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Answers 30 commonly asked questions about mental health from a Christian perspective.
After the fall, the world was disordered from structure to chaos—negatively altering the nature of human emotions. Today, we witness its impact as mental health concerns surge and people continue to suffer. How should Christians approach the topic of mental health? What is the most Christlike way to care for those who suffer?
A Christian’s Guide to Mental Illness answers 30 commonly asked questions about mental health from a Christian perspective. Intended for caregivers, this accessible resource will equip family, friends, and churches with wisdom for caring for individuals with mental health illnesses. Authors David Murray and Tom Karel use a holistic approach as they share personal stories, professional expertise, and biblical wisdom to tackle difficult questions—ultimately providing hope for the hopeless and rest for the weary.
Introduction
1. What Is Mental Illness?
2. Is “Mental Illness” a Helpful Label?
3. What Are the Different Kinds of Mental Illness?
4. How Is Mental Illness Different from Ordinary Sadness, Anxiety, and Confusion?
5. How Does Mental Illness Affect the Sufferer?
6. How Does Mental Illness Affect Spiritual Life?
7. How Does Mental Illness Affect Those around the Sufferer?
8. How Do People React to Having Mental Illness?
9. What Are Some Common Hurdles to Recovery?
10. What Causes Mental Illness?
11. Can a Christian Have Mental Illness?
12. What Role Do Pastors Have in Helping the Mentally Ill?
13. What Role Does the Church Community Have?
14. What Role Do Family and Friends Have?
15. What Role Do Mental Health Professionals Have?
16. What Role Does Medication Have?
17. What Role Do Biblical Counselors Have?
18. What Role Does the Sufferer Have?
19. How Can We Discern Faith and Spiritual Fruit in a Sufferer?
20. How Can We Help a Sufferer Grow Spiritually?
21. How Can We Help Sufferers Serve in the Church?
22. What Are the Biggest Challenges in Discipling a Sufferer?
23. What Are the Roles of Scripture, Prayer, and the Sacraments in a Sufferer’s Life?
24. What Are Some Things to Avoid in Ministering to Sufferers?
25. What Should We Do When a Sufferer Falls into Temptation?
26. How Can We Help Someone Who Is Suicidal?
27. How Can We Care for Caregivers?
28. How Can We Reduce the Stigma of Mental Illness?
29. How Can We Prepare for Mental Illness?
30. What Good Comes Out of Mental Illness?
The Story behind This Book
General Index
Scripture Index
| Contributors | David Murray |
|---|---|
| ISBN | 9781433587276 |
| Format | Paperback |
| First published | October 2023 |
| Dimensions | 140mm x 216mm |
| Weight | 0.32 kg |
| Language | US English |
| Pages | 256 |
| Publisher | Crossway |
This project answers the important questions, and the personal stories of the authors and their commitment to making this material accessible has brought it all close enough to enhance our wisdom, patience, gentleness, and perseverance. The light on the hill will be a bit brighter because of it.
In an engaging, practical, and insightful commentary, David Murray and Tom Karel Jr. challenge the Christian community to understand and embrace the struggle of mental illness. As a clinician with more than twenty-five years of experience, I am delighted to have this resource at my fingertips. The authors offer a welcome bridge between faith and clinical applications.
When people and their problems get more complex and acute, two equal and opposite reactions are either to withdraw or to rush in without humility, curiosity, or wisdom. Thankfully, David Murray and Tom Karel Jr. have written a primer for pastors, small-group leaders, family, and everyone in between. I am so thankful for this book and how it has the potential to make the church a safe place for all who struggle and seek to find God’s grace in the midst of their suffering. I highly recommend this book!
