My friend from church recommended some books to me. However, I looked at them and they either say mental conditions don't exist or are caused by being sinful! I am very hurt. What should I do?
2007-04-08 06:43:39 · 7 answers · asked by aspergerskitty 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Unfortunately, there are some conservative/fundamentalist Christians who believe that there are no such things as mental or emotional illnesses, and therefore there is no need for medication or psychological therapy, or even AA groups, and the like. They take the viewpoint that sin is the cause of all suffering in the world and that all one needs to do is have faith in Jesus, and one will be well. This is very serious because people like these discourage people from taking medication or going to counseling and just tell others to "pray more" "have more faith" etc etc, and "Jesus will heal them." Conversely, when people pray and are not instantly healed, then their "lack of faith" is the proof that they are continuing to be sinful. It's very crazy-making.
While the realms of psychiatry and psychology (or science and medicine, for that matter) are not perfect, most (reasonable) people believe that you can be a religious person AND be medically responsible e.g. if you have cancer, you go to chemo or take medication, even if it is prescribed by a non-Christian doctor... and if you are a Christian, you can ALSO pray, go to church, have people pray with you, etc. In other words, it is a BOTH/AND. In addition, while it feels terrible to be sick, most people understand that they are not PUNISHED by God just because they have an emotional or physical illness.
However, this small group of extremists feel that there can be NO compromise between religion and psychology, and therefore all mental illnesses must equal sin, etc.
Basically - you have to decide for yourself what you think. I have to tell you that most Christians disagree with their views. If you want an alternate viewpoint, you can go to Focus on the Family, which is a conservative website headed by James Dobson. This site recommends counseling AND medication for problems such as depression and anxiety, PLUS prayer, etc. It presents a much more moderate (and reasonable) viewpoint.
2007-04-08 13:15:31 · answer #1 · answered by thedrisin 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
i would not be a part of a church that says mental conditions dint exist. mental illness is not the fault of the person, and sin has nothing to do with it, and yes mental illness does exist. i would tell your friend you are not interested in the book because you do not believe its contents. if you need help go to a psychiatrist. I am sorry to sound so harsh, but i get upset, when other well meaning christian people tell suffering people just, pray , and believe in god , everything will be OK. it does not work that way. counseling, medication, and seeing a good doctor is the best way to get help. god helps those who help themselves. good luck to you, hope my comments help you. do not feel hurt, they do not know any better. remember, if you are suffering mental health issues, it is not your fault.
2007-04-08 09:43:50 · answer #2 · answered by zeek 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Find a fire pit for those books. I know what you are going through. I once told a pastor that I was manic depressive, and he told me that it didn't exist. He went on to tell me bible passages that he interpreted to say that my depression was demonic attacks because I wasn't right with Jesus.
That's crap. Things can go wrong in the head every bit as can go wrong in every other part of the body.
Leave the soul-healing to the church, but take your body-healing to a doctor.
Also, if you do find healing through a doctor, but your church members get on your case about it, there's a sickening chance that your church is sliding into becoming a cult. Cult-like churches do not like their members getting outside help or taking advice that is different from the way they think.
I do hope that this is not the case for you and that your church is indeed life-giving for you.
Do keep in mind that you cannot take care of your spiritual health if you are not mindful of your physical and mental health. If members of your church are trying to stand in the way of that, that's a big red flag that your spiritual health is not one of their priorities, and you need to find a new life-giving place for your spiritual health.
2007-04-08 12:43:26 · answer #3 · answered by thezaylady 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't really know. Don't let it hurt your feelings though. Mental conditions are illnesses. I believe in the Bible as much as the next person, but I don't think that is true.
2007-04-08 06:48:30 · answer #4 · answered by tennisluver13 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Easy one - give yrou freind back the books, say thinks and tell him/her that whiel you may have a few sins, they are not serious enough to cause you the problems you are having. Then find a good psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist and get some help that may actually help.
2007-04-08 06:49:07 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think maybe you misunderstood what you read,i have a friend that believes in Jesus Christ he is a dedicated Christian that goes to church alot,he has bipolar disorder and is on the meds depakote and prozac he has never mentioned anything to me about mental illness being a sin
2007-04-08 07:49:35 · answer #6 · answered by 57rider 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can look at the books as long as you want.
2007-04-08 08:12:15 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋