Church & mental illness
What is the church’s responsibility? The responsibility of the church is found in 2 Timothy 1:7: “For, God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.”
So, the idea that mental illness is based on sin is debatable when one believes the Scriptures. God gave Christians a spirit of a sound mind, so I would advocate Christians better stay planted in God’s word to avoid mental issues.
A recent article (March 3) said Saul, Nebuchadnezzar and Job may have had mental problems. It is clear that Saul and Nebuchadnezzar had sin problems. Job recognized God through it all. Satan actually had to get permission from God to touch Job. Satan’s purpose was to get Job to deny God. Early on, Job claims, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and on the earth again shall stand” (Job 19:25). The last chapters of Job find him repenting and seeking God. God restores Job.
The element of fear plays a bigger role in mental illness than we may realize. Jesus al-ways is, and still is, the answer. Peace over fear could be a healing factor. And Jesus is peace.
Joyce Brumley
Grand Prairie
Thank you for “Through a glass darkly” (March 3). It was right on the money.
You accurately describe how too many overlook the needs of those with mental illness.
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The government, the private investments and/or the religious organization that recognizes and steps forward to provide safe, economical and surpervised community housing for those who do not need to be institutionalized will deserve worldwide and heavenly rewards.
May that day come.
Houston O’Brien
Eastland
Generous spirits
I suppose you have heard about the woman who had eight “test tube” babies.
Normally, when a woman undergoing fertility treatments or in vitro fertilization has multiple pregnancies, some of the unborn babies (or embryos, zygotes, etc.) are killed so that the other babies have a better chance to survive. I don’t think it is right to create a lot of backup babies just so some of them can be killed. I also don’t think babies should be created for body parts or fetal tissue.
As someone who is against eugenics, slavery and forced human experimentation, I think the government needs to pass a law that limits the number of babies (or embryos/zygotes, etc.) that can be implanted into someone.
Also, the rights of test tube babies should be clarified. They do have some rights, don’t they?
Chuck Mann
Greensboro, N.C.
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