In my ongoing study of the subject of mental/emotional illness,
counseling, and the church; I found a very helpful chapter in the
recently released book, Christ-Centered Biblical Counseling. The final chapter, “The Complex Mind/Body Connection,” is written by Dr. Laura Hendrickson.
As a trained medical doctor, and board-certified psychiatrist, Laura
brings insight that is appreciated within the biblical counseling world.
In this chapter, Laura explores the complexity of our humanity and
seeks to bring biblically-informed wisdom to bear upon the mind, body,
and psychiatric medication. In this post, I will summarize and highlight
her main conclusions. For the full benefit you would do well to get
yourself a copy of Christ-Centered Biblical Counseling.
There Is Mystery in this Body, which Is Made by God. Just
as Christians have many misconceptions about emotions [the subject of
the preceding chapter] so “the body fares little better, perhaps worse,
in our mind’s eye.” But it is important to remember that “our emotions
and our bodies are God’s idea….The interrelationship between body and
soul defies our capacity to fully comprehend. The complexity of the
mind-body, soul-brain connection is both majestic and deeply troubling
to many.” Hendrickson then refers to the Biblical Counseling Coalition’s
Confessional Statement,
and reflects upon the dozen drafts of the portion that addresses the
mind/body connection. This section of the confession closes with the
following paragraph: “We recognize the complexity of the relationship
between the body and soul (Genesis 2:7). Because of this, we seek to
remain sensitive to physical factors and organic issues that affect
people’s lives. In our desire to help people comprehensively, we seek to
apply God’s Word to people’s lives amid bodily strengths and
weaknesses. We encourage a thorough assessment and sound treatment for
any suspected physical problems.” Continue at Paul Tautges
