Tackling Mental Illness Together: A Biblical And Practical Approach

by Alan Thomas

· How do we deal wisely, intelligently and compassionately with those who suffer from mental illness?
· Can we really make a difference if we aren’t professionals?
· Is it possible to discern between bad behaviour due to illness and that caused by sin?

Discover how your church can become a safe, encouraging and healing place.

‘The next-best thing to spending a week shadowing Professor Thomas.’ Sinclair Ferguson

‘Rational, readable and relevant, this book confirms that all involved in pastoral work can help tackle mental illness.’ Andrew Fergusson

‘The go-to resource for those who want to know the wisdom of reliable clinical experience laced with academic rigour and good common sense, all grounded in God’s word. I recommend it highly.’ Glynn Harrison

‘Empowers us all to play our part.’ Debbie Hawker

‘An accessible, practical, sensible and biblically grounded resource to help us navigate this challenging terrain.’ Sharon James

‘Presented in a way that will instil confidence that we can work with mental health professionals.’ Nick Pollard

‘Alan Thomas has shared his own important insights in what will become a standard book on the subject, accessible and wise.’ Geoff Thomas

Genres: Nonfiction, Mental Health, Theology, Mental Illness

232 pages, Paperback

Published November 16, 2017

Reviews

[Amy Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my new go-to recommendation for pastors regarding mental illness. The book starts with a philosophical and theological overview of mental illness—in history, in the Bible, in traditional psychology, and then expounds a very clear definition of mental illness.

Helpfully, he indicates that all mental illness, like medical illness, must have a cause, internal (genetic) or external (stress). Causes help us figure out how to best treat something; because of this, he is critical of the DSM5, which only groups sentences and does not bother to try to identify causes.

One of the most helpful things in this book is its explanation of mental illness from a thoroughly Christian and thoroughly medically informed perspective. He expertly explores the relationship between mental illness and human responsibility, which is an area I find that many Christians struggle to understand.

The next most helpful part of the book are the very clear ways given to help believers know how to help the mentally ill. He clarified two categories of mental illness and gives ideas for how to help with each.

Two notes of disagreement: the author does not put much stock in “looking backward” as part of counseling. I disagree; research backs up the need to have a clear story of one’s life, which is what looking at the past is ultimately about. Also, the author is a little dismissive of Christian counseling as not evidenced-based. Obviously, not a fan of that attitude: I’ve found that Christian counseling often administers evidence-based therapies from a Christian worldview in exactly the kind of supportive environment he recommends the church be for the mentally ill.

Overall, highly recommend, but please don’t throw Christian counselors out with the bathwater 😇

[bex 🌱 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Understanding how people living with a mental illness can be supported by the church is so important, and if you have any recommendations on Christian books about mental illness please comment!

I know 4 stars is a high rating but I have to admit I feel quite disappointed by this book. It’s aimed at pastors so I’m not really the target audience but it’s pitched as ‘the go to resource’ for being equipped to support those in your congregation with a mental illness (in combination with professional support where necessary). However I felt that the author let a lot of his personal opinions into this and at stages coined his own terms such as ‘sin excusers’ both of which I found confusing.

Despite this, it does have a lot of helpful points clarifying a lot of the myths around mental illness and helps make sense of people’s responsibility for sin despite their diagnosis. Ultimately it really encourages Christians to feel confident that they can help others through sharing non judgemental love for them and continual prayer on their behalf.

This review was a mess sorry! I just don’t know if I recommend it or not, I personally hope there’s something a bit better out there.

[Tim Littleford · Rating 4 out of 5]

His preface makes it clear that this book, despite himself being a Psychiatrist and Professor, is still a book of his opinions and not an academic text. It reads like it, and that makes it difficult to quote etc.

But it was still a very helpful book, argues strongly that Christian community and pastoral care complements the work of psychiatry and psychotherapy beautifully - the church has a meaningful part to play in helping people recover from mental illness.

He articulates that the stepped care before/during medication or psychotherapy can also be encouraged/facilitated by pastors/churches:

- Supportive relationships
- Meaningful work
- Diet and exercise
- Substance avoidance
- Sleep hygiene

Ultimately an empowering and interesting book.

[Janet Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of helpful keys that unlock our understanding of mental illness form a Christian perspective.

Having worked for many years in the criminal justice system and witnessed the growing tide of mental illness as a background, a cause or an excuse for criminal behaviour this book was an eye opener for me. Such a helpful explanation and will be a constant companion and essential reference source for me in pastoral work both inside prison and in the local church.

[Jenni Osborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book that does a good job of explaining mental illness, the history behind medical diagnoses and how to support and help those who struggle.

[Thora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful and readable.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book conflates 'spiritual weakness' with mental illness. Autism is wrongly labelled as a mental illness too. Overall, I found sections of this book to be highly offensive.