The Strange Glory of Ordinary Things

Clyde Kilby was born September 26, 1902. He may have been my most influential teacher when I was in college. But then again it may have been Stuart Hackett. Kilby was a romantic — like C. S. Lewis. Hackett was a rationalist — like C. S. Lewis. One taught literature, the other taught philosophy. One taught me to see with the eyes of a poet. The other taught me the ubiquitous relevance of the law of non-contradiction.

I thank God for both of them. I believe what they saw was right and wise. But Kilby went deeper, I think. That’s not a criticism of the philosopher. It’s a statement about who we are as human beings. We are meant to reason because God is rational. And we are meant to rejoice because of the glory we see. But the reason serves the rejoicing. The thinker and analyzer in us is meant to protect the poet and lover.

On this his birthday I thought you might like to taste the joyful healthfulness of Kilby’s soul. On October 22, 1976, he gave an unforgettable lecture at First Covenant Church in Minneapolis. I went because I wanted to hear, after eight years, the man who taught me to look at trees.

That night he pled with us to stop seeking mental health in the mirror of self-analysis, but instead to drink in the remedies of God in nature. He was not naïve. He knew of sin. He knew of the necessity of redemption in Christ. But he would have said that Christ purchased new eyes for us as well as new hearts.    Continue at John Piper

Brain Malfunction versus Mental Illness

In the ongoing, and important, discussion of the nature of mental illness it seems to me that it would be incredibly helpful if we would be more deliberate in our distinction between “mental illness,” as a very large societal umbrella covering multitudes of non-organically-related behaviors (moral issues), and “mental illness” as an organic, physiological disorder backed up by legitimate scientific research (medical issues). For the latter category, it seems that we would be much better off if we used a term like “brain malfunction.” I submit this recommendation to the discussion for a number of reasons, which I hope to elaborate on more fully later in the week, as well as provide another page of helpful resources on the topic.

One reason we need a term other than “illness” is that this word often automatically generates in our minds unqualified confidence that a problem is indeed proven, lock-tight, as medical. Even some secular psychiatrists rightly oppose the DSM IV’s, and soon-to-be V’s, propagation of untold numbers of behavioral problems as “illnesses” for which persons can be treated by professionals who may then be compensated by insurance companies. The word “illness” too easily produces a victim-mindset in persons who might no longer be held responsible and, therefore, require medication. Since this is how our society has been trained to think we must strive to apply a biblical worldview to all of life and work extra hard to make clear distinctions of definition, lest we unintentionally contribute to the world’s tragic hijack of hope.   Continue at Paul Tautges

7 Questions about Suicide and Christians

I am sure we all grieve deeply and pray earnestly with Rick and Kay Warren, as they mourn the shocking loss by suicide of their dear son, Matthew, after many years of struggle with mental illness. Perhaps pray especially for Kay as she has had her own battles with depression.

From all that I can gather of the circumstances surrounding this tragic situation, I believe that Rick, Kay, the church, and the caring professions did all that they could to prevent this happening, and should not blame themselves. As many of us have also experienced, when someone’s mind has gone so far and their emotions have sunk so deep, and they are determined to end their life, it’s virtually impossible to stop.

As well-publicized suicides tend to increase the suicide rate quite dramatically, I thought it would be good to address seven of the questions that arise in our minds at times like this.

How common is suicide?

• It is estimated more than one million people die by suicide each year in the world, or more than 2,700 people per day
• There has been a 31% increase in the number of suicides in the U.S., from an estimated 80 a day in 1999 to 105 a day in 2010.
• Nearly 20,000 of the 30,000 deaths from guns in the United States in 2010 were suicides, according to the most recent figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Suicidal acts with guns are fatal in 85 percent of cases, while those with pills are fatal in just 2 percent of cases, according to the Harvard Injury Control Research Center.
• 465,000 people a year are seen in ER for self-injury.
• Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for teenagers.
• 7% of 18-39 year olds said that they had seriously considered suicide in the last year.
• In 2010, the last year for which figures are available, 22 veterans took their own lives every day, with the largest number occurring among men between 50 and 59.  Continue at David Murray

Nebuchadnezzar Loses His Mind

It is difficult to go through Daniel chapter 4 without realizing that, in our day and time, Nebuchadnezzar would have been diagnosed with some type of mental disorder, medicated to the point of absurdity, and put in an institution with little or no hope of returning to a normal life. 

Comments for this sermon: 

JC (4/13/2012) from California “ Great Sermon! ” This is a must-hear sermon for anyone (especially Christian) that has been or is under psychological/psychiatric care. I was on anti-depressants as an unbeliever but weened myself off (dangerous to do as Voddie says) soon after being saved. All psychotropic drugs just mask symptoms and can rob you of your God-given humanity. There is even something in this sermon for coffee addicts :)

KJ (4/12/2012)

from Oregon

“ Great Sermon! ” The Truth in this is so right on! We need to go to the root of the problems and to have a a God-centered view on psychology and that whole realm. God is still the answer! Thank you, Mr. Baucham.   Listen to this sermon by clicking on the link below - don't be shocked:   Nebuchadnezzar Loses His Mind

The Tucson Tragedy and God’s Gift of Moral Language

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

See Also Achieving Mental Health: The Role of Psychotherapy, Drugs, and Religion
or The Bible vs. DSM-IV