Listen:  154.1

Schizophrenia is NOT mentioned in the Bible. It is believed to be “a psychological disorder characterized by hearing voices, irrational thoughts and speech, hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.” The cause is unknown, though some have tried connecting it with demon possession. This is unfounded, for schizophrenics do NOT have conditions that are normally found in cases of demon possession, such as

1) A negative reaction to the Name of Jesus Christ;

2) Supernatural knowledge;

3) Super-human strength; and

4) Rational speech.

Schizophrenia is a “mental illness” that can be treated successfully with medications. We do have a glaring example of mental illness in Daniel 4:28-37 where King Nebuchadnezzar literally “lost his mind,” but aside from being delusional, his symptoms were quite different from the classic schizophrenic. The problem in the Christian community is that schizophrenia is often associated with sin and thus Christians will “withdraw” from the schizophrenic instead of having “compassion” on them and “ministering” to them. Instead of “stigmatizing them,” we should “love them” and try to help them. If we believe they are unsaved, we should MINISTER THE GOSPEL to them. Mark 16:15 says, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” This includes those with mental illness! If we know Christians who are schizophrenic, we should, at the very least, PRAY FOR THEM. Consider James 5:14-15 which says, “Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him…And the prayer of faith shall save the sick.” The Lord may be pleased to grant them healing mercies through the “prayer of faith.” We should encourage them to SEEK OUT GODLY COUNSEL. Proverbs 11:14 reads, “Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety.” And we should surely advise them to SPEND TIME IN GOD’S WORD. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 assures us, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” Schizophrenia alters one’s perception of reality, but the Word of God can help them in dealing with these symptoms by giving them a strong foundation of truth. And last, but not least, we should direct them to those who deal with mental illnesses who can often treat their symptoms with medication. In 1 Timothy 5:23 Paul told Timothy to “use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.” It is NOT WRONG to take medications for the body or the mind if they can truly bring relief to those who suffer.  (154.1)  (DO)