LIBERTY UNIVERSITY JOHN W. RAWLINGS SCHOOL OF DIVINITY
Does the Bible mention schizophrenia?
A Paper Submitted to
the Faculty of the School of Divinity
in Candidacy for the Degree of
Doctor of Education in Christian Leadership (Ed. D) Department of Christian Leadership and
Church Ministries
By
Mary Gracias
Lynchburg, Virginia
6/2022
Does the Bible mention schizophrenia?
Schizophrenia is mentioned nowhere explicitly in the Bible. Schizophrenia is a psychological
disorder characterized most commonly by hearing voices and having hallucinations, delusions,
disorganized thinking, and, at times, paranoia. Often mistaken for what was once called split
personality/multiple personality disorder, schizophrenia is not associated with dissociative
identity disorder. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and chronic. In most cases it is a
debilitating affliction that causes disruption to one’s quality of life and ability to function. It is
considered a psychotic disorder by the mental health field and is usually treated with
psychotropic medications. The exact cause of schizophrenia is unknown, as there is no physical
test that can determine the source of the problem. The behavioral manifestations are the
primary criteria for a diagnosis. Speculation about schizophrenia’s cause has led to a debate
over how Christians should view the disorder in light of scriptural truths.
Medical research has theorized there are conditions present in the brain causing
schizophrenia. Some research suggests that there are abnormalities similar to Alzheimer’s
disease or dementia. The cause of these problems is still unknown; they could be a result of the
disorder rather than a precipitating cause. However, genetics is theorized to play a role.
Another variable is drug abuse. Many illicit drugs produce the same symptoms as
schizophrenia. It is possible these drugs leave permanent brain dysfunction and lead to
problems with thinking and perception.
There are also those who believe schizophrenia is spiritual in nature, as in demon
possession. This idea comes from the Bible’s accounts of people whose symptoms appear to
mirror schizophrenia. While demon possession is possible in some cases, it is unlikely to be the
cause for the majority. Schizophrenics do not have a reaction to the name of Jesus, nor do they
possess supernatural knowledge. Also, when the biblical accounts are carefully compared to
cases of schizophrenia, the symptoms do not truly look the same (see Luke 4:41).
As with all mental health issues, schizophrenia might have several causes that are unique
to each person. Although symptoms may be the same, the causes can differ. That is why it is
important not to pigeonhole people with the diagnosis into “spiritual” or “physical” categories.
Believers should be filled with compassion for those suffering from schizophrenia. We can
think of it as a prison of the mind. People with schizophrenia and their families typically lack
support from both the Christian and medical communities because neither has all the answers.
The church should minister to everyone, including persons with schizophrenia and their
families. Those who struggle with mental illness should be considered part of a mission field.
They need the gospel to help them understand where God fits into the picture and that there is
hope in Jesus.
Although the Bible does not specifically address brain or psychological problems, it does
refer to people being healed of all types of maladies. The Lord works not only through miracles,
but also through medications, surgeries, counseling, and environmental changes. He does not
want anyone to remain in hopeless suffering, and He calls all to come to Him with their burdens
to find life (Matthew 11:28-30). The Lord also calls His children to extend love and the gospel to
those who hurt, especially those who are the most vulnerable (James 2:1-4). The Bible says
anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13). Those who suffer
with schizophrenia can have hope in Jesus for life more abundant (John 10:9-11). The Lord can
use all things for their good.
