Relationship Between Psychology and Christian Faith
As a Christian and also a psychology major, I have given much thought
on the topic and relationship between Christianity and psychology. I have
spent the past three years of my life employed by a faith based homeless
shelter where I have witnessed women who struggle severely with mental
health issues firsthand. As a Christian I do believe I have a different outlook
on the relationship between the two than a secular person may have.
I do believe there is truth in both psychological issues and spiritual
warfare which I believe a lot of mental health issues are the result of some
type of spiritual warfare. The word of God says, “For we do not wrestle
against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against
rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high
places” (English Standard Version, 2001, Ephesians 6:12). It has been my
experience while working with this vulnerable population that the mental
health issues some of these women have been experiencing are in fact the
principalities and the wickedness spoken of in Ephesians.
I can remember watching one woman in particular as I worked the
night shift. Every night instead of sleeping she would sit by her bed in a
chair whispering aloud to herself. I would ask her if she needed anything or if
she was okay and she would always reply with things like, “I have to sit here
like this, or they will rape me”. She was being tormented every night by
these thoughts and hearing things talking to her. I would ask her if she
needed prayer, and she would let me pray with her but asked that I not lay
hands on her. People I worked with would say she had a severe case of
schizophrenia. I, however, do believe a lot of people diagnosed with
schizophrenia do have some sort of demonic possession. I am not
discrediting schizophrenia by any means it is just my personal opinion that a
lot of people with the diagnosis are experiencing some type of demonic
possession.
That being said I do believe there are psychological issues that are not
demonic possessions as it is proven that people do have deficiencies and
chemical imbalances in their brain. I also believe in the healing power of
Jesus and hold tight to the promises of His word. I do not think any mental
isness is greater than God. The word of God says, “ Do not be conformed to
the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what Gods will is- his good,
pleasing and perfect will (English Standard Version, 2001, Romans 12:2). I do
believe God has the power to transform our minds and fix these deficiencies.
The copastor of the church I attend used to struggle badly with
anxiety to the point of him having to pull his car over at times sure to severe
panic attacks. His anxiety consumed him at times, but the Lord is forever
faithful. Through prayer he has beaten his anxiety and is a very outgoing and
pleasant person to be around. He no longer struggles with anxiety. Although
I do believe that anxiety disorder is a very real struggle that people deal with
every day, I do believe that through prayer and faith in God that people can
overcome these issues.
I personally before I came into relationship with Christ struggled with
suicidal thoughts, depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder can say that I as
well have been healed from these things. The personal testimony in my life
and the many testimonies I have witnessed have led me to believe that faith
in Jesus Christ has the power to heal any and all psychological issues as it
has displayed in the life of many people today as well as multiple accounts
throughout the scriptures while Christ was on earth.
