I appreciate how 12 step recovery, at least the first 3 steps, are mentioned. 12 step recovery closely resembles Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which also parallels action based spiritual development. It gives us a role to play in our own healing/recovery, which we do have.
Being on another side of this issue, meaning I mentor & counsel people with addiction & mental health issues, I don’t venture into the pharmacology because I’m not a doctor. I do venture into the healing part. I’ve learned to go far enough into an issue so that the person I’m counseling feels the pain but not so far that they are left destitute. I always stay with them, side by side, until the pain resides & healing seems to be had. This is never the goal though. I listen & ask questions & they share what & how much they are willing to. I will share with them specifically how Jesus offers healing while never discussing reducing or getting off meds. I do my best to venture into the desert with them & let the angels minister to them. Several of these people have, on their own accord, reduced or eliminated meds, not all. Again, this is never my objective…ever.
The healing power of Christ is broad & expansive. Our primary goal is to “feed His sheep” & to “disciple”. Medical technology & faith absolutely mix. Medical technology would have never made it out of the dark ages without faith & more specifically Christianity. Medical technology was pioneered by Christianity as a means to better take care of the sick as Jesus commanded us to. A main concern should be when pills take the place of faith. When we pop a pill to feel better versus act in a responsible manor which is harder & takes more effort.
A contributing factor to others healing is “our own house being in order”. It’s been proven that association with followers of Christ, true followers not just believers, those who have experienced their own healing by the power of the Holy Spirit, brings about healing in others. That we are, in fact, lights on a hill, salt in the world of tasteless & rotting. This seems to be the case for the people I interact with. I’m not saying I’m some saint without thousands of more hours of work needed however the work the Holy Spirit has done in me seems to shine to those in darkness. This I only give credit to God & I truly believe He did way more in me than I did outwardly. I only mention that to be encouraging. “Be transformed” & others will benefit. Do what we are supposed to do & let the Spirit of God do what He’s going to do. Just don’t side step God.
You are right to resist both Jay Adams and extreme charismatic views, as well as a materialistic medical view. As to medication, there would be no problems with taking it if it was safe and worked. We arent against it merely because its medication, but because of its debilitating side effects, permanent dementia, tendency to cause suicides and violence in mild-mannered people, and withdrawal symptoms, all of which has been documented. Many, many psychiatrists have researched and written on the dangers of psych meds, and I have personally had multiple horrible experiences with them and particularly akithisia. (Dr Peter Breggin among many others) I would recommend you not comment on drugs without first learning the dangers and how to watch for akithisia and withdrawal symptoms, both of which side effects are often dismissively considered as more symptoms of one's mental illness, and reason to give more drugs. The average bipolar person is said to take 8 drugs, which of course all interact to cause exponential problems, and generally debilitated a person to where they cannot enjoy life, have a job, or even care for themselves without assistance.
Also since all things have both a mind and body component, it is absolutely critical that people also take extremely good care with their diet, exercise, supplements, sleep, social connections, uplifting and inspiring input and activities. And yes, get good therapy from someone competent who is up on research, and trauma informed. (Most people who deal with serious mental illness have been traumatized or abused. I am from an abusive marriage.) And learn to sit at Jesus' feet and simply love Him and bask in His love, which is so healing and the key to Life.
I went to John MacArthur's church growing up where they did not believe in psychiatric help and I saw the consequences, one of them being my brother's close friend with a psychotic disorder who was told to read the bible only, and he did so without showering day and night, continuing to have psychotic breaks until he had a violent episode and hurt another. And yet those same pastors have no problem going to the doctors when they are ill and see it as different. I don't believe they would watch their own child deteriorate the way this boy did and not seek medical treatment. The mind-body connection is real. We have found in the last ten years that the autoimmune system is in the brain and they are connecting the work of the microglia to mental health problems. We are seeing what stress is doing to us, and what our society is creating. We know that what happens to us and in us as a result of our experiences changes the brain and the body from birth, and that poor attachment from our caregivers as an infant can be a beginning to mental health and physical problems - both. This old world view that links the devil with mental health struggles is alive and well and is killing people. If we are using techniques without a whole person view that seeks healthy approaches including understanding the benefits of faith and fellowship, then this can be simplistic.. too often using a one-size-fits-all approach. We do understand so much more about what brings wellness, healing from trauma and the significance of connection. I teach in a field called trauma-informed care, and it actually parallels the approach of Jesus. But there are serious mental health problems that require medication just like other illnesses. However, as therapists we don't preach, and this is not missionary work. We respect what the person brings us, their faith in their own religion, and their non-faith. This is a complex discussion, not black and white.
It is so refreshing to read your articles. I grew up in a home with a mother with bipolar disorder. I saw how the right medication helped her to live a better life. I also just listened to your 2023 Pepperdine lecture. Having grown up in my home as well as the C of C, I related to your comments about anxiety attachment. Your description of the prodigal son's father was beautiful! Thank you.
I appreciate how 12 step recovery, at least the first 3 steps, are mentioned. 12 step recovery closely resembles Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which also parallels action based spiritual development. It gives us a role to play in our own healing/recovery, which we do have.
Being on another side of this issue, meaning I mentor & counsel people with addiction & mental health issues, I don’t venture into the pharmacology because I’m not a doctor. I do venture into the healing part. I’ve learned to go far enough into an issue so that the person I’m counseling feels the pain but not so far that they are left destitute. I always stay with them, side by side, until the pain resides & healing seems to be had. This is never the goal though. I listen & ask questions & they share what & how much they are willing to. I will share with them specifically how Jesus offers healing while never discussing reducing or getting off meds. I do my best to venture into the desert with them & let the angels minister to them. Several of these people have, on their own accord, reduced or eliminated meds, not all. Again, this is never my objective…ever.
The healing power of Christ is broad & expansive. Our primary goal is to “feed His sheep” & to “disciple”. Medical technology & faith absolutely mix. Medical technology would have never made it out of the dark ages without faith & more specifically Christianity. Medical technology was pioneered by Christianity as a means to better take care of the sick as Jesus commanded us to. A main concern should be when pills take the place of faith. When we pop a pill to feel better versus act in a responsible manor which is harder & takes more effort.
A contributing factor to others healing is “our own house being in order”. It’s been proven that association with followers of Christ, true followers not just believers, those who have experienced their own healing by the power of the Holy Spirit, brings about healing in others. That we are, in fact, lights on a hill, salt in the world of tasteless & rotting. This seems to be the case for the people I interact with. I’m not saying I’m some saint without thousands of more hours of work needed however the work the Holy Spirit has done in me seems to shine to those in darkness. This I only give credit to God & I truly believe He did way more in me than I did outwardly. I only mention that to be encouraging. “Be transformed” & others will benefit. Do what we are supposed to do & let the Spirit of God do what He’s going to do. Just don’t side step God.
You are right to resist both Jay Adams and extreme charismatic views, as well as a materialistic medical view. As to medication, there would be no problems with taking it if it was safe and worked. We arent against it merely because its medication, but because of its debilitating side effects, permanent dementia, tendency to cause suicides and violence in mild-mannered people, and withdrawal symptoms, all of which has been documented. Many, many psychiatrists have researched and written on the dangers of psych meds, and I have personally had multiple horrible experiences with them and particularly akithisia. (Dr Peter Breggin among many others) I would recommend you not comment on drugs without first learning the dangers and how to watch for akithisia and withdrawal symptoms, both of which side effects are often dismissively considered as more symptoms of one's mental illness, and reason to give more drugs. The average bipolar person is said to take 8 drugs, which of course all interact to cause exponential problems, and generally debilitated a person to where they cannot enjoy life, have a job, or even care for themselves without assistance.
Also since all things have both a mind and body component, it is absolutely critical that people also take extremely good care with their diet, exercise, supplements, sleep, social connections, uplifting and inspiring input and activities. And yes, get good therapy from someone competent who is up on research, and trauma informed. (Most people who deal with serious mental illness have been traumatized or abused. I am from an abusive marriage.) And learn to sit at Jesus' feet and simply love Him and bask in His love, which is so healing and the key to Life.
I went to John MacArthur's church growing up where they did not believe in psychiatric help and I saw the consequences, one of them being my brother's close friend with a psychotic disorder who was told to read the bible only, and he did so without showering day and night, continuing to have psychotic breaks until he had a violent episode and hurt another. And yet those same pastors have no problem going to the doctors when they are ill and see it as different. I don't believe they would watch their own child deteriorate the way this boy did and not seek medical treatment. The mind-body connection is real. We have found in the last ten years that the autoimmune system is in the brain and they are connecting the work of the microglia to mental health problems. We are seeing what stress is doing to us, and what our society is creating. We know that what happens to us and in us as a result of our experiences changes the brain and the body from birth, and that poor attachment from our caregivers as an infant can be a beginning to mental health and physical problems - both. This old world view that links the devil with mental health struggles is alive and well and is killing people. If we are using techniques without a whole person view that seeks healthy approaches including understanding the benefits of faith and fellowship, then this can be simplistic.. too often using a one-size-fits-all approach. We do understand so much more about what brings wellness, healing from trauma and the significance of connection. I teach in a field called trauma-informed care, and it actually parallels the approach of Jesus. But there are serious mental health problems that require medication just like other illnesses. However, as therapists we don't preach, and this is not missionary work. We respect what the person brings us, their faith in their own religion, and their non-faith. This is a complex discussion, not black and white.
Looking forward to seeing where you think the role of faith and spirituality
come in beyond psychology and psychopharmacology.
This was a very good article. Thank you for taking the time to write these pieces which are appreciated.
It is so refreshing to read your articles. I grew up in a home with a mother with bipolar disorder. I saw how the right medication helped her to live a better life. I also just listened to your 2023 Pepperdine lecture. Having grown up in my home as well as the C of C, I related to your comments about anxiety attachment. Your description of the prodigal son's father was beautiful! Thank you.
I appreciate this very much, thank you.