Concerning Rev. Steven Owensby’s response (“Your Views,” Feb. 4) to your Jan. 7 article, “When pastors’ silent suffering turns tragic,” it seems to me that Rev. Owensby is blaming the victim.
While it is certainly true that sin is the root cause of all suffering, it does not follow that the “unconfessed and unrepentant” sin lies at the door of the person suffering depression. Rev. Owensby acknowledges that one sin he deals with weekly is “unrealistic trust in [his] own abilities.”
God, in his mercy, has guided many to acquire abilities to assist those suffering depression, whether brought on by the individual’s own sin or sin that has been perpetrated upon him. Interestingly, letters published in the Courier during this same time period address “pew oppression.” God is still in the miracle business, but we most likely will experience those miracles through the efforts of those trained (with God-given skills) to assist without blame or criticism.
Depression springs from both endogenous and exogenous sources. Endogenous depression results when chemistry in our brain is imbalanced so that we cannot experience elation – or even joy in Christ. Such chemical imbalance runs in families and can be inherited. Paul reminds us of God’s promise that he will not allow us to suffer without providing a way out (1 Corinthians 10:13). Psychological counseling is not the only such resource; psychiatrists can prescribe chemical interventions that are remarkably effective, though probably over-prescribed. Psychologists can guide a depressed person to cooperate with the improved chemical balance.
Pastoral counselors are well trained to assist those who are depressed and certainly would not “over-spiritualize” or minimize the person’s need. We who have assisted clients/patients who have been told to “go home and be a good wife and he will stop beating you” are wary of those who over-spiritualize.
Exogenous depression results when external pressures become unbearable. Those who are “oppressed” continually by others may become depressed.
Those among us who advise “repent of your sins and you will be delivered from mental illness” add fuel to the oppression often heaped upon our pastors.
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