Based on your understanding of a Christian worldview, how would you define
psychopathology? What does the Bible say about abnormality? What is the secular
view of abnormality?
Our worldview may be defined by the glasses we use to observe
the world. Our worldview affects how we connect with others
and make sense of the world, and molded by how we see the
environment around us. I consider myself to be a Christian, and
my main beliefs are to love and serve God. I approach the world
through a Christian lens therefore My Christian perspective
recognizes and understands that God created me, which is why
I obey his word. I understand that from a Christian standpoint, I
am sinful since all humans are flawed because of Adam and
Eve's original sin.
According to Kring and Jonson (2022), Psychopathology is the
treatment of psychological problems, and this field is always
expanding and incorporating new research. Additionally, Kring
and Johnson (2022) explain that in addition to acknowledging
our own preconceived conceptions about psychiatric problems,
we also need to address and seek to modify the stigma that is
frequently attached to disorders. From a Christian perspective,
psychopathology may be understood in light of the fact that,
despite us all being created by God, every human is
complicated and has had specific experiences that shape our
personalities and decisions. God grants us the ability to choose,
regardless of whether those decisions are sinful or not.
The bible really doesn’t explicitly speak about abnormality or
mental illnesses, however what is seen throughout scripture is
that God provides comfort to the suffering and meets the needs
of the broken individuals. The bible does not address biological
causes related to abnormalities instead it provides guidance on
how to treat all individuals with love, respect, and dignity,
regardless of their physical, mental, or emotional conditions.
Romans 12:2 states “Do not conformto the pattern of
this world but be transformed by the renewing of
your mind.Then you will be able to test and
approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing,and
perfect will” (NIV). Power and McKinney (2014)
state that mental health professionals may
minimize or reject the influence that religion may
have on an individual's actions, beliefs, and well-
being. On the other hand, a person's level of
religiosity influences psychopathology or mental
health. One method to characterize secular views
on abnormalities is through a greater focus on the
biological underpinnings of what is normal. This
viewpoint ignores the spiritual or religious
perspective and believes that biological reasons
are the cause of abnormalities.
Bible gateway passage: Romans 12:2 - new international version. Bible Gateway. (n.d.).
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A2&version=NIV)
Kring, A. M. & Johnson, S. L. (2022).)Abnormal Psychology: The Science and Treatment of
Psychological Disorders, DSM-5-TR Update%(15th ed.). John Wiley & Sons, Inc
Power, L., & McKinney, C. (2013). The effects of religiosity on psychopathology in emerging
adults: Intrinsic versus extrinsic religiosity.)Journal of Religion and Health,)53(5), 1529–
1538. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-013-9744-8)
