My friend Justin Brierley is serving the global church well with debate podcasts. I have had the priviledge of being on his show several times, debating Rob Bell, Rachel Held Evans, and and a pastor who didn't believe in the resurrection. So, this apologetics conference he is hosting promises to be very interesting as well. If I was free next Saturday I would definitely go along. So I encourage you to go as this is an important topic for the church in the 21st Century. Speaking of … [Read more...]
Join us at our International Day
May 16, 2013 By Leave a Comment
If you are near London this weekend, you are warmly invited to Jubilee Church's International Day which will be a celebration of our diversity. This will take place at 11am in Lee Valley Athletics Statium (Postcode N9 0AS) For more information see the church website's page on our International Day. … [Read more...]
Live video conversation on mental illness
May 15, 2013 By 1 Comment
As part of our ongoing conversation about Mental Illness, I hosted a video discussion right here on the blog. You can watch it above or on the YouTube page. Participating in the conversation was myself, Amy Simpson who is the author of Troubled Minds, and Patheos editors Timothy Dalrymple & Deborah Arca. One subject that we address in the conversation is more fully discussed in my post: Can a Christian get depressed? You can also join a written conversation on faith and mental … [Read more...]
Suicide and Religious Faith
May 13, 2013 By 3 Comments
Today I share the second question in our broad conversation about faith and mental illness. Last weeks question is still open for you to post your replies. Today's question is very sensitive and requires great tact. But it is not possible to speak about mental illness without speaking about this. Please see my previous post for more information about how we can be a part of reducing the risk of suicide Please post links to your answers to this question in the comment section below and link … [Read more...]
How has faith shaped our view of mental illness?
May 11, 2013 By 7 Comments
The folks here at Patheos asked me to host a broad conversation about mental illness which is inspired by the release of Amy Simpson's book Troubled Minds. You can also read and reply to the second question which addresses suicide. In this post I will share some quotes and excerpts from the first week's question which was really two questions: How has your religious community historically seen mental illness? – And how does your faith, today, shape the way you see mental illness? First, … [Read more...]
A conversation about faith and mental illness
May 6, 2013 By 29 Comments
Several things seem to have come together to make the subject of mental illness and people of faith very topical. One month ago tragedy struck the family of Rick Warren, one of America's best known pastors. Since then many have been writing about mental health with a new conviction. Also, Amy Simpson has released her moving book Troubled Minds - Mental Illness and the Church's Mission which is now featured on the Patheos Book Club. May has been declared Mental Health Awareness Month, and … [Read more...]
What is Schizophrenia and how is it treated?
May 5, 2013 By 6 Comments
Schizophrenia is a serious, often highly disabling mental illness. Many get confused and think schizophrenia is a split personality disorder. This is not the case at all. Instead it is characterized by the presence of psychotic symptoms, and the absence of significant mood symptoms. People can get some psychotic symptoms with the Mood Disorders (Depression and Bipolar Disorder). These should only be present during the mood episodes, and are supposed to be consistent with the mood state rather … [Read more...]
Growing up with a mother who was a pastor’s wife with Schizophrenia
May 3, 2013 By 7 Comments
In her new book, Troubled Minds, Amy Simpson bravely shares her own story of how her mother's mental health affected her upbringing. She speaks of not feeling she could tell any of her friends about her mother's mental illness. Troubled Minds also weaves in experiences shared by other Christians, and shares the results of a survey of church leaders on the subject. This is an excellent book for those who have no understanding of mental illness, but it also has a great message for those who do … [Read more...]
What is Bipolar Disorder and how is it treated?
May 2, 2013 By 3 Comments
Last week I spoke about what psychiatrists call "Major Depressive Disorder." Today I want to speak about Bipolar Disorder, the condition formally known as Manic Depression. This post should be read in conjunction with a few others in this series in particular. Here are the key ones that are important for understanding this article: What causes mental illness? What can we do to reduce the risk of suicide? How can I recognize a possible mental illness? What are mental illnesses and … [Read more...]
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