Christianity and mental health

Abstract

This chapter summarizes the impact of the Christian faith on mental health and illness. It provides an overview of the history of the Christian church founded in the teachings of Jesus Christ, and the key beliefs and distinctions from other monotheistic religions. It considers the different beliefs and practices of the main Christian denominations: Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox. The church has a long and ongoing history of involvement in health care, and churches are at their best healing communities offering community, prayer, and, rituals such as Baptism and the Eucharist. Prospective studies have found that elements of Christian faith and practice benefit those with psychotic disorders and depression, increase happiness and resilience, and decrease the risk of substance abuse or suicide. Although teaching that over-spiritualizes or discourages timely interaction with health care and consistent treatment concordance is sometimes harmful, the evidence suggests that Christianity is generally a positive influence on mental health.