Book Review: Grace for the Afflicted

This fall, I have the opportunity to be a respondent to two speakers at the American Association of Christian Counselors annual meeting.  The two speakers are Curt Thompson who wrote Anatomy of the Soul and Matthew Stanford, who wrote this book, Grace for the Afflicted (2008).  This book provides a biblical perspective on mental illness from a professor of neuroscience.  Stanford presents a balanced perspective on mental illness, walking through many common diagnostic categories. It is a great introduction for lay persons. 

What I found particularly helpful, though, was his descriptions of people who have dealt with mental illness and their experiences with the church.  Too often, the church responds poorly, if at all, to mental illness.  I hope that church leaders will take this book, read it, and try to respond with understanding and compassion to people struggling with emotional issues.