This is the book which inspired my previous post. Or maybe it was the thoughts that had long been circling in my head which inspired me to seek out a book which spoke on that very issue? I suspect it was a bit of both. One thing that I was overjoyed about was that I had found a book which dared to speak out against a Christian culture which increasingly allows poor personal circumstances to be an excuse for ungodliness. Too many times, people don't take personal responsibility. Instead they are content to 'blame it on the brain'.Edward T Welch is a Christian counsellor. In this book he explores whether brain disorders are an excuse for disobedience. In some cases, he questions whether some supposed 'conditions' have genetic or physical causes at all. The tagline of the book is : Distinguishing chemical imbalances, brain disorders and disobedience. Here is some of the blurb:
Research suggests that more and more behaviours are caused by brain function or dysfunction. But is it ever legitimate to blame misbehaviour on the brain? How can I know whether "My brain made me do it"?
Viewing brain problems through the lens of Scripture, Edward T Welch distinguishes genuine brain disorders from problems rooted in the heart....
Welch focuses on depression, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), alcoholism and homosexuality, and dispells some common myths we as Christians are quick to believe without there being any actual medical evidence available. One is the 'gay gene'. Welch writes that there is no evidence for the gay gene, yet many Christians are quick to believe whatever common belief is circulating without examining all the facts. Welch also explores past beliefs concerning alcoholism, that whether it is a sin issue or a genetic issue seems to fluctuate with whatever is deemed acceptable by our culture at the time. Welch gently encourages Christians not to hastily fall in line with whatever the latest opinion poll is saying, but to view these issues through the lens of Scripture.
The book is a bit 'sciencey' in parts, but is generally very readable. Welch gives helpful case studies and suggestions throughout the book, and is definitely not one of those wackos who dismiss medical research - rather he explores what the research has discovered over time. But he also provides a Christian viewpoint.
Some people may find this book provocative due to its subject matter, but it's definitely worth a look.
3 comments:
This is what I´m thinking a lot about, too. My Mum is fit in her brain. Until it comes to certain points. Bro and I are desperate and the only answer is: Malfunction. We´re looking for help and are left alone. Cause... can you blame it on the brain? In her case: Yes. Help!
It´s a wide field...
I have always believed that our actions are a choice. God wouldn't create his favorite beings with the imperfection of wrong genetics--He's not capable of sabotaging his own creations, in my opinion.
Thanks for the review of this book It looks quite informative!
I think sicknesses, disabilities etc are a sad part of living in this fallen world. The point of the book was not to debate whether they exist, but whether they are always caused by genetics as many people flippantly say or whether they excuse our bad behaviour. The author says sometimes the cause is not physical, but circumstancial or spiritual.
So you're right, Betty, that God always provides a way to bear up under the trials He allows us to go through.
Definitely read it if you get a chance!
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