What does the Bible say about having a phobia?
A phobia is an extreme fear or dislike of something without a rational reason for the feeling. Phobias are usually classified as anxiety disorders, and most people who suffer from phobias recognize that their fears are not reflective of reality. For example, someone might be terrified of the color blue for no apparent reason. The…
What does the Bible say about despair?
Despair is the complete loss of hope. Circumstances can press in around us to the extent that we cannot see a way out. When fear grips us, hopelessness is right behind. The apostle Paul knew firsthand what that was like. Yet he wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:8, “We are hard pressed on every side, but…
Is Celebrate Recovery a biblically sound program?
Celebrate Recovery (CR) is a national, Christ-centered self-help program hosted by local churches to help people struggling with addiction or other life-controlling issues. The program began in Rick Warren’s Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, and is now used in churches around the world. From their website: “Celebrate Recovery is a biblical and balanced program…
What does the Bible say about PTSD?
The Bible does not say anything specifically about Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. However, we can glean much guidance from some indirect teachings in the Bible. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder develops in some people following a traumatic event. The event, or “stressor,” could be exposure to death or threatened death, actual or threatened serious injury, or…
What does the Bible say about eating disorders?
Eating disorders can be a difficult topic to discuss. Sufferers and their families often experience great shame, and the disorders are not easily treated. Sadly, eating disorders are not uncommon in Western culture. Psychologists and other professionals now recognize three distinct eating disorders, as well as disordered eating, which does not fit into one of…
How should a Christian view addiction?
The word addiction has two basic meanings. The first definition, and the one most of us are familiar with, is “to cause to become physiologically or psychologically dependent on a habit-forming substance.” Those who are addicted or “given to much wine” (Titus 1:7; 2:3), “drunkards” (1 Timothy 3:3) or “heavy drinkers” (1 Timothy 3:8) are…
What does the Bible say about a person who is a sociopath / psychopath?
The terms sociopath and psychopath do not appear in the Bible. However, the Bible does mention behaviors that are characteristic of those that today are described by the nearly synonymous terms sociopathic and psychopathic. In today’s criminal and psychological literature, a sociopath or psychopath is identified as one who is characterized by extreme self-centeredness and…
How can I help someone who is suicidal?
The threat of suicide is frightening and should be taken seriously. Many times, such a threat is merely a cry for help. Those with suicidal thoughts may be so distraught that they cannot imagine life improving, and they simply want the pain to go away. Suicide may seem the only alternative, yet the mention of…
What does the Bible say about anxiety?
The Bible has a lot to say about anxiety, but the word itself may not be found all that often. In the English Standard Version, it is used 8 times. In the New International Version, it is found 7 times. The King James Version does not use the word at all. Synonyms like trouble, heaviness,…
What does the Bible say about Bipolar Disorder?
Note: as with many psychological issues, there are often both a physical and spiritual aspect of manic depression/bipolar disorder. While we believe psychologists often miss the true spiritual nature of the sickness, we strongly encourage anyone suffering with a mental illness to seek medical attention and counseling. Answer: “Bipolar disorder” is a name that first…