe cases are Christians believe it or not And I’ve seen God using them through their witness and perseverance to even sway their doctors and caseworkers to accept Christ as their savior...”God uses the weak things of the world to shame the strong and the foolish things to shame the ‘wise’ that no one may boast before him” In my 17 or so years I’ve met 2 people that scared me with their symptoms and those 2 cases only rattled me because I had never seen The symptoms that they exhibited before... most Mentally ill people are not a threat to anyone I think people jump on the bandwagon when it comes to things going on in our society and culture when many of the things that are happening have nothing to do with mental illness Caine and Able are a good example... God said nothing about Caine having a mental illness ... only that Caine did what he did because of the evil in his own heart ... his own jealousy... which maybe another thread altogether 🤔

 

[Brandon123]

My experience has been this...mental illness that is genuinely diagnosed as such is an illness of the mind .... so you can’t think your way out of the symptoms anymore than someone who has brain cancer can think away brain cancer....and if it was lung cancer what would be the likelihood of recovering from it by breathing more? Most of the people that I’ve met with severe mental illnesses thus far seem to have a better moral compass than many healthy people I know..and many of those with severe cases are Christians believe it or not And I’ve seen God using them through their witness and perseverance to even sway their doctors and caseworkers to accept Christ as their savior...”God uses the weak things of the world to shame the strong and the foolish things to shame the ‘wise’ that no one may boast before him” In my 17 or so years I’ve met 2 people that scared me with their symptoms and those 2 cases only rattled me because I had never seen The symptoms that they exhibited before... most Mentally ill people are not a threat to anyone I think people jump on the bandwagon when it comes to things going on in our society and culture when many of the things that are happening have nothing to do with mental illness Caine and Able are a good example... God said nothing about Caine having a mental illness ... only that Caine did what he did because of the evil in his own heart ... his own jealousy... which maybe another thread altogether 🤔

Apologize for the lack of spacing

 

[7seasrekeyed]

reading some of the responses here, it is so reassuring to know that people with actual problems are just needing to get over themselves

by gum...a good thump on the back, a spot of tea and cherio...all better now, what ole chap?

 

[7seasrekeyed]

I agree.

It really only takes a bit of calm, rational thought to sort it out.
A. Do you have a brain?
B. Is that a physical thing which might encounter physical maladies?
C. Do you live in a fallen world where physical maladies are common?

The answer to the existence of mental illness just logically appears.


Fallen World / Multiple Problems

In a fallen world, it is possible to have physical ailments which affect any part of us, including our physical brains.

I think the theological disconnect occurs when we try to explain the overlap between these physical ailments, demon possession, sin, and emotional problems... all of which can cause a person to be irrational.

As Christians, we needn't just PICK ONE explanation, and disregard all others.

We live in a fallen world, it is possible for their to be multiple causes for our problems.

A. Demon possession, according to scripture, is real.
B. Sin, and the entire vast array of emotional problems it creates, is real.
C. Physical illness, which can affect any part of your physical body, including your brain, is real.

As Christians, we needn't tie ourselves to only one of these explanations, in some attempt to be more theological.
They ALL SQUARE WITH SCRIPTURE.

All of these explanations square with scripture.

So, mental illness is a real thing.
But it isn't necessarily the only explanation for a person being irrational.
Also, to believe mental illness exists, is NOT to necessarily tie us to every conclusion or diagnosis the modern psychological establishment arrives at.
We don't have to commit ouselves to agreeing with every little thing they say.
(A few years back homosexuality was clinically diagnosed as a mental illness, and now it is not. Well, whatever homosexuality is, it certainly cannot be an illness one day, and then not an illness the next day. Therefore, although mental illness exists, we needn't rationally have to agree to every little thing the medical establishment comes up with. To commit ourselves to the existence of mental illness in general is not to commit ourselves to the existence of every mental illness in particular.)


Alright guys, I'm just chucking out a few ideas about WHY I think we have so much disagreement on this issue.

There is usually disagreement for some reason.

God Bless.

.

I have a way thick book that basically deals with what I highlighted in purple in your post. not for the week end reader

it's not on hand at the moment or I would detail that

IMO, people want to feel safe and thinking they understand something that does not necessairly qualify their understanding, offers a safety zone. the space between certainty and not knowing can create the irrational fear that the undiagnosed problem might show up on their doorstep

it is satisfying to point to this or that and go 'harumph' this is the answer

well anyway, a pill is not the answer unless it is.

 

[StrugglingTilMyReward]

There are many root causes and many forms of mental illness. Some are rooted in chemical imbalance, some in physical trauma or improper physical development, some in emotional trauma, some in toxic exposure, and some in demonic activity. In many cases, there are multiple causes. This field is very much still in the 'trial and error' phase of diagnosis and treatment.

How should Christians respond? With compassion and truth, as with every other form of human illness.

Amen Brother (or Sister).....

My wife suffers from schizophrenia, and it is not easy....one day at Church, just before the worship service began as we were heading in...she saw a woman and was convinced this woman was doing something to hurt her, she rushed at her and pushed her. Praise God no harm came of it, the woman saw my wife rushing at her and stepped back thus diminishing any force....on top of that I later found out this woman is a nurse and she had recognized pretty much immediately that my wife was having a psychotic episode.

I was mad at myself for going to church that day....I knew my wife was in an agitated state before heading out, but selfishly we went to church with our 5 year old because I feel the need to go....my wife does not.

The Grace that flowed out of that incident was mind blowing....one of the Elders in the church saw what happened....in the immediate aftermath I got my wife's coat and told her to go outside to the car while I got our son's coat on. After zipping Amazing Boy up an Elder in the church approached me, put his hand warmly on my shoulder and asked if I was okay....I told him of my wife's condition, he simply nodded.....said some words that I don't remember and I took my son's hand to go out to the car. Once we were outside I realized we'd gone out the wrong door, not the one near our vehicle....and as we walked around the building I saw a gentleman following at a distance...it was like he wanted to approach but didn't know how to go about it. I turned and walked over to him and he came up to me, hand extended and asked if my wife was okay....I almost started crying.....I'm choking up remembering it. He was the husband of the woman my wife had pushed....and was a police officer, he simply wanted to know that my wife was okay and that I knew how to handle the situation....l

Later in the week the Pastor contacted me and invited me to lunch, he wanted to assure me that those who saw what happened had all been concerned for my wife's welfare, and that she was always welcome at worship. That happened back in February and just 3 weeks ago my wife started coming back to church....when the incident happened she had recently changed medication and she was not yet on the full dosage for her condition...you have to ramp up slowly with many anti-psychotics.

Things happen in life, and often we rush to judement....I know I've been guilty of it. When things like this happen instead of rushing to judgment, respond with grace...that's the lesson I learned that day from my Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

 

[Brandon123]

Amen Brother (or Sister).....

My wife suffers from schizophrenia, and it is not easy....one day at Church, just before the worship service began as we were heading in...she saw a woman and was convinced this woman was doing something to hurt her, she rushed at her and pushed her. Praise God no harm came of it, the woman saw my wife rushing at her and stepped back thus diminishing any force....on top of that I later found out this woman is a nurse and she had recognized pretty much immediately that my wife was having a psychotic episode.

I was mad at myself for going to church that day....I knew my wife was in an agitated state before heading out, but selfishly we went to church with our 5 year old because I feel the need to go....my wife does not.

The Grace that flowed out of that incident was mind blowing....one of the Elders in the church saw what happened....in the immediate aftermath I got my wife's coat and told her to go outside to the car while I got our son's coat on. After zipping Amazing Boy up an Elder in the church approached me, put his hand warmly on my shoulder and asked if I was okay....I told him of my wife's condition, he simply nodded.....said some words that I don't remember and I took my son's hand to go out to the car. Once we were outside I realized we'd gone out the wrong door, not the one near our vehicle....and as we walked around the building I saw a gentleman following at a distance...it was like he wanted to approach but didn't know how to go about it. I turned and walked over to him and he came up to me, hand extended and asked if my wife was okay....I almost started crying.....I'm choking up remembering it. He was the husband of the woman my wife had pushed....and was a police officer, he simply wanted to know that my wife was okay and that I knew how to handle the situation....l

Later in the week the Pastor contacted me and invited me to lunch, he wanted to assure me that those who saw what happened had all been concerned for my wife's welfare, and that she was always welcome at worship. That happened back in February and just 3 weeks ago my wife started coming back to church....when the incident happened she had recently changed medication and she was not yet on the full dosage for her condition...you have to ramp up slowly with many anti-psychotics.

Things happen in life, and often we rush to judement....I know I've been guilty of it. When things like this happen instead of rushing to judgment, respond with grace...that's the lesson I learned that day from my Brothers and Sisters in Christ.

I’m so thankful for your response ..it’s really a blessing to me..

 

[Dan_473]

I believe that illness in general is from the fall of mankind but there is a lot of stigma associated with mental illness in particular in Christian circles .... what’s your take on this topic? What do you believe?

The brain is a physical organ, just as, say, a kidney is a physical organ.

A kidney can malfunction, the brain can malfunction.

Your brain May malfunction because of the genes you carry. You may become bipolar as a teenager.. Or your brain May malfunction because of significant trauma, maybe you were in a war zone.

Sometimes people return from war missing a limb. God doesn't say that he will always make the limb regrow, actually I've never heard of that happening today. But he does promise to be with you.

God doesn't guarantee he will heal the malfunctioning brain, but he does promise to be with you.