Biblical insights with practical steps for caring for anyone suffering with mental illness
· How do we deal wisely, intelligently and compassionately with those who suffer from mental illness?
· Can we really make a difference if we aren’t professionals?
· Is it possible to discern between bad behaviour due to illness and that caused by sin?
Discover how your church can become a safe, encouraging and healing place.
‘The next-best thing to spending a week shadowing Professor Thomas.’ Sinclair Ferguson
‘Rational, readable and relevant, this book confirms that all involved in pastoral work can help tackle mental illness.’ Andrew Fergusson
‘The go-to resource for those who want to know more: the wisdom of reliable clinical experience laced with academic rigour and good common sense, all grounded in God’s word. I recommend it highly.’ Glynn Harrison
‘Empowers us all to play our part.’ Debbie Hawker
‘An accessible, practical, sensible and biblically grounded resource to help us navigate this challenging terrain.’ Sharon James
‘Presented in a way that will instil confidence that we can work with mental health professionals.’ Nick Pollard
‘Alan Thomas has shared his own important insights in what will become a standard book on the subject, accessible and wise.’ Geoff Thomas
| Contributors | Alan Thomas |
|---|---|
| ISBN | 9781783595594 |
| Format | Paperback |
| First published | November 2017 |
| Dimensions | 138mm x 216mm x 17mm |
| Weight | 0.30 kg |
| Language | English |
| Pages | 232 |
| Publisher | SPCK Publishing |
Whether as a professional, carer, family member or perhaps a patient, every one of us will have been affected by mental illness. Christians may face further distress: is this behaviour sin or is it sickness? From a biblical and medical framework, and using case examples, consultant psychiatrist Alan Thomas makes everything clear. Rational, readable and relevant, this book confirms that all involved in Christian ministry and pastoral work can help tackle mental illness.
Attitudes to mental illness today are still disfigured by too much fear and too little understanding, and Alan Thomas has written the go-to resource for those who want to know more about this crucial area. Firmly rooted in sound scholarship, it is nevertheless hugely accessible to its target readership - pastors, clergy and all those wanting to understand more about their own struggles or those of a family member. Here they will find the wisdom of reliable clinical experience laced with academic rigour and good common sense, all grounded in the Word of God. I recommend it highly.
This easy-to-read book improves our understanding of common mental health problems and their treatments. Using case studies and biblical teaching, it also empowers us all to play our part in helping, by reminding us that the little things (like listening, warmth and kindness) can help improved the mental health of those we encounter.
