Mental Illness as Spiritual Warfare

Spirituality is a big part of who I am, so pardon my religious overtones.

I grew up in the church. My mom would take us to multiple churches of various denominations every Sunday. Even now, I attend as often as I can, not necessarily married to any one institution or doctrine in particular.

In the past (and even now), pastors will write off mental illness as demonic presence, and that has always bothered me. Now nothing I write is intended to be medical advice or spiritual mandate, just personal experience and subjective perspective. So take it with a grain of salt.

If mental illness is demonic possession, then why does so much beauty come from insanity?

Think of the many artists and creative souls tortured by poor mental health. I mean Van Gogh cut off his own ear, but we still marvel at his creations.

Maybe it is an unpopular opinion, but aren't we all made in the image of God? Then doesn't that mean God too is a little insane?

It is far easier to speak of angels and demons than it is to consider an odd characteristic of the Creator, isn't it?

He is perfect, He is powerful, He is good, He is holy. How could He also be insane?

The God of the Bible has always seemed bipolar to me. His Old Testament wrath never fully lined up with His New Testament grace.

Go ahead and fight me, but something is off here. Either our worldly interpretations are confused or God's character includes a bit of a mood disorder.

Whatever the case may be, whether it be angels versus demons, creation fallen from Creator, or purity versus insanity, I need people to accept mental illness as something worth solving, worth reflecting on.

If it is spiritual warfare, never forget that we are all children of God. We all deserve to be treated as such, not left for dead in the darkness like demons.

Hear me out. A good God desires to be with all of His children, right?

Manic and Moody