Books and Book ReviewsBOOKS CREATING A CIRCLE OF CARING: THE CHURCH AND THE MENTALLY ILL by Shirley Strobel, (c. 1997) Designed to be a 12-part class for small groups within the church (Protestant or Catholic) to learn about how they can respond compassionately to those with mental illness and their families. A GUIDE TO MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN VIRGINIA HANDBOOK OF RELIGION AND MENTAL HEALTH, edited by Harold Koenig, (c. 1998) Academic Press NO LONGER ALONE: MENTAL HEALTH AND THE CHURCH by John Toews with Eleanor Loewen, (c. 1995), Herald Press, Scottdale, PA, 174 pages. RESURRECTING THE PERSON: FRIENDSHIP AND THE CARE OF PEOPLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS, by John Swinton, Nov. 2000. A CHRISTIAN VIEW OF MENTAL ILLNESS: UNDERSTANDING AND RESPONSE by Crystal Horning, MS, NCC, Mennonite Mutual Aid Mental Illness Consultant WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT SUICIDE?by Dr. James T. Clemons,Professor Emeritus of New Testament from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC, now retired as an ordained clergy of the United Methodist Church. IN THE SHADOW OF GOD'S WINGS: GRACE IN THE MIDST OF DEPRESSIONby Rev. Susan Gregg-Schroeder PASTORAL CARE OF THE MENTALLY ILL: A HANDBOOK FOR PASTORS by Deacon Judy Davis, Diocese of Chicago Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and Borders PATHWAYS TO UNDERSTANDING: A MANUAL ON MINISTRY AND MENTAL ILLNESS 3-ring binder. (Video "Pathways to Understanding Video" also available at cost of $20 plus $1.25 for postage.) PATHWAYS TO UNDERSTANDING: STUDENT MANUAL
BOOK REVIEWS A Christian View of Mental Illness: Understanding and Response by Crystal Horning REVIEWED BY: Martha E. Stokes, Director All too often books and materials that are supposed to help people better understand a particular subject are written with more than enough jargon, scientific, and medical terminology to make us close the cover after the first few paragraphs. Much too often the human side of the subject matter is forgotten. This is not the case with Crystal Horning's, A Christian View of Mental Illness: Understanding and Response. In this wonderfully readable booklet, we are introduced to real people, including the author, who are successfully living with mental illness. The glimpses into their personal lives are uplifting as well as educational. Their stories add great relevance to the sections of the booklet that define and look at the causes of mental illness. The author also discusses the role of faith in helping individuals, their families and caregivers walk through the journey of mental illness. Our Christian response must be a change in attitude, provision of supportive care, education, advocacy, and interaction. The booklet includes a list of national organizations and resources as well as an extensive bibliography of books across a wide range of interest areas. I knew from the first paragraph of the section on the impact of mental illness that I would appreciate Ms. Horning's writings. She notes that people affected or impacted by mental illness need pastors and church families who respond with empathy and understanding no matter how great the challenge. As Ms. Horning states, "They need Jesus with skin on." What a tremendous statement! If we are to be the example of Jesus' love and model the teachings of Christ in our world, then we are to be "Jesus with skin on." That one statement encompasses our total Christian response to not only individuals with mental illness and their families but to ALL God's people. Book published by: Mennonite Mutual Aid. Book available from: Carol Miller Phone: 800-348-7468, ext. 269 Web Page: www.mma-online.org/resources COST: $5.95 plus shipping |