Mental Illness Is a Threat to Society - Essay Example

Modern media, be it literature, television, or film, has relied heavily on the crazed behaviors of schizophrenics and we hear the terms sociopath, psychotic, and sadistic interchangeably misrepresents the reality of mental illness (Davey, 2013). This is simply untrue. In fairness many individuals with mental illness are, in fact, dangerous and a threat, however, the majority of people suffering from mental illness are not “mad,” they are not violent, and pose no threat to anyone. The Bible acknowledges the presence of potential mental illness and does appear to offer some suggestions as to how to treat mental illness through several means, most of which require a mental and emotional commitment from the afflicted person (Horner, 2002).

            Several passages in the Bible seek to ease the potential and stresses that can lead to mental illness. Throughout the Bible, it suggests that people engage in thinking positively, for example, in Philippians 4:8, that which is just, loving, and pure is what people should “fill all your thoughts with these things.”(qt in Horner, 2002). Some mental illness is based upon severe fears, like phobias. In response the Bible suggests that we should face our fears; 1 John; 4:18 teaches that "love casts out fear.” The Bible even remarks on the necessity and value of humor in one’s life and as a contribution to people’s mental and emotional health. "A merry heart does good, like medicine" (Proverbs 17:22). Of course, these suggestions made by the Bible are more a representation of common sense rather than; literary divine intervention. Read More