Martin Luther on Mental Health: Practical Advice for Christians Today

by Stephen M. Saunders

In the last several years, our world has vastly increased its awareness of mental health issues. Today, one in five people meet the criteria for mental illness each year, and Christians are not immune. Those struggling Christians often reach out to the church for support. With Martin Luther on Mental Practical Advice for Christians Today, Stephen Saunders, a professor of clinical psychology, provides readers with a resource to support their congregation to address those in need.

Just because mental health is discussed more today doesn’t mean it’s something new. Martin Luther published Letters of Spiritual Consolation far before the study of psychology was around as we know it today. It covered issues such as anxiety and depression and even how to care for friends, family, and oneself.

In his book, Saunders assures readers that Luther’s advice on thinking and behavior has big parallels to modern mental health treatment. Luther’s kind, compassionate, prescient advice to those in emotional distress is widely applicable today. Pastors, teachers, and leaders alike will gain a greater understanding of and ability to support those struggling with their mental health.

160 pages, Paperback

Published May 17, 2023

Reviews

[Michael Heidle · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a helpful resource for the church, for parish pastors, and for Christians in order to better understand mental health and to better support those who have thinking, emotional, behavioral issues. Parts of this book are very similar to any good general psychology textbook; almost every chapter is layered with quotes and references directly from Martin Luther regarding appropriate pastoral care and practice of helping people. This application of Luther's thought and writings to issues of mental health are not as contrived as some may think and are certainly more broad than many may think. The author of this text draws richly from "Luther: Letters of Spiritual Counsel" (edited by Theodore Tappert; published by Westminster John Knox Press, 1955) and does so with great skill so that each chapter seems to be personally addressed by Luther's thoughts, words, and counsel (and personal experience).
This text is very accessible for laypeople but will no doubt be a standard in the studies and pastoral formation at the church's seminaries; and it will be well received by laypeople and clergy alike to better understand mental health and support people with various levels and types of issues.
Highly recommended!!

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provides relevant information and helpful suggestions for pastors and laypeople who want to help those with mental illnesses, all within the framework of Lutheran theology and Luther's relevant advice.

[Micah Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book that provides a very interesting analysis of Martin Luther's understanding of and pastoral counsel on mental health, as well as confessionally Lutheran perspective.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good resource for anyone is ministry on how to talk to people with mental illness. down to earth writing that easily explains how some treatments have not changed since Luther's time.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book aloud to my 92 year old father during our morning read aloud time. We both enjoyed it and recommend it to every pastor and deacon in the church.