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I have been thinking about a retired man. Irish, reads his bible, knows it better than me, better than most.
Has pretty traditionally biblical views on most things..
Yet he has suffered depression all his life.
When pressed about 'joining in' more with social activities, he graciously says that he 'just needs to read his bible more'
I'm an evangelical and there is something wrong here that I can't put my finger on.
Can you help me?
Hello Ted, don't want to be offensive here, especially if you don't recognise bibliolatry.
Yes, I know this man quite well...
He thinks that in reading the bible, digesting it, understanding it, he will be healed of his depression.
I know he's got this pre-disposition - I am not saying his bible-reading is excessive or is the main cause of the depression.
It may be that his understanding of the deeper, higher and wider purposes of God are much better than mine.
But it hasn't alleviated his depression.
And I think his theology of healing is mostly the cause of his continuing depression. "I just need to read/understand the scriptures more to be joyful"
I'm almost at the belief that spiritual sickness needs spiritual healing, emotional healing needs human love, support and acceptance, physical healing needs a doctor. You know - horses for courses, cause and effect.
He is a total contrast with his wife, who was very sociable, outgoing (and very orthodox as well). But now she's died he does seem to be becoming a bit of a recluse.
Many Christians fall into depression whether or not they throw themselves into studying God's word or not. Depression can be both/either mental and/or physical, temporary or lifelong. I have a problem with "Christians" who are so calloused that they cannot empathize with someone suffering from depression. Praying for the man is a very good idea. Maybe if we all prayed more there would be less depression in the world. Just a thought.The prophet Elijah was depressed too, suicidal if I recall correctly. I get depressed myself at the state of the world once in a while. I have my joy in the Lord Jesus Christ, and the work He has done, but I have my moments. I suggest simply praying for God to bring the man more joy.
I can read all of the Harry Potter series and know everything that there is to know about Harry Potter, but I don't believe for a minute that the events and accounts found within those writings are true.
Actually, witchcraft and black magic are true as devils can and do satanic works here on earth producing signs and wonders...
If I were you, I'd repent and ask God to forgive you for sowing thoughts of witchcraft and black magic into your soul by reading scary potter books and watching those movies that satan enjoys so much and considers to be some of his best work... laughing that Christians watch his propaganda, and his ganda ain't propa!
God does not appreciate his people taking pleasure in evil... God is not mocked, whatsoever we sow IS what we are going to reap so putting this stuff in one's soul is not a good thing to do at all.
Hello Ted, don't want to be offensive here, especially if you don't recognise bibliolatry.
Yes, I know this man quite well...
He thinks that in reading the bible, digesting it, understanding it, he will be healed of his depression.
I know he's got this pre-disposition - I am not saying his bible-reading is excessive or is the main cause of the depression.
It may be that his understanding of the deeper, higher and wider purposes of God are much better than mine.
But it hasn't alleviated his depression.
And I think his theology of healing is mostly the cause of his continuing depression. "I just need to read/understand the scriptures more to be joyful"
I'm almost at the belief that spiritual sickness needs spiritual healing, emotional healing needs human love, support and acceptance, physical healing needs a doctor. You know - horses for courses, cause and effect.
He is a total contrast with his wife, who was very sociable, outgoing (and very orthodox as well). But now she's died he does seem to be becoming a bit of a recluse.[/quote]It ran's on the just and the unjust. I'm not saying the reading the Bible can not be depression. But one has to build their relationship with Christ as they go. I have been in a depression for 30 days that is how long I have been on my death bed. I want to go home and be with the Lord but when I see the people around me, when I see the pain in there eyes not knowing if I will be alive in the morning it hut me so I try to go on for them them.
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