We applaud the writers and families of the ministers who allowed their stories to be told about living with depression (“When pastors’ silent suffering turns tragic,” Jan. 7). We were also saddened upon reading the response by a minister saying that sin is the major cause of depression (“Your Views,” Feb. 4). We, as medical professionals and Christians, strongly disagree with some of those statements. We believe Satan is given an unintended victory when a Christian states that depression or any other mental illness is said to be the result of sin.
There is a feeling of sadness similar to depression when one becomes convicted of sin. That feeling goes away when one surrenders to repentance and salvation. Depression, of the kind mentioned in the article, is an illness. Individuals describe it as unbearable sadness and loss, so severe that only death can take it away. God has allowed us to learn this lesson the hard way during personal tragedy and through the lives of others. Christians who have gone through some of these painful times speak of the cruel and painful remarks of other Christians when comfort and support was what was desired. The favorite one is that parents are the cause. Bad parenting doesn’t help, but it isn’t the cause. Parents are burdened with awful guilt when a child suffers this way.
Some speak of these persons being in “spiritual bondage.” If Christ’s dying on the cross broke the bonds of sin, how can one remain in bondage after accepting Christ? This presents a problem for individuals who really want to be free of this horrible depression. If one is depressed due to “bondage,” and after accepting Christ the terrible feelings do not go away, what is the next step? They may ask if Christ is truly sufficient. They may wonder that God does not love them enough to take this horrible burden away!
How does one explain Elijah’s depression in 1 Kings 19? God did not tell him to repent of his sin. God sent an angel to minister to him by giving him warm, fresh bread and cold water, covering him from the sun and giving him rest. That is similar treatment used today. Sick people go to a safe environment where they can receive medication, good nutrition, rest and good counsel.
How does one explain the man in the tombs in Luke 8? Again, Jesus did not tell this man to repent of his sins, but instead healed him of what may be diagnosed as schizophrenia. After Jesus sent the demons into the pigs, the man was sent back to the village to tell what Jesus had done for him. Luke 8:35 talks about how the man became clothed and sane after Jesus healed him.
The Bible certainly does not answer every question we have about mental illness, but Christians should always show compassion and love. Neither science nor theological interpretation has all the answers to these very complex issues. The causes are multifaceted, a combination which includes genetic issues. Only God has all answers.
God has called us into a ministry during our retirement years to help families and individuals with mental illness. This is done cooperatively through an umbrella ministry at Taylors First Baptist Church called the Spiritual Care Ministry. Our educational material on mental illness is provided through National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI is a non-religious organization but follows Christian principles of support and love for families and individuals with mental illness. Please open your arms and hearts to all these struggling individuals. They need your love and support, not condemnation.
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