The Sin of Being Human? Christian Theological Response to Mental Illness

Abstract

Although the term mental illness is problematic, it is unavoidable for those most deeply harmed by it. In contrast to some current theological responses to mental illness, fully intersectional responses recognize not only gender, race, and class but also religion as a factor in some mental illness experience. A panentheistic theological response begins with a relational ontology, understands bodily diversities as part of finitude, and affirms the already-beloved identity of persons living with mental illness. This starting point of original blessing rather than original sin dismantles stigma rather than obscuring it through associating mental illness with the Fall. A theology of Spirit as that which opens to and empowers possibilities within repeated losses and turmoil responds to mental illness without minimizing suffering.