Did Jesus suffer mental health problems?

[Iron_Donkey]

I can see I am in a minority on this one. However there is plenty of evidence of Jesus’ mental health issues from the gospels:

• having a vision of a dove coming down from the sky
• auditory hallucination of hearing voices from the sky
• announcing oneself as the judge of the universe
• frequently journeying back and forth throughout Judea
• a forty day fast in the desert, 40 days!!!
• and belief in demons and being under attack from devils and possession

Can we honestly say if we met a person today with this resume we would think him/ her of sound mind?

If you work from the premise that the supernatural doesn’t exist, then the only conclusion is that Jesus was nuts. However, if someone both calls himself a Christian and holds to that premise, then it’s not Jesus’ sanity he should be worrying about.

Jesus is God. God can do pretty much whatever He wants. Demons are real. The fact that you think they are only superstition says more about you than it does about Christ.

I suspect you’re a troll, but if not then you may want to examine what it is you mean when you say you’re Christian.

 

[seagal]

I suspect you’re a troll, but if not then you may want to examine what it is you mean when you say you’re Christian.

I’m beginning to think troll as well, given all his non-responses to our rational responses. And the fact that he’d rather hang out in an atheist forum than hear Christian answers.

 

[MarkInOregon]

I can see I am in a minority on this one. However there is plenty of evidence of Jesus’ mental health issues from the gospels:

• having a vision of a dove coming down from the sky
• auditory hallucination of hearing voices from the sky
• announcing oneself as the judge of the universe
• frequently journeying back and forth throughout Judea
• a forty day fast in the desert, 40 days!!!
• and belief in demons and being under attack from devils and possession

Can we honestly say if we met a person today with this resume we would think him/ her of sound mind?

Well obviously you consider yourself able to judge the judge of the universe and you consider yourself able to judge and pronounce on a whole host of issues–what does that make you and what does that say about your mental state? You realize at one time the vaunted scientific experts of the not to distant past didn’t believe that washing your hands between patients would stop the spread of disease–yes lets place all of our trust–including our trust about things outside the realm of science–in the hands of these all knowing scientists.

If the person raised someone from the dead, cured some people, etc.-- I would be less likely to question the state of his mind than that of those scoffing at him.

The peace of Christ,
Mark

 

[Nacho45]

I can see I am in a minority on this one. However there is plenty of evidence of Jesus’ mental health issues from the gospels:

• having a vision of a dove coming down from the sky
• auditory hallucination of hearing voices from the sky
• announcing oneself as the judge of the universe
• frequently journeying back and forth throughout Judea
• a forty day fast in the desert, 40 days!!!
• and belief in demons and being under attack from devils and possession

Can we honestly say if we met a person today with this resume we would think him/ her of sound mind?

Pretty much globally across all Christian groups.

 

[Nacho45]

Why would anyone be a “Christian” if they didn’t believe in the resurrection? Social club?

 

[Nacho45]

Thanks for the responses. I am taking a break, maybe I am better suited to an atheist forum. Au revoir.

If you are only looking for people to agree and provide inadequate support, sure, but if you want real answers and truth, hang out and learn a few things.

 

[Aloysium]

I think it would have been helpful to his audience to teach some science and to correct any misconceptions that they had that demons were the cause of illness. He could have given them advice on the causes of physical and mental illness, fo example an explanation of germs and disease, and the actions they could take to improve their health. . . I think there could be evidence of his being less than perfect. Calling a woman a dog even in jest is insulting, or referring to a group of people (gentiles) as dogs is very impolite. Although I note at the end of the gospel he asks his followers to preach to the gentiles, so maybe he changed his mind and the experience of being resurrected reformed his character?

I can’t tell if you are being serious or making fun of science and political correctness.
Perhaps you are restating a most remarkable Anglican, CS Lewis.“You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse.”
It is possible that you actually mean what you say above. In this case, I would have to advise you that you have no knowledge of psychiatry, and that you should pray for the gifts of the Holy Spirit: wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord.

 

[po18guy]

I have not seen any research on what proportion of people today believe in demon possession, but I think a significant proportion of people believe in demons and believe themselves to be under attack by invisible entities, and as such have symptoms of mental health difficulties.

The truth is still the truth, even if no one believes it. A lie is still a lie, even if everyone believes it. Western man has greatly dismissed the spiritual aspect of our being. Big mistake. If you do not believe in demons and evil made manifest, then at least read someone who does: regnumchristi.org/english/articulos/articulo.phtml?id=14318&se=364&ca=118&te=782
ncregister.com/daily-news/parish-priest-aids-family-in-fight-against-demons/

I think Mark’s gospel is the least populat today partly due to this issue. People today are more skeptical of the idea of demon possession, and Jesus exorcisms could be interpreted as superstition rather than the acts of a sane and rational person. Therefore the church tends to emphasise the other three gospels where exorcism is less prevelant and the accounts are more believable to today’s audience.

Again, the truth remains the truth although no one believes it. In the west, we are rapidly becoming a faithless generation. This is reflected in our demographics, which are trending steadily downward.

The reason that we call so many spiritual flaws illnesses these days is because mankind, in its pride, arrogance and ignorance, assumes that it knows every danged thing and is the pinnacle of knowledge and enlightenment. Self-delusion is what it is. A cure for cancer? Are you kidding me? Medical science can do nothing about the common cold.

I would say that you are experiencing a crisis of faith.

 

[SecretCatholic]

I think it would have been helpful to his audience to teach some science and to correct any misconceptions that they had that demons were the cause of illness. He could have given them advice on the causes of physical and mental illness, fo example an explanation of germs and disease, and the actions they could take to improve their health.

That’s not what Jesus came to do. For that we have scientists and doctors. Jesus came to save the human soul, not the human body, though he did perform some miracles related to the body as well. Jesus came for something greater than to give knowledge and help physical health. He came for the salvation of humanity. Knowledge and science is great, but without the spiritual component- we are nothing.

I think there could be evidence of his being less than perfect. Calling a woman a dog even in jest is insulting, or referring to a group of people (gentiles) as dogs is very impolite. Although I note at the end of the gospel he asks his followers to preach to the gentiles, so maybe he changed his mind and the experience of being resurrected reformed his character?

You are making a quick judgement based on a superficial reading of the gospel. Look deeper for meaning and purpose. Already there are alternative readings that have been presented here that you should consider.

I can see I am in a minority on this one. However there is plenty of evidence of Jesus’ mental health issues from the gospels:

• having a vision of a dove coming down from the sky
• auditory hallucination of hearing voices from the sky
• announcing oneself as the judge of the universe
• frequently journeying back and forth throughout Judea
• a forty day fast in the desert, 40 days!!!
• and belief in demons and being under attack from devils and possession

Can we honestly say if we met a person today with this resume we would think him/ her of sound mind?

If you believe that anything supernatural is crazy, then of course you believe that anyone who believes in the supernatural is crazy. You’re right. even for a believer, Jesus needed to provide some proof. And he did, in the form of his resurrection. Of course, if you believe that that is the result of mass hallucination, then you’re just reasserting your belief (against the supernatural), not actually proving anything. It’s circular reasoning!

Hi Mary, I agree that first hand eye witness testimony of the events would be powerful evidence. However we personally have never seen God, Jesus, the devil, angels or demons, or witnessed miracles such as ascending by physical levitation into the sky. We have to rely on third hand reports by unknown people. This can make it difficult to believe the validity of the evidence.

That’s why its called faith. But even with things that are happening NOW and provable we regularly rely on “third hand reports by unknown people”.

Thanks for the responses. I am taking a break, maybe I am better suited to an atheist forum. Au revoir.

As far as I’m concerned you can stick around and keep asking questions and learning. It seems clear that you have trouble believing in Jesus and the supernatural in general. I don’t know if you believe in God at all, but I wish you the best in your journey for truth. Just don’t get in an echo-chamber where your beliefs are reinforced without challenge. Thankfully for us Christians, we are routinely challenged by secular society!

 

[ericc]

I think it would have been helpful to his audience to teach some science and to correct any misconceptions that they had that demons were the cause of illness. He could have given them advice on the causes of physical and mental illness, fo example an explanation of germs and disease, and the actions they could take to improve their health.

I think there could be evidence of his being less than perfect. Calling a woman a dog even in jest is insulting, or referring to a group of people (gentiles) as dogs is very impolite. Although I note at the end of the gospel he asks his followers to preach to the gentiles, so maybe he changed his mind and the experience of being resurrected reformed his character?

1. Do you believe in demonic possession?
2. Do you believe that people who believe in demonic possession are having mental problems?
3. Which part of Jesus behaviour do you think is indicative of a person with mental problems?
   4.If Jesus indeed has the power to cast out demons and demonstrated the ability to do so, would you still label him as having mental problems?
4. Why don’t you list all the issues you have with Jesus behaviour which make him less than perfect. By the way, you need to substantiate why your yardstick is perfect when you use that to measure Jesus imperfections.
5. Do you expect Jesus to speak in the manner expectant of the times 2000 yrs ago or do you expect him to be sensitive to 21st century needs or even 31st century needs?

 

[agnes_therese]

Thanks for the responses. I am taking a break, maybe I am better suited to an atheist forum. Au revoir.

Saying that anyone who disagrees with you is mentally ill . . . frankly, I’m not sure an atheist forum will welcome you, either.

 

[Bob_Crowley]

Hi Nacho, thanks for the reply.

I have not seen any research on what proportion of people today believe in demon possession, but I think a significant proportion of people believe in demons and believe themselves to be under attack by invisible entities, and as such have symptoms of mental health difficulties.

I think Mark’s gospel is the least populat today partly due to this issue. People today are more skeptical of the idea of demon possession, and Jesus exorcisms could be interpreted as superstition rather than the acts of a sane and rational person. Therefore the church tends to emphasise the other three gospels where exorcism is less prevelant and the accounts are more believable to today’s audience.

I’ve had the experience of demonic attacks - to the point where the bed was shaking, and it wasn’t from me. They exist all right.

I have no trouble whatsoever in believing in both this visible world, and a parallel spiritual world. They both exist. So what? The depths of the Marianas Trench exist as you’re probably aware, but for all the bearing it has on your day to day life, it may as well not exist. Ditto for the spiritual world in much of your life. You’ll eat breakfast, go to work, get the bus home or whatever, and never give so much as a passing thought to the reality of the spiritual world or the Marianas Trench.

But they both exist.

I was also unaware Mark’s Gospel is the least popular. Where did this claim come from?

I’ve spoken to exorcists. One of them claimed he’d seen people floating around the ceiling on rare occasions (levitation is a reported, if rare, phenomenon in exorcisms), and I vividly remember the literally demonic expression on my father’s face from time to time. It wasn’t just an ugly face - it was demonic.

Obviously that hasn’t been your experience. But don’t write off the experience of others just because it hasn’t happened to you.

Christ didn’t have a mental illness. He was what He claimed to be, God in the flesh. As such, in His case, demonic deliverances were real and frequent. They knew who He was.

 

[Petaro]

Thanks for the responses. I am taking a break, maybe I am better suited to an atheist forum. Au revoir.

Rather, Adieu, in the true sense of the word. You will remain in my prayers that the lunatic of your reason will open your eyes to the glory of His Godhead in your heart.

 

[Rajan_C_Mathew]

Hi All

Was reading from Mark’s gospel today where Jesus cast out a demon from a Syro-phoenician woman’s daughter. I find this passage troubling for two reasons. He refers to gentiles as dogs. Secondly he believes in demonic possession.

Jesus initially refuses to help the woman saying that its not good to take the children’s bread and give it to dogs. Elsewhere he says he was sent only to the children of Israel. He does not appear to even like gentiles

Jesus also believes literally in demonic possession. He does not appear to understand modern medical science but attributes illness physical and mental ailments to devils.

My question is this. Was Jesus himself suffering from mental health problems? These problems are demonstarted by the fact he believes that he and others are under attack from literal demons and devils, he has the power to cast out demons, can give this power to others. He is also has behavioural problems such as being hostile to outsiders (non Jews), clearly xenophobic and unhelpful to them.

Thanks

Dear friend,

I too had been thinking about this for quite some time. But I got the answer. And what I had found out is written in my blog here. (Pl click)

Have an open mind and think about it.

May God help you.

Love.

 

[Cinderbella]

What is *the book of celestial authorship *and where did you get the name Norana?

 

[Dorothy]

What is *the book of celestial authorship *and where did you get the name Norana?

I went to the site that the poster recommended, and all I had to see was a reference to the Urantia Book to be aware that the source is high-sounding, but is new age deception.

We have the Gospels and need to focus on them.

When the evil one cannot tempt people with lurid, base temptations, then he goes after them with high-sounding seductive beliefs.

 

[fnr]

Dear friend,

I too had been thinking about this for quite some time. But I got the answer. And what I had found out is written in my blog here. (Pl click)

Have an open mind and think about it.

May God help you.

Love.

The Urantia Book which forms the basis of your post is of extremely dubious provenance.

 

[fnr]

Hi Mary, I agree that first hand eye witness testimony of the events would be powerful evidence. However we personally have never seen God, Jesus, the devil, angels or demons, or witnessed miracles such as ascending by physical levitation into the sky. We have to rely on third hand reports by unknown people. This can make it difficult to believe the validity of the evidence.

I’m a biomedical scientist, so your post is germane to my life. Here are my thoughts, take them or leave them.

It’s important that when reading the Gospels, we not retroject our modern scientific (or scientistic) worldview. If you take modern medicine and science as the judge of their contents, you will quickly find the Gospels to be hopelessly antiquated. There’s plenty else that you can point to within the Gospels or the rest of the Bible to show that Jesus, Paul, Moses, Jeremiah, or any of the prophets didn’t know what they were talking about (e.g., that light inside you during the day – e.g., John 11:9-10). And very quickly, you can come to see that ancient people were stupid, superstitious, and not worth listening to.

The problem with that is that ancient people were not stupid. They knew that people didn’t rise from the dead. They knew that people with leprosy didn’t spontaneously heal. In first-century Roman Palestine, Jews grew up with a long history of rigorous legal and scriptural analysis (halakha and haggadah, respectively) of “the law and the prophets” (the Hebrew scriptures). They had exposure to Cynic, Stoic, and other pagan philosophies.

From a strict historical-critical perspective, we can say that independent sources (i.e., Synoptic parallels, material unique to Luke, John) attest that Jesus was able to heal people in an era prior to modern medicine. How, we don’t really know. But we do know that most critical historians say that Jesus was able to draw large crowds, and that people followed him. Many historians say that Jesus’ mysterious ability to heal, which Mark calls demonic exorcism, may have been one of the reasons for why Jesus gained such notoriety.

Was Jesus a lunatic? Well, as C.S. Lewis put it in his “trilemma,” was Jesus lunatic, liar, or lord? And you can ask – if Jesus was a lunatic or a liar, would he have drawn such crowds? Would his closest disciples have left home and family to follow him? Would the Roman governor of Judea have executed him in the fashion reserved for slave insurrectionists?

I encourage you to ask these kinds of questions. I think your posting here is a good start.

 

[Rajan_C_Mathew]

The Urantia Book which forms the basis of your post is of extremely dubious provenance.

My dear beloved Christian (Catholic) brother!

I too would have been one like you, had I not read the book, you termed as dubious with your precursory idea about it from the Wikipedia, with an open mind.

It is nothing surprising for me to find honest, but traditionally biased people (including Christians) finding it difficult to be broadminded or becoming too antagonistic towards ideas or information that apparently challenge their traditional beliefs. A judge has to examine all things truthfully with an open mind before he or she makes the final judgement! But our limited human minds filled with our all damaging egos would not allow us to do that way always.

I am not taking much space here. If you feel the curiosity to know, you may read the blog article I wrote some time ago for people like you but willing to open their closed minds. The blog is titled: The Urantia Book-why I believe it while most Christians don’t!

There is all possibility that traditionally indoctrinated Catholic Christians would soon get too annoyed with me and expel me from this forum. But is it that Jesus Christ taught you?

Remember the days of Jesus as written by our gospel writers. Jesus did not teach any thing radical from the traditional Jewish law or holy texts. He only pin pointed some gross errors that he wanted them to understand and correct. What happened? Within three years time the religious elitists conspired to kill him. The later day Christians sadly, while worshiping him as the son of God, are too reluctant to follow his teachings!

It is time to realize this, my dear brother/sister. Unfortunately, many of us are now in a mindset that we would not listen even if God Himself wants to pin point our misconceptions. We simply would not listen any thing as all those outside our pre-set boundary are all ‘Satanic’. And we take shelter in that one single word of caution of St.Paul blindly without using our God-gifted directives of the Spirit of Truth!

Hope you would not hit me for telling this.

Love.

 

[Rajan_C_Mathew]

What is *the book of celestial authorship *and where did you get the name Norana?

Christians would not mind reading any kind of books including those filled with disgusting things. But when there is a book which do not have not a single word that could be termed as bad, they become suspicious and annoyed without even bothering what it contains. Declare it as devilish before even knowing what it is. Offense is the best defense (for what?)

Many of us do believe in angels. But we do not have the common sense to differentiate between angels and devils.

If I put it simply, the word celestial in this context means angels-angels of God and not those rebellious angels who are with Lucifer or Satan.

Unfortunately we are are not prepared to listen to the angels of God because of our fear of those invisible associates of Satan.

Pl feel free to know more about all this by reading what I had written for the understanding of people like you.(Click this hyperlink)