Is Mental Illness a Spiritual Problem?
Mental illness covers a broad range of disorders, from mild depression to schizophrenia. However, a basic definition of mental illness is a condition that impairs a person’s ability to think, feel, process, and respond to life situations in the usual ways. From the beginning, it must be recognized that this issue is very serious and sensitive.
Mental health and problems around mental illness have become one of the leading crises in our society today. Deaths associated with alcohol, drugs, and suicide jumped 20 percent in 2020. While the impact of COVID-19 undoubtedly played a role in this rise, the trend over the last 20 years has been an increase in mental health crises leading to suicide. All this to say, it’s clear we are facing a serious mental health crisis.
Sadly, my observation has been that this is a problem that the American church has not done a great job of addressing. Common reactions to mental health include:
Ignore it out of ignorance of the depth of the problem.
Sweep it under the rug out of fear to maintain the status quo.
Incorrectly assume that the answer to all mental illness is for people to simply “pray through.”
But the issues surrounding mental illness are far too severe for Christians to fail to learn how to address the topic adequately. Here are four principles that can guide the Christian toward a biblical approach to mental health issues.
Principle 1: We are spiritual/physical creatures, and this reality must impact the way we think about mental health issues.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Because we are spiritual/physical beings, these two parts intersect in ways that result in a duality of cause/effect. In other words, the spiritual part of who we are will impact our physical life, and the physical aspect of our life will impact our spiritual life.
A biblical view of the nature of humanity should prepare us to accept that every spiritual problem has a physical component and vice versa. Therefore, to diagnose mental illness as 100% a spiritual problem and 0% a physical problem is wrong. Likewise, to suggest that a mental crisis is 100% a physical problem and 0% a spiritual issue is also incorrect.
Mental illness certainly can be aided by spiritual activity, but to assume that spiritual activity is the answer to all physical problems is an error.
Principle 2: The Physical Brain is an Organ.
God created humanity as beings whose “form” is finite and made from temporal matter.
Genesis 2:7 Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.
This means that from a purely physical perspective, the brain is merely an organ. Like other bodily organs such as the heart, the liver, or the lungs, the brain has physical limitations and can get sick or be damaged. Most Christians have no problem going to a great cardiologist if they suffer from heart disease. Similarly, nothing should prevent a Christian from seeking a psychiatrist or psychologist to deal with mental health issues.
This is not to suggest that we throw our spiritual life out the window and say, “Well, I guess there is no value in praying!” Of course not. People with heart problems need prayer because they are spiritual beings and need soul care, but they also need a heart specialist.
Our brains are physical organs like lungs and kidneys and are subject to illness and damage just as other organs are, and this damage may not be the result of spiritual problems. Some factors are physical, such as brain abnormalities, hormonal imbalances, and neurotransmitter impairments. Things like nutrition, exercise, and sleep affect mental health, and proper medication and competent therapy can help alleviate some issues. Other mental illnesses can occur due to traumatic events or abuse in childhood. The treatment for mental health issues is not one-size-fits-all because the causes of mental health crises are not all the same.
Principle 3: Ungodly Thinking Will Negatively impact our Mental Health.
Romans 8:5–6 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace..
While brain abnormalities directly cause some mental illnesses–because of the duality (spiritual/physical) of our human existence–some mental problems can stem from spiritual issues that manifest themselves in physical ways.
Unforgiveness (2 Corinthians 2:10–11), bitterness (Hebrews 12:15), fear and anxiety (Philippians 4:6–7), and all manner of sinful appetites can all damage our thinking (Galatians 5:7–9). When ungodly perspectives control our thinking, we cannot think clearly. We see every life event through a distorted filter.
Principle 4: Mental Illness IS NOT the same as Demon Possession.
1 Kings 19:4 Elijah walked a whole day into the wilderness. He stopped and sat down in the shade of a tree and wished he would die. "It's too much, LORD," he prayed. "Take away my life; I might as well be dead!"
Since the fall of man, humans have struggled with mental ailments. Scripture provides many examples of those who exhibited symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. Biblical characters such as Elijah, Jonah, Job, David, and the apostle Peter are shown to face what we would call today a mental health crisis.
Here are five fundamental distinctions between mental illness and demonic possession:
1. Attraction to vs. Aversion to Jesus. Demons want nothing to do with Christ. Meanwhile, individuals with mental illness can be devoutly religious.
2. Irrational Speech vs. Rational Speech. The New Testament narratives involving demons reveal that the demons spoke rationally. Untreated people with schizophrenia speak nonsense and jump rapidly between unrelated topics.
3. Ordinary Learning vs. Supernatural Knowledge. Demonic possession in the New Testament presents the demon as being able to speak through people to convey knowledge that the possessed person could not have known (Matthew 8:29; Luke 4:34). Those with mental illness cannot know facts they have not acquired by ordinary learning.
4. Normal vs. Occultic Phenomena. Demonically possessed people can influence others with their powers (Acts 19:11–20). However, with mental illness such as schizophrenia, the effect of the disorder is only on the disordered, not others.
5. The claim to be possessed. The New Testament accounts of demon possession reveal that the demon tries to hide until Jesus confronts them. Those who claim to be possessed are likely not possessed because demons wish to remain hidden.
Principle 5: Be Humble and Patience with those Struggling with Mental Health Issues.
Colossians 3:12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
When we see someone struggling with mental health issues, there is a natural tendency to want to help. However, not every intention of "help" actually helps. Don't be hasty in offering quick one-liners or "encouragement" that sounds more like; just get over it.
If someone had a heart attack, you would never presume you had the expertise to help remedy their condition. Why are we quick to assume our "expertise" in helping people with mental illness?
Instead, love the person struggling with mental health issues well by remaining close to them in their crisis. Love is the defining characteristic of the church. Therefore, we must ensure that people do not feel alone or isolated but can worship together in a faith community even when struggling with mental health issues. Ensure that they do not feel alone or isolated.
Finally, be patient. Mental illness is a long-term game, and there can sometimes be a long and bumpy road ahead for the person experiencing mental health challenges. Therefore, be prepared to offer soul care through the thick and thin of their journey.
Listen to the Podcast
About the Author
Dr. Laurito (DMin. Southwestern Assembly of God University) serves both the church and the academy as a pastor and an adjunct professor. Whether through books, sermons, podcasts, blogs, or biblical resources, Dr. Laurito is committed to equipping this generation to fulfill their Spirit-inspired destiny.