Worldview and Mental Health

Published Oct 25, 2024, 5:00 AM

Does our worldview affect our mental health? Janet Parshall expands on that question, in this week’s commentary.

The Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University is doing the church a great service as they continue to explore the importance of having a Christian worldview that impacts what we think, what we believe, and how we act. Let me give you an example here.

To unpack present day issues from a biblical perspective is Janet Parshall.

Research data from CRC indicates that there's a linkage between an unhealthy worldview and mental health challenges. Their research indicates that not having a biblical worldview can produce and reinforce anxiety, depression, fear, and even suicidal thoughts. An estimated 60 million Americans have at least one diagnosable mental disorder, according to the CRC. Slightly more than 50 million adults have some type of anxiety disorder, and nearly 50 million adults struggle with alcohol or drug addiction. Doctor Barna and his team have identified more than a dozen common beliefs that help produce feelings of anxiety, depression or fear. All topics that are addressed in Scripture, for example, seven out of ten people under the age of 40 lack a sense of purpose and meaning in life without a biblical worldview. A person wonders why they matter or why they're here in the first place. The Bible reminds us that we were made to love, honor, and serve God. Paul reminds us that in him we live and move and have our being. Rejection of a belief in God contributes as well to poor mental health. Three out of ten Gen Z and millennial adults don't believe that God exists. Don't know if God exists or don't care. As a corollary, four out of five of those don'ts often experience fear, depression, and some sort of anxiety. Why? Because they have no connection to a great God who loves us and cares for us. Believing that truth is knowable and objective is also good for your mental health. CRC found that with the rejection of a belief in absolute moral truth comes an uptick in struggles with fear, depression, and anxiety. God is not the author of confusion, and knowing that he is truth provides a kind of mental safety net that mitigates our fears. Doctor George Barna, the director of the Cultural Research Centre, sums up the findings by saying people don't frequently experience anxiety, depression or fear as a result of possessing the biblical worldview. The profile of those who possess a biblical worldview also tend to have longer lasting and happier marriages. A clear and compelling sense of meaning in life, more enduring and satisfying relationships. Greater spiritual clarity and joy, a deeper commitment to forgiving other people, and regular engagement in service to other people. While there are cases where conventional mental health treatments are warranted, this research underscores that believing that God is real, that he is the author of truth, and that he himself provides us with a reason for living, all served to not only protect the mind, but to guard our hearts. What a reminder that worldview matters. Those are my thoughts. I'm Janet Parshall.

For more information or to connect with us, go to. In the market with Janet Parshall. Aug.

Janet Parshall Commentary

Janet Parshall Commentary is a program that reflects how a Christian should understand and approach  
Social links
Follow podcast
Recent clips
Browse 287 clip(s)