A Christian’s Guide to Mental Illness
A Christian’s Guide to Mental Illness: Answers to 30 Common Questions, David Murray and Tom Karel Jr.. Wheaton: Crossway, 2023. Softcover, 244 pages.
“Some Christians believe that mental illness is simply a modern idea dreamed up by God-defying psychiatrists, soul-denying psychologists, money-making drug companies, and blame-shifting sinners. Church history says otherwise (as does modern medical research). To give just one example, mental illness was accepted as genuine and treated seriously by some of the greatest Christian experts in soul care that God has ever given to the church — the Puritans.” (pp.8-9)
The above quote from the first chapter of this book really captures its value in addressing ongoing misconceptions about mental illness. When churches and (especially) their leaders don’t understand the nature of mental illness, so much harm can be done to those suffering with it.
The authors are uniquely positioned to address the issues. David Murray has written a previous book entitled Christians Get Depressed Too. He was previously a professor of practical theology at Puritan Reformed Seminary. He’s currently a Christian Reformed pastor in Byron Center, Michigan. His co-author is an elder at a Free Reformed Church in the Grand Rapids area. Tom Karel is also a psychologist at a Christian mental health center. Together they bring not only pastoral and counseling experience, but also first-hand suffering of mental health struggles. What we get is both compassionate and faithful to the Scriptures.
What are the 30 questions answered? Here’s a selection:
- Is ‘mental illness’ a helpful label?
- How is mental illness different from ordinary sadness, anxiety, and confusion?
- Can a Christian have mental illness?
- What role do mental health professionals have?
- What role does medication have?
- How can we help sufferers in the church?
- How can we help someone who is suicidal?
- What good comes out of mental illness?
At the beginning the authors promise their guide will be “ruthlessly practical.” And it is. Every chapter ends with a summary. The summary includes the problem addressed in the chapter, insights offered, and action that can be taken. Every chapter also includes a real-life story of a Christian who has struggled with mental illness.
I appreciated the balanced approach found in A Christian’s Guide to Mental Illness. The authors acknowledge that spiritual concerns are always in play. Those suffering with mental illness always need spiritual encouragement, and sometimes even admonition. The authors write that “sinful attitudes, desires, and actions can cause or at least contribute to mental illness” (p.83). However, there are also many cases where the cause of mental illness is related to being human rather than being sinful. Among other things, the authors mention research showing a possible link between autoimmune disorders and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
Even if you’ve read other books on this topic, I think Murray and Karel have brought a unique perspective in a helpful format. If you know someone with mental illness, I can’t recommend it enough.
Originally published in Clarion 74.04 (March 21, 2025)
