Psychology Today recently posted an article called “On the Myth of Chemical Imbalance” by Mark L. Ruffalo who is an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of South Florida and maintains a private practice of psychotherapy in Tampa, FL.
In the article Ruffalo references Allen Francis from Duke University School of Medicine and Ronald W. Pies from the State University of New York and Tufts University School of Medicine. Many people are shocked when secular psychologists and psychiatrists do not believe science supports the chemical imbalance theory.
Regardless of the genesis of the problem, we can be sure that creation is groaning. People have experienced the pain, confusion, and brokenness that are in the world. People who know the problems of mental illness have legitimate experiences and the church must pay attention.
The church of Jesus Christ cannot be silent on an issue that is impacting millions of people. We cannot afford to get this issue wrong or have nothing to say.
We have a better goal than debunking the chemical imbalance theory. We will leave that issue up to professionals from Harvard and Duke. We must be the people who know how to extend the care and love of Christ.
The church must be filled with people who are saying “There is hope and we can help.” The church must be able to skillfully and biblically address the complex issues that mental illness presents to us. We need the good news found in the pages of Scripture. We need the very great and precious promises that are ours through our resurrected Savior.
The Psychology Today article is controversial. But the mission for Christians is not. Our mission is not up for debate. Our mission is to be the most caring and compassionate people the world has ever known. We must be ready and able to help.
