Grace for the Afflicted: A Clinical and Biblical Perspective on Mental Illness

Matthew S. Stanford, PhD
Paternoster Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781934068441
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer, PhD, for Reader Views (2/09)

Dr. Stanford has written an easy to read and understand book for Christians and professionals who are often called to help in times of need. As a psychologist I find that many times Christians want more involvement in their church when they are diagnosed with a mental illness. The main problem is that many church leaders are not educated in the mental health field and are not sure how to handle ministering to those individuals who are either diagnosed or family members who are trying to help.

This book is a very good book for one to start with, as the author discusses spirituality and various mental illnesses diagnoses and provides scriptures to help those in pain. I have seen many of my college students describe the need for more church involvement; however, if one doesn’t understand the basics of mental illness how can they be of assistance? Helping those with mental illness not only involves medication and psychiatry, but it also encompasses the whole person and with that spirituality needs to be included.

One of the statements I particularly liked was when someone asked, “If God so loved us, why does he have us suffer? Why doesn’t he heal us?” God does heal us- he shows us the way to get help and at the same time increase our faith and spirituality.

The author discusses how diagnoses are made and describes several of the most common ones. He also addresses demonic possession, which many people believe causes mental illness. He also stresses that one first must get professional help and a diagnosis if needed, attend therapy and utilize medications as necessary. Those who minister need to know this information if they are to help their congregation. They need to know resources in their community and look at “red flags” or warning signs of those they minister to.

As a psychologist, I was glad to see this book. I have recommended “Grace for the Afflicted” by Dr. Matthew S. Stanford to many of my college students who ask for resources.

 

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