Society of Vineyard Scholars
Annual Conference => SVS 2017: Seeking the Kingdom, Tilling the Vineyard => Previous Conferences => Papers & presentations => Topic started by: Vicky Sigworth on January 29, 2018, 04:53 PM
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Abstract:
Persons with mental illness are weaker parts of the Body of Christ, and thus are indispensable to the Church (1 Cor. 12:22). They are rightfully to be treated with special honor. Along with this responsibility the Church also has a rich opportunity, as the Body of Christ is uniquely positioned to provide healing for underlying causes of mental illness. A 1992 World Health Organization study showed that a person living in a developing country such as India or Nigeria was much more likely to have a good outcome from schizophrenia than a person in the United States. From this and other studies some have concluded that the social supports in a developing country can bring about wholeness in cases where a modern medical system fails. We argue that the Church’s invitation to those suffering from mental illness, to welcome them into the fellowship of the Body of Christ, is a precious opportunity for bringing the Kingdom to a dark corner of our society, while also enriching the Church.
The full paper is attached to this post.