I am basing this discussion on the following article: http://bit.ly/1dM8fcy. While the article talks about mental illness in connection with the death of a black pastor through his suicide, I think the discussion applies to religion generally. The article discusses a pastor of a church in Georgia. Apparently, the pastor lived with manic depression. He was a respected professional and a family man. In church, he preached about faith, a loving God, and against suicide. So, what happened? Hopelessness connected to a biochemical mental illness. The article continues by mentioning that in the remembrances of this pastor, his skill as a clergyman were celebrated. But the author believed his pain and mental illness were not acknowledged. While I understand why that might be, it doesn't indicate the reality of his life and death were accepted.
Denial of illness, inside or outside of the church, isn't productive. Faith, while important, doesn't replace treatment. I know that it sounds like I am denigrating faith as a factor. Truly, I'm not. I believe that faith can be a supportive factor in recovery. That is, unless dogma gets in the way. The article goes on to discuss the role of guilt in the decision to commit suicide. The author of the article shares his struggle with his homosexuality and theology. Of course, religion has tended towards judgement in regards to sexuality. In that kind of environment, the guilt must be overwhelming. That, in and of itself, can be a serious factor in the decision to finally kill oneself.
What am I saying? As pointed out in this article, I am saying that stigma and denial can certainly thrive in religious settings. And without honesty and acceptance, there can be no healing. People are people. Warts and all. When our religious institutions don't help people deal with life on life's terms, I believe they do more harm then good. Churches, Temples, and Mosques can be a source of support. But not until they work through the denial. What do you think?
Denial of illness, inside or outside of the church, isn't productive. Faith, while important, doesn't replace treatment. I know that it sounds like I am denigrating faith as a factor. Truly, I'm not. I believe that faith can be a supportive factor in recovery. That is, unless dogma gets in the way. The article goes on to discuss the role of guilt in the decision to commit suicide. The author of the article shares his struggle with his homosexuality and theology. Of course, religion has tended towards judgement in regards to sexuality. In that kind of environment, the guilt must be overwhelming. That, in and of itself, can be a serious factor in the decision to finally kill oneself.
What am I saying? As pointed out in this article, I am saying that stigma and denial can certainly thrive in religious settings. And without honesty and acceptance, there can be no healing. People are people. Warts and all. When our religious institutions don't help people deal with life on life's terms, I believe they do more harm then good. Churches, Temples, and Mosques can be a source of support. But not until they work through the denial. What do you think?
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