Is Depression a Sin? A psychological perspective on church models of mental illness

Abstract

This paper is about the perspectives on depression from different models and how they affect congregants. The paper will answer the question “is depression a sin?” It will be using the christian psychological perspective to argue that depression is not a sin. This article will go over what the different perspectives are and how they are helpful or harmful. It will then go on to argue depression is out of control and not desired by those who experience depression. Those who experience depression also do not have an equivalent to sin; personal sin does not cause depression. Final argument will be to help those in the church and urge them that depression is meant to help us grow closer to God. By understanding the question “is depression a sin?” We can discover how to help struggling congregants and destroy unhealthy models.