Background

Mental illness is not new. Although there may not have always have been DSM categories for mental health issues, mental illness has been around for centuries. In order to explore the issue of mental illness in the Bible it is important to provide a brief overview of this sacred Christian text.

Historically, it has been said that the Bible has been on the bestseller list for years. The Bible is a collection of writings written over a span of 1500 years. Many Christians believe it is the inspired Word of God, that is, directed by God and written by approximately forty contributors. The Bible, unlike other sacred texts, reads as factual news accounts of real events, places, people and dialogue. In spite of the unique personalities, writing styles, language and cultural diversity, there remains a unified message pointing the reader to God Himself, the author.

The Bible consists of 66 books. The Old Testament contains 39 books, which includes texts of poetry, law, prophecy, history and wisdom literature. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew except for the books Ezra and Daniel written in Aramaic. The Old Testament sets the stage and lays the foundation for the foretelling of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

The New Testament consists of 27 books and was written in Greek. In the NT the reader is exposed to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, Son of God. The Apostle Paul is credited with writing half of the New Testament and there is much to learn about Christian living and the early church from these pages. The Bible ends with dramatic views of the future where the Apostle John describes a new heaven and a new earth.

The Bible is a love story. It is a story about a loving God; a God who created us, knows us, loves us, and wants to be in a relationship with us. It is a story about a rescue mission. It is a story about a great healer, who offers wholeness, purpose and meaning for our lives. While the Bible does not answer every question we may have, it does chronicle God’s presence throughout history. It shows us how to live in harmony with each other, begging us to act justly. Today the Bible is translated into 2300 other languages.

Want to know more? Check out these films or pick up a copy for yourself at a local bookstore. There are many readable translations; the Message can be a refreshing alternative to the more traditional texts.

Trailer for “The Bible” movie as shown on History Channel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hThfoBzWxw

Trailer for “Son of Man” now in Hong Kong cinemas

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcIXCok9HPg