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Grace for the Afflicted: Viewing Mental Illness Through the Eyes of Faith
Each day men and women diagnosed with mental disorders are told they need to pray more and turn from their sin. Mental illness is equated with demonic possession, weak faith and generational sin. Why is it that the church has struggled in ministering to those with mental illnesses? As both a church leader and professor of psychology and neuroscience, Dr. Stanford has seen far too many mentally ill brothers and sisters damaged by well meaning believers who respond to them out of fear or misinformation rather than grace.
Grace for the Afflicted is written to educate Christians about mental illness from both biblical and scientific perspectives. Dr. Stanford presents insights into our physical and spiritual nature and discusses the appropriate role of psychology and psychiatry in the life of the believer. Describing common mental disorders, Dr. Stanford asks of "What does science say and what does the Bible say about this illness?"
Mental illnesses addressed in the book
Mood Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Schizophrenia
Dissociative Disorders
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder
Eating Disorders
Substance Use Disorders
Borderline Personality Disorder
Grace for the Afflicted is written to educate Christians about mental illness from both biblical and scientific perspectives. Dr. Stanford presents insights into our physical and spiritual nature and discusses the appropriate role of psychology and psychiatry in the life of the believer. Describing common mental disorders, Dr. Stanford asks of "What does science say and what does the Bible say about this illness?"
Mental illnesses addressed in the book
Mood Disorders
Anxiety Disorders
Schizophrenia
Dissociative Disorders
Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder
Eating Disorders
Substance Use Disorders
Borderline Personality Disorder
261 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2008
165 people are currently reading
1300 people want to read
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October 15, 2012
[Note: This book is written to Christians who profess a faith in Jesus with the intent of providing them with a better understanding of mental illness. I will be writing my review under this contextual assumption. I ask for the indulgence of those who do not share such beliefs.]
We in the church are notorious for failing to care for those in our midst who are suffering from mental health disorders. Because of ignorance and a flawed understanding of the bible, we have failed to demonstrate the love and care that we should be offering to them as brothers and sisters in Christ. We tend to dismiss their condition as a result of sin, moral failure, and/or a lack of faith and thus fail to recognise that they are suffering from a real illness that is a result of a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social causes. Helping individuals suffering from mental illness is so much more than just a case of quoting bible verses to them, telling them to get their act together, or telling them to pray more and have more faith - or worse, denying the existence of their disorder altogether!
Dr Stanford, a published neuroscientist and church deacon, adeptly presents a case to Christians to be more loving and caring to those afflicted with mental illness in the church. He diligently presents the theological and scientific foundations underpinning mental illness, and presents the main categories of disorders as outlined in the DSM-IV TR (e.g., mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and eating disorders).
This book successfully provides a foundational understanding of mental health disorders and frequently outlines personal stories on what the impact of mental illness is on the lives of affected individuals and their families. It ultimately shows how people in the church can be more loving and compassionate to those living with these disorders.
He exhorts readers to: (1) always be a patient, listening, non-judgemental ear and continual source of encouragement; (2) to encourage individuals to seek professional treatment if they haven't already; (3) to support individuals as they undergo psychotherapy and to take their prescribed medications; (4) to look out for the practical needs of the individual and their family; and (5) to provide them with spiritual guidance, prayer, and support.
All-in-all, this book has equipped me to better understand, encourage, and support one of my close Christian friends living with bipolar disorder - and others living with mental illness more generally. Highly recommended reading.
We in the church are notorious for failing to care for those in our midst who are suffering from mental health disorders. Because of ignorance and a flawed understanding of the bible, we have failed to demonstrate the love and care that we should be offering to them as brothers and sisters in Christ. We tend to dismiss their condition as a result of sin, moral failure, and/or a lack of faith and thus fail to recognise that they are suffering from a real illness that is a result of a complex interaction of biological, psychological, and social causes. Helping individuals suffering from mental illness is so much more than just a case of quoting bible verses to them, telling them to get their act together, or telling them to pray more and have more faith - or worse, denying the existence of their disorder altogether!
Dr Stanford, a published neuroscientist and church deacon, adeptly presents a case to Christians to be more loving and caring to those afflicted with mental illness in the church. He diligently presents the theological and scientific foundations underpinning mental illness, and presents the main categories of disorders as outlined in the DSM-IV TR (e.g., mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and eating disorders).
This book successfully provides a foundational understanding of mental health disorders and frequently outlines personal stories on what the impact of mental illness is on the lives of affected individuals and their families. It ultimately shows how people in the church can be more loving and compassionate to those living with these disorders.
He exhorts readers to: (1) always be a patient, listening, non-judgemental ear and continual source of encouragement; (2) to encourage individuals to seek professional treatment if they haven't already; (3) to support individuals as they undergo psychotherapy and to take their prescribed medications; (4) to look out for the practical needs of the individual and their family; and (5) to provide them with spiritual guidance, prayer, and support.
All-in-all, this book has equipped me to better understand, encourage, and support one of my close Christian friends living with bipolar disorder - and others living with mental illness more generally. Highly recommended reading.
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February 10, 2024I put off reading this book for a long time because I worried it would turn out to be the book I ~wanted to write (about what the Christian tradition has to offer folks living with severe, chronic depression) -- which would have been disappointing when I was really excited about this project. I apparently hadn't read the blurbs very carefully, as it's really, "What does science say and what does the Bible say about the most common mental disorders?"
As I began reading it in late December 2014, I quickly realized it was gonna be one of those "I'm reading this despite theological disagreements" books. When I went to add it to my "currently reading" shelf on GR, I was reminded that I had found out about it (4 and a half years prior) because Amazon's "Customers Who Bought This Item [Darkness Is My Only Companion] Also Bought" (Darkness is My Only Companion is one of the books that made bff and I want to write our own book, because the theology expressed in the book was so not our own), so perhaps this could have given me some pause back when I first considered the book. On page 12, we hit original sin, total depravity, etc. Page 15 we get predestination. I literally would have stopped reading this book if I weren't committed to the research. (Thankfully for me, the Calvinism lessens fairly soon.)
On page 26, I protest that the author is incorrect to assert that Satan accuses Job of sin -- Satan merely argues that Job would curse God if God took away all that God has blessed Job with. (Sidebar: An upside of the author early on invoking Satan's title as "father of lies" is that I had that Amy Grant song [which is called "Old Man's Rubble," apparently] in my head frequently while reading this book.)
Pages 73 - 212 are "What Are Mental Disorders?," which is the sort of thing I often find in books about Christianity and mental illness, and which I'm just not the target audience for -- I don't need the neurological components of mental illnesses explained to me, nor do I need psychiatric medication and/or therapy explained to me ... I already accept that these diseases have bio-medical components and treatments. I'm mostly fine with the bio-medical stuff he talks about (though wtf about dependency issues with anti-anxiety meds -- care to unpack how this is different from "dependency" on e.g. heart medication?), which is good, since he's a mental health professional.
The author's belief that God is control of all things doesn't surface too much in that section, though of course it troubles me every time it does.
He opens the section about eating disorders with a primary frame as being about distorted self-perceptions (around physical appearance), which was somewhat frustrating to me that elides how much eating disorders can be about issues of control, can intersect with obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. Also, he does the super-unhelpful thing where he says "Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a body weight of less than 85% of that minimally expected for age and weight" (p. 148) -- hi, you can starve yourself and not lose enough weight to "look" anorexic but still be literally starving yourself to death. I'm guessing he's likely drawing on the DSM-IV (this book was published in 2008), and Wikipedia suggests that even the DSM-V is still somewhat problematic on this, but yeah, still frustrating. (On page 150, he quotes an e-mail from a 51-year-old woman who has been struggling with anorexia since she was 16, who says, "It's a strategy for coping with big stress. When everything else in your life is out of control, food is one thing you can control." Which kind of makes it worse that he doesn't delve into that aspect of it at all -- though I was glad it got some mention.)
Edit: I somehow missed this victim-blame-y bit when I first read the book... I was telling my bff that while the author clearly states that it's not as simple as quoting Scripture verses at people, I sometimes feel like he verges on doing that. When I went looking for an example, I found that in the section on anxiety disorders, Stanford writes, "The core feature of all anxiety disorders is unrealistic fear: fear of failure, fear of catastrophe, fear of the unknown. In ministering to those with anxiety disorders, we must show them that the perfect love of God casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). We must help them understand that if God is truly sovereign and fully in control of all things, then to be anxious and fearful is to question His sovereignty and love for us" (p. 106). This is especially frustrating to me because he opened this chapter with talking about his own experiences with anxiety, and explicitly acknowledging that one often knows the anxiety is irrational but can't stop it.
As I began reading it in late December 2014, I quickly realized it was gonna be one of those "I'm reading this despite theological disagreements" books. When I went to add it to my "currently reading" shelf on GR, I was reminded that I had found out about it (4 and a half years prior) because Amazon's "Customers Who Bought This Item [Darkness Is My Only Companion] Also Bought" (Darkness is My Only Companion is one of the books that made bff and I want to write our own book, because the theology expressed in the book was so not our own), so perhaps this could have given me some pause back when I first considered the book. On page 12, we hit original sin, total depravity, etc. Page 15 we get predestination. I literally would have stopped reading this book if I weren't committed to the research. (Thankfully for me, the Calvinism lessens fairly soon.)
On page 26, I protest that the author is incorrect to assert that Satan accuses Job of sin -- Satan merely argues that Job would curse God if God took away all that God has blessed Job with. (Sidebar: An upside of the author early on invoking Satan's title as "father of lies" is that I had that Amy Grant song [which is called "Old Man's Rubble," apparently] in my head frequently while reading this book.)
Pages 73 - 212 are "What Are Mental Disorders?," which is the sort of thing I often find in books about Christianity and mental illness, and which I'm just not the target audience for -- I don't need the neurological components of mental illnesses explained to me, nor do I need psychiatric medication and/or therapy explained to me ... I already accept that these diseases have bio-medical components and treatments. I'm mostly fine with the bio-medical stuff he talks about (though wtf about dependency issues with anti-anxiety meds -- care to unpack how this is different from "dependency" on e.g. heart medication?), which is good, since he's a mental health professional.
The author's belief that God is control of all things doesn't surface too much in that section, though of course it troubles me every time it does.
He opens the section about eating disorders with a primary frame as being about distorted self-perceptions (around physical appearance), which was somewhat frustrating to me that elides how much eating disorders can be about issues of control, can intersect with obsessive compulsive disorder, etc. Also, he does the super-unhelpful thing where he says "Anorexia nervosa is characterized by a body weight of less than 85% of that minimally expected for age and weight" (p. 148) -- hi, you can starve yourself and not lose enough weight to "look" anorexic but still be literally starving yourself to death. I'm guessing he's likely drawing on the DSM-IV (this book was published in 2008), and Wikipedia suggests that even the DSM-V is still somewhat problematic on this, but yeah, still frustrating. (On page 150, he quotes an e-mail from a 51-year-old woman who has been struggling with anorexia since she was 16, who says, "It's a strategy for coping with big stress. When everything else in your life is out of control, food is one thing you can control." Which kind of makes it worse that he doesn't delve into that aspect of it at all -- though I was glad it got some mention.)
Edit: I somehow missed this victim-blame-y bit when I first read the book... I was telling my bff that while the author clearly states that it's not as simple as quoting Scripture verses at people, I sometimes feel like he verges on doing that. When I went looking for an example, I found that in the section on anxiety disorders, Stanford writes, "The core feature of all anxiety disorders is unrealistic fear: fear of failure, fear of catastrophe, fear of the unknown. In ministering to those with anxiety disorders, we must show them that the perfect love of God casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). We must help them understand that if God is truly sovereign and fully in control of all things, then to be anxious and fearful is to question His sovereignty and love for us" (p. 106). This is especially frustrating to me because he opened this chapter with talking about his own experiences with anxiety, and explicitly acknowledging that one often knows the anxiety is irrational but can't stop it.
March 31, 2025
Loved this book! If you’re interested in understanding more about mental illness in the world today from a biblical perspective, and how the church should respond, I encourage you to read Grace for the Afflicted. I definitely am leaving this book feeling more educated and equipped.
I rated it 4 stars instead of 5 because the more academic nature of the book made it less exciting of a read at certain points. Lol. Wouldn’t recommend it any less because of that though!! It was good for my brain 🙃
I rated it 4 stars instead of 5 because the more academic nature of the book made it less exciting of a read at certain points. Lol. Wouldn’t recommend it any less because of that though!! It was good for my brain 🙃
March 1, 2024
Wow o wow. This book is amazing. It goes through the church’s role and instruction on supporting those with mental illnesses. It goes through classes of disorders and lists out treatment, symptoms, subtypes, and examples of where we see each illness in the Bible. This reads more like a textbook than a self-help book for the majority of it. I cannot recommend this book enough. Thanks @emilykeller!
February 24, 2022
This book !!! Incredible. Truly a gift to anyone serving in the Church or loving someone with a mental illness
October 1, 2025
a really helpful guide for any Christian seeking to understand their or their loved ones’ struggles
January 17, 2018
Content: Mental illness is not a sin. Stanford argues for a holistic approach to mental illness, giving an overview of basically every category of the DSM 5, including etiology, prevalence, and treatments. He also includes personal vignettes and offers up biblical examples of the different disorders.
Agree/disagree: Some if his biblical examples were questionable. Samson, antisocial PD? Really? Neurological info was spot on. Was surprised he didn’t mention EMDR in connection with traumatic stress disorders.
Audience: Clergy, definitely.
Recommendation: A must-read for the pastor who takes counseling seriously. A handy reference for a quick overview of DSM categories for the professional counselor.
Agree/disagree: Some if his biblical examples were questionable. Samson, antisocial PD? Really? Neurological info was spot on. Was surprised he didn’t mention EMDR in connection with traumatic stress disorders.
Audience: Clergy, definitely.
Recommendation: A must-read for the pastor who takes counseling seriously. A handy reference for a quick overview of DSM categories for the professional counselor.
June 30, 2022
TL;DR--"God is actively pursuing his lost sheep in the midst of mental illness...mental illness can be a transformational experience, drawing one closer to God. Mental health difficulties do not hinder God's purposes, not do they in any way affect God's plan for one's life." (77)
If you're wanting to go into the pastorate, or are there currently, read this book! If you're a Christian struggling with mental illness, read this book!
If you love someone that struggles with mental illness, read this book!
"Research shows that individuals struggling with mental health problems are more likely to go to a clergy member before a mental health provider or physician." (252)
Dr Stanford lays out his philosophy on the intersection of faith and mental illness in Section 1, which I think hits the sweet spot of caring about being biblically sound and medically/scientifically accurate.
Sections 2 and 3 are very intellectually stimulating. Especially his "Biblical examples" section in each chapter. Some were obvious, like Goliath had a traumatic brain injury. Others were a stretch, like Gomer having borderline personality disorder. There were several that were very speculative and reaching, which is why I didn't give this book five stars.
Really enjoyed this book, and I'm glad in the revised and expanded version, he added a chapter on suicide. Can't believe that wasn't in the original!
Again, read this book.
If you're wanting to go into the pastorate, or are there currently, read this book! If you're a Christian struggling with mental illness, read this book!
If you love someone that struggles with mental illness, read this book!
"Research shows that individuals struggling with mental health problems are more likely to go to a clergy member before a mental health provider or physician." (252)
Dr Stanford lays out his philosophy on the intersection of faith and mental illness in Section 1, which I think hits the sweet spot of caring about being biblically sound and medically/scientifically accurate.
Sections 2 and 3 are very intellectually stimulating. Especially his "Biblical examples" section in each chapter. Some were obvious, like Goliath had a traumatic brain injury. Others were a stretch, like Gomer having borderline personality disorder. There were several that were very speculative and reaching, which is why I didn't give this book five stars.
Really enjoyed this book, and I'm glad in the revised and expanded version, he added a chapter on suicide. Can't believe that wasn't in the original!
Again, read this book.
December 2, 2023
I think I came into the book with the wrong set of expectations.
This is a synopsis of some of the more prevalent mental health issues of today. It provides all Christians a holistic view of what is happening (mind, body and spirit.)
It is not a primer on counseling for pastors. I kept wondering when we were going to start talking about how pastors can help those who struggle with mental health.
But the book is more informational than anything, which is good in that it brings understanding and empathy. Pastors should probably have this one on their shelves to remind them to have grace for these precious souls and form a plan and some strategic relationships with counselors.
The author finally got to a very practical tone at the end when he mentioned how we can minister to these folks by helping with every day things. This was my favorite part of the whole book.
This is a synopsis of some of the more prevalent mental health issues of today. It provides all Christians a holistic view of what is happening (mind, body and spirit.)
It is not a primer on counseling for pastors. I kept wondering when we were going to start talking about how pastors can help those who struggle with mental health.
But the book is more informational than anything, which is good in that it brings understanding and empathy. Pastors should probably have this one on their shelves to remind them to have grace for these precious souls and form a plan and some strategic relationships with counselors.
The author finally got to a very practical tone at the end when he mentioned how we can minister to these folks by helping with every day things. This was my favorite part of the whole book.
March 25, 2024
I’d recommend this book to anyone that struggles, or knows someone struggling with any kind of mental health issue. It explained these disorders with more clarity and depth than my pharmacology classes at times. For my non christian friends, I’d say it is still a great source and summary of brain and mental health issues. There are some church practices I believe to be helpful, but the overview aspect of each “problem” would still be useful for you.
I think this should be the standard first book to understand the brain, medicine, and treatment strategies.
I think this should be the standard first book to understand the brain, medicine, and treatment strategies.
November 22, 2019
Science and Spiritual Approach to mental illness
An incredibly deep dive into the world of mental health, yet an easy and encouraging read. Matthew Stanford offers both a scientific and spiritual approach to mental illness which is oftentimes lacking in the church. Highly recommended.
An incredibly deep dive into the world of mental health, yet an easy and encouraging read. Matthew Stanford offers both a scientific and spiritual approach to mental illness which is oftentimes lacking in the church. Highly recommended.
April 21, 2020
“God is leading his hurting children to us. It’s time that the church stopped abdicating its role in mental health and start leading.”
Stanford was practical, scientific, and biblical. Scripture speaks to these issues; that role is not solely left to science. After reading this, I was left thinking: what else has the church been abdicating its role in?
Stop abdicating. Start leading.
Stanford was practical, scientific, and biblical. Scripture speaks to these issues; that role is not solely left to science. After reading this, I was left thinking: what else has the church been abdicating its role in?
Stop abdicating. Start leading.
February 21, 2021
Good summary of mental illness, integrates the clinical and spiritual effectively. Some of the exegetical and hermeneutical work is suspect, but in such cases the Biblical references serve more as examples and illustrations of points being made than as proofs.
May 13, 2018
Really useful for those not obtaining professional counseling degrees. Allows us into the world and work of struggling with mental illness.
October 19, 2021
The best book I’ve read on mental illness from a Christian perspective. Scientific, informative, and also biblical. I learned so much about my own brain, and about a zillion other things. 5 stars.
November 2, 2023
I really love this book. I think it came to me at the perfect time and offered me a deeper and kinder context for loving those around me struggling with mental illness. Stanford does a great job to give us perspectives on identity in Christ and the image of God even as human beings who are broken and hurting.
I anticipate coming back to this text from time to time. Though it is certainly a heavy read, it is steeped in grace and full of kindness. I found it to be a deep help when I didn't have some of the words yet to understand the intersection of mental illness and the life of faith.
I anticipate coming back to this text from time to time. Though it is certainly a heavy read, it is steeped in grace and full of kindness. I found it to be a deep help when I didn't have some of the words yet to understand the intersection of mental illness and the life of faith.
Read
April 18, 2013This book came to me as part of my abnormal psychology class...so it was a necessary read. Usually these types of reads are boring and not worth my adding to any sort of list, however this one was different. Stanford opens the doors on what can be perceived as a negative (mental illness), shines light on it, and challenges believers to open their arms wide to those who are suffering in such a state. I recommend it for anyone, however those going into any sort of social work or psychology or counseling I highly recommend it.
January 2, 2021
This book is a good overview of mental illness from a Christian lens - particularly highlights the damaging stigma against mental illness in the church. It was very nice to have general definitions, explanations, common treatments, examples, etc. of so many different diagnoses. The bulk of the book is the author covering disorders related to mood, anxiety, schizophrenia, dissociative, eating, AD/HD, substance use, and borderline personality. At the beginning of the book, Dr. Stanford provides quick explanations to his theology, its relation to science, and the stigma in the church. To conclude, he leaves the reader with instructions on how to best assist/love others struggling with mental illness.
I recommend this book to folks that may not be educated as to the various struggles of folks enduring mental illness - especially people of faith that are anti-medication, view mental illness as demonic/spiritual rather than biological, regularly encounter people with mental illness (honestly everyone does), and/or have seen a relationship with a loved one deteriorate due to diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness. Dr. Stanford writes for this audience (most people) and succinctly/effectively covers his area of expertise from his faith perspective.
Although I feel rather unqualified to disagree with Dr. Stanford (he is the head of a Psychology PhD program at a major institution), there are some places in which I am not fully in alignment with his method or at least the way that he applied Christian counseling. Laying out several guidelines for what is good Biblical counseling such as "Does the counseling leave you with your focus more on Christ," "Does it leave you more willing to obey God," and "Does it leave you trusting God more," I agree these are valuable eventual outcomes to the believer. At the same time, I don't know that they are particularly necessary in early stages. Additionally, I feel that Biblical truths are important to be shared but most effective when raised at the right times. For example, I might reserve telling someone who they are in Christ until I have both listened well and been invited to take control of the direction of the conversation. If dialogue and/or relationship has not developed to the point that a Biblical/spiritual statement is welcomed/appreciated, perhaps it does more harm than help. I'd bet this to be the case especially when someone has past traumas, abuse, and rejection from other people of faith.
Overall, though, this book is a good crash course on a variety of illnesses, outlines solid theology, includes relevant stories, and inspires a new perspective with tangible action steps. As someone regularly coming in contact with a variety of mental illnesses in the Athens PBJs community, it is surely helpful to better understanding some friends and how to best love them. Considering much of Dr. Stanford's advice is to help folks get medical treatment, I am reminded of how flawed our health care system is and how costly that is to public health outcomes.
I recommend this book to folks that may not be educated as to the various struggles of folks enduring mental illness - especially people of faith that are anti-medication, view mental illness as demonic/spiritual rather than biological, regularly encounter people with mental illness (honestly everyone does), and/or have seen a relationship with a loved one deteriorate due to diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness. Dr. Stanford writes for this audience (most people) and succinctly/effectively covers his area of expertise from his faith perspective.
Although I feel rather unqualified to disagree with Dr. Stanford (he is the head of a Psychology PhD program at a major institution), there are some places in which I am not fully in alignment with his method or at least the way that he applied Christian counseling. Laying out several guidelines for what is good Biblical counseling such as "Does the counseling leave you with your focus more on Christ," "Does it leave you more willing to obey God," and "Does it leave you trusting God more," I agree these are valuable eventual outcomes to the believer. At the same time, I don't know that they are particularly necessary in early stages. Additionally, I feel that Biblical truths are important to be shared but most effective when raised at the right times. For example, I might reserve telling someone who they are in Christ until I have both listened well and been invited to take control of the direction of the conversation. If dialogue and/or relationship has not developed to the point that a Biblical/spiritual statement is welcomed/appreciated, perhaps it does more harm than help. I'd bet this to be the case especially when someone has past traumas, abuse, and rejection from other people of faith.
Overall, though, this book is a good crash course on a variety of illnesses, outlines solid theology, includes relevant stories, and inspires a new perspective with tangible action steps. As someone regularly coming in contact with a variety of mental illnesses in the Athens PBJs community, it is surely helpful to better understanding some friends and how to best love them. Considering much of Dr. Stanford's advice is to help folks get medical treatment, I am reminded of how flawed our health care system is and how costly that is to public health outcomes.
January 12, 2017
Grace for the Afflicted is a valuable resource for anyone wanting to learn how biblical truth and modern science work together to help people afflicted with mental illness. This book ought to be mandatory reading in seminaries.
Matthew Stanford, Ph.D. is professor of psychology, neuroscience and biomedical studies at Baylor University. Professionally he has worked with a variety of mentally ill and brain injured individuals. In his book, Grace for the Afflicted, he combines his expertise in studying the brain and mental disorders with a sound Christian theology to provide a very detailed explanation of mental illness.
He begins with a detailed look at theology, including Original Sin, God’s grace, and specific issues pertaining to mental illness in the Bible. Dr. Stanford’s basic premise is that mental illness can cause sinful behavior, but being sick is not a sin.
He presents biblical and medical arguments for why many of the Christian myths and misbeliefs about mental illness are simply not true. One of the most harmful myths held by Christians is that mental illness doesn’t exist because there is not scientific medical test to prove it’s existence. (How about proving the existence of God, while you’re at it, folks?) Dr. Stanford writes:
“Mental disorders and traditional medical diseases are diagnosed in a very similar manner, using a set of scientifically derived symptoms or criteria. Blood tests and brain scans are often used to rule out potential causes of the mental illness (e.g., infection, brain tumor, epilepsy). Psychiatry and psychology aren’t voodoo; they are science. And science insists on verifiable data.”
He spends the largest portion of the book detailing each category of mental illness from a medical perspective. Then he applies specific biblical principles to help someone with that disorder. He also speaks to family, friends, and caregivers about how to help someone with that disorder.
This review, along with additional book quotes, first appeared on my blog, CrazyGrace.org.
Matthew Stanford, Ph.D. is professor of psychology, neuroscience and biomedical studies at Baylor University. Professionally he has worked with a variety of mentally ill and brain injured individuals. In his book, Grace for the Afflicted, he combines his expertise in studying the brain and mental disorders with a sound Christian theology to provide a very detailed explanation of mental illness.
He begins with a detailed look at theology, including Original Sin, God’s grace, and specific issues pertaining to mental illness in the Bible. Dr. Stanford’s basic premise is that mental illness can cause sinful behavior, but being sick is not a sin.
He presents biblical and medical arguments for why many of the Christian myths and misbeliefs about mental illness are simply not true. One of the most harmful myths held by Christians is that mental illness doesn’t exist because there is not scientific medical test to prove it’s existence. (How about proving the existence of God, while you’re at it, folks?) Dr. Stanford writes:
“Mental disorders and traditional medical diseases are diagnosed in a very similar manner, using a set of scientifically derived symptoms or criteria. Blood tests and brain scans are often used to rule out potential causes of the mental illness (e.g., infection, brain tumor, epilepsy). Psychiatry and psychology aren’t voodoo; they are science. And science insists on verifiable data.”
He spends the largest portion of the book detailing each category of mental illness from a medical perspective. Then he applies specific biblical principles to help someone with that disorder. He also speaks to family, friends, and caregivers about how to help someone with that disorder.
This review, along with additional book quotes, first appeared on my blog, CrazyGrace.org.
May 31, 2024
This was such an insightful and encouraging book! Firstly, I learned quite a bit about mental health and mental illness. The author describes, in detail, many different types of mental illness. He gives examples of these illnesses, talks about the symptoms, and mentions typical treatments. At the end of each section, he presents a biblical example of each mental illness. The author uses these biblical examples as a reason to encourage grace, healing, and the love of God. It is fascinating to see all the examples of mental health problems that are in the Bible, many of which I had not thought of or considered. It's also encouraging the way God still uses and loves those with mental illness. The book ends with a lot of encouraging advice for helping those who struggle with mental illness or for helping yourself if you struggle. He talks about a holistic approach to healing. He also addresses ways in which the church and faith community can better equip themselves to handle mental illness. Plus, I love that the author debunks some of the unhealthy thoughts that a lot of Christians do have about mental illness. This book was educating and thought-provoking. I am glad I read it! For my own sake and for the sake of my friends and family who battle mental illness.
January 13, 2020
I can't say enough about this book. Dr. Stanford is a PhD in neuroscience as well as a Christian. With this book, his goal is to debunk a medieval belief within some churches that anyone with mental illness is demon possessed. Through a lovely mixture of scripture and science, Dr. Stanford outlines how mental illness and demonic possession, while both real, are two very different things. The book is very comprehensible. Dr. Stanford begins by explaining what the illness is with the symptoms, then the treatment, and finally gives evidence within the scriptures of God's comforting words and examples of possible mental illness instances (or momentary illnesses).
Another one of the things that I love about this book is that Dr. Stanford does not talk down to his readers. He explains everything in a manner that makes the reader feel that they are on the same level without dumbing down. This is a fine example of the marriage between scripture and science giving irrefutable evidence of God's presence in our world.
I highly recommend this book. It gives so many answers to questions regarding mental illnesses and makes the afflicted feel normal within the abnormality.
Another one of the things that I love about this book is that Dr. Stanford does not talk down to his readers. He explains everything in a manner that makes the reader feel that they are on the same level without dumbing down. This is a fine example of the marriage between scripture and science giving irrefutable evidence of God's presence in our world.
I highly recommend this book. It gives so many answers to questions regarding mental illnesses and makes the afflicted feel normal within the abnormality.
May 9, 2018
I bought this to help me prepare for a one session class on Mental Health and and the Christian.
It was a great overview of the common issues present for anyone who struggles with mental illness. The explanations from the science side were detailed, but not overly technical. It was enough to help the non-practitioner (that's me!) understand the basics of each disorder.
Good references to scripture for both explanation of those who struggled with mental illness and what our response as a believer should be. I very much appreciate that the author recognizes the ultimate solution and hope for healing comes from Jesus Christ.
While I have a few minor disagreements with references to what is happening in the text, I appreciated the thoroughness in such a short book.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a good overview of mental health issues, what the Bible says about it, and how we as Christians can more effectively help those who struggle with this every day. Glad I bought and read it!
It was a great overview of the common issues present for anyone who struggles with mental illness. The explanations from the science side were detailed, but not overly technical. It was enough to help the non-practitioner (that's me!) understand the basics of each disorder.
Good references to scripture for both explanation of those who struggled with mental illness and what our response as a believer should be. I very much appreciate that the author recognizes the ultimate solution and hope for healing comes from Jesus Christ.
While I have a few minor disagreements with references to what is happening in the text, I appreciated the thoroughness in such a short book.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a good overview of mental health issues, what the Bible says about it, and how we as Christians can more effectively help those who struggle with this every day. Glad I bought and read it!
August 29, 2018
I read the updated edition of this book.
If I had the power to require every pastor and every pastoral student to read this book, I would. As a Christian and the mother of a child with mental illness, I have long felt like there was nowhere I could turn for answers. The Church has largely been either uneducated or uninterested in mental illness and mental health professionals either do not share my faith or are prevented by professional conduct from sharing that with me. This book brings both Biblical and clinical knowledge together and covers everything with grace and compassion. It is a valuable resource as we as the Body of Christ wrestle with how to respond to those who suffer with mental illness in our churches and our communities. As a parent, I found grace and healing and answers as we seek to live with this in no home.
If I had the power to require every pastor and every pastoral student to read this book, I would. As a Christian and the mother of a child with mental illness, I have long felt like there was nowhere I could turn for answers. The Church has largely been either uneducated or uninterested in mental illness and mental health professionals either do not share my faith or are prevented by professional conduct from sharing that with me. This book brings both Biblical and clinical knowledge together and covers everything with grace and compassion. It is a valuable resource as we as the Body of Christ wrestle with how to respond to those who suffer with mental illness in our churches and our communities. As a parent, I found grace and healing and answers as we seek to live with this in no home.
December 14, 2025
(Rounded up from 4.75 stars)
This was a great, concise perspective on mental health from a Biblical worldview. A perspective that I have come to agree with in the past several years and a perspective that I strongly believe more of the Church needs to hear.
“The response within the church toward the mentally ill has been to withdraw, either by characterizing them as sinful or by ignoring the problem altogether. That makes it easy for us: either these people are unclean and not deserving of our help, or they are invisible.”
Ouch and amen.
.25 deduction because of his view on psychiatric medication (have a great book rec for this if you’re interested) and because of his use of the apocryphal books in a scriptural way. I don’t think either subtracted from his argument at all, but can be a distraction for some.
This was a great, concise perspective on mental health from a Biblical worldview. A perspective that I have come to agree with in the past several years and a perspective that I strongly believe more of the Church needs to hear.
“The response within the church toward the mentally ill has been to withdraw, either by characterizing them as sinful or by ignoring the problem altogether. That makes it easy for us: either these people are unclean and not deserving of our help, or they are invisible.”
Ouch and amen.
.25 deduction because of his view on psychiatric medication (have a great book rec for this if you’re interested) and because of his use of the apocryphal books in a scriptural way. I don’t think either subtracted from his argument at all, but can be a distraction for some.
February 24, 2021
I really just could not get over the poor use of Scripture in this book. In each chapter, Stanford offers an anecdote of a person suffering from a given mental illness before giving characteristic symptoms, diagnoses, prevalence and age of onset data, risk factors, neurobiology, modern treatments, and anecdotal experiences from those close to the sufferer. Then he gives "biblical examples." Essentially, he overlays the CSM-5 on top of biblical narratives and so abuses the author's original intent (diagnosing Eutychus with a mere concussion or Gomer as having a borderline personality disorder). I may end up returning to the earlier sections as a reference work, but the abuse of Scripture deserves two stars.
The last chapters had some helpful and practical next steps for churches.
The last chapters had some helpful and practical next steps for churches.
August 25, 2024
This book was recommended to me by my counselor. It was a good read and I gained valuable knowledge. There were a few doctrinal points that I disagree with and some references from non-canonical books. Those were valid historical references and added to the insight, but grouping them together with the Old and New Testament references threw me off a bit. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would read it again. I certainly appreciated the author’s emphasis on how the church should be involved with extending grace and encouraging treatment for people who suffer with mental health problems. I’ll be keeping this and referring to it in the future as I learn more about psychology and the church’s role in support.
September 5, 2022
I tried to read this book a couple of years ago, but stopped half way. I just recently finished it via audible, and it was an ok listen. I definitely think this is better consumed by just reading. There is some charts and bullet points that is kind of hard to follow and monotonous to listen to. Other than that, I can truly say this gave me a better understanding of mental illness as a whole, and how as a church we can serve and care for someone with a mental illness. I really loved the biblical examples that he gave, that was very interesting to think and dwell on the possibility of said example being afflicted in the mind like so many are today. Overall a good resource and read!
July 13, 2025
This book is very basic but very informative. Not only does it present various psychiatric disorders in plain text, it also provides Biblical examples to remind the struggling Christian that they are not alone. Stanford's presentation is so simple that even those with no psychiatric background are able to grasp the severity and learn what to look for in terms of warning signs of psychiatric disorders and distress. Sometimes, the Biblical examples feel like a bit of a reach, but they offer comfort nevertheless. When we learn of Biblical individuals who struggled at all (not necessarily with specifics, just in general) can remind the struggling Christian that God is there through the storm.
July 31, 2019
A very good primer for the lay person on mental health. An excellent reminder to Christians that mental health issues can not be dismissed, demonized or stigmatized. In the spirit of Christian love, we must mirror Christ in reflecting His grace and love to every individual including those with mental health issues. There is no other acceptable response. I especially appreciated the last two chapters of this book that outlined a holistic approach to healing and care as well as a message to the church body. Let’s not look away... God never does.
October 3, 2020
Good overview of the main catagories of mental illness from anxiety to Alzheimer's. It is a helpful resource for those living or loving someone with a mental disorder. I wish it had been a better resource for how to respond. It starts, but is just not comprehensive enough for those who are well passed the easy answers. One thing that I found invaluable was the graph on page 235. It shows what the stages of recovery (not cure) that a person needs to go through along with their caregiver. What a great graphic for talking through each other's perspective.
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