Schizophrenia Has Been Around For Centuries
Schizophrenia could be found even in Biblical times. I believe the man in the cave with legions of demons that Jesus cast into the swine suffered from psychosis.
We read the account in Chapter 8 of the Book of Luke –Jesus and his disciples sailed on over to the territory of Gerasa, which is across the lake from Galilee. As Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a man from the town who had demons in him.
For a long time this man had gone without clothes and would not stay at home, but spent his time in the burial caves. When he saw Jesus, he gave a loud cry, threw himself down at his feet, and shouted, “Jesus, Son of the Most High God! What do you want with me? I beg you, don’t punish me!”
He said this because Jesus had ordered the evil spirit to go out of him. Many times it had seized him, and even though he was kept a prisoner, his hands and feet tied with chains, he would break the chains and be driven by the demon out into the desert.
The man was not in control of his senses and had another presence in him that drove him into the desert. Whenever this presence took control he ran into the desert.
I was challenged with psychosis when I ran to the hospital and got admitted into mental hospital with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Admittedly this was after my first hospital admission. What was in common with this man was that I did not look after my appearance and ran for help when I perceived there was a problem with my mind.
I read of a case in Somalia where a mentally ill man was chained by his family to restrain him from causing any harm in the recent past. The British equivalent is sectioning under the mental health act. It is a crying shame that mental illness can often result in individuals having to restrained and isolated.
As Christians, schizophrenia should not be treated any different from any ailment. In fact, mental illness should not classified differently from other illnesses. As we can see from the account above, Jesus healed the man with schizophrenia. I have heard of stories where people challenged with mental illness have been asked to leave the church!
This should not be. As Christians, compassion is important. Mental illness should not be controversial among us. Let’s provide a safe and welcoming environment for everyone including those with mental illness and in particular cases like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia!
What are your thoughts on this potentially controversial blog?
About The Author