Am J Psychiatry 1982; 139:728-735
Copyright © 1982 by American Psychiatric Association
Modern Christian healing of mental illness
AR Favazza
Healing of mental illness through religious practices was a key element of
early Christianity. In the early twentieth century such healing was
associated with blue-collar and rural Fundamentalists, but religious
healing practices have gained widespread acceptance by many middle- class,
conservative Christian groups. "Evil demons" are now equated with envy,
pride, avarice, hatred, and obsessions with alcohol and gambling. Many
psychotherapeutic techniques of modern Christian healers appear to be
rediscoveries of psychoanalytic insights expressed in religious metaphors.
Most responsible healers encourage clients to seek medical and psychiatric
help, especially for serious mental disorders. Psychiatrists need not share
patients' religious beliefs, but for treatment to be effective these
beliefs must be understood and respected.
