Sep 10, 2019
In this episode we introduce the theme of season three, mental health and the church, and begin to uncover some of the myths associated with these two different, yet integral movements. In this theme we’ll explore how faith communities might or might not engage with issues and how we, in faith, live authentically, empathetic, and connected. The catch all phrase “mental health” looks at the emotional, psychological and social well being. We discuss how our body, mind and soul contribute to our mental health and dissect problematic theologies that can pull us away from optimum mental health and spiritual maturity. The myths that often surround mental health and its implication of one’s faith are uncovered and disputed and a call to recognize and use the God given tools we have to be more mentally healthy is given.
What does the catch all phrase mental health mean?
Shema, the intention to Love the Lord God with your whole being.
“Those in whom the Spirit comes to live are God's new Temple. They are, individually and corporately, places where heaven and earth meet.” - NT Wright
Myths: How Christians Have Viewed Mental Health
Focusing on emotion or physical body makes you weak (faithless)
Body mind divide
Prayer is all you need to heal problems
Deut 6:4-8 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.”
Luke 10:25-28 “On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. ‘Teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life? What is written in the Law?’ he replied. ‘How do you read it?’ He answered, ‘‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
‘You have answered correctly,’ Jesus replied. ‘Do this and you will live.’”
Lost Connections by Johann Hari https://www.amazon.com/Lost-Connections-Uncovering-Depression-Unexpected/dp/163286830X/ref=sr_1_1?crid=KHS13C5G38DV&keywords=lost+connections&qid=1567786680&s=gateway&sprefix=lost+conn%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-1
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