In the Fellowship of His Suffering
A Theological Interpretation of Mental Illness - A Focus on 'Schizophrenia'
by Elahe Hessamfar
Paperback (No longer our product)
(February 2015)
ISBN: 9780718893828
5.98 x 9.02 inches
Price: $47.00
Out of stock
A thoughtful and deeply personal exploration of the theological significance of schizophrenia, drawing on biblical insights and offering a uniquely Christian approach to the care of the mentally ill.
Schizophrenia is often considered one of the most destructive forms of mental illness. Elahe Hessamfar’s personal experience with her daughter’s illness has led her to ask some pressing and significant questions about the cause and nature of schizophrenia and the Church’s role in its treatment. With a candid and revealing look at the history of mental illness, In the Fellowship of His Suffering describes schizophrenia as a variation of human expression. Hessamfar uses a deeply theological rather than pathological approach to interpret the schizophrenic experience and the effect it has on both the patients and their families. Effectively drawing on the Bible as a source of knowledge for understanding mental illness, she offers a reflective yet innovative view of whether the Church could or should intervene in such encounters and what such an intervention might look like. Hessamfar’s comprehensive work will provoke powerful responses from anyone interested in the prominent social issue of mental illness. Her portrayal of the raging debate between treating ‘insanity’ either pastorally or medically will enthral readers, be they Christians, medical students or those in the field of psychiatry and social sciences.
- By (author) Elahe Hessamfar
"Elahe Hessamfar's book is most welcome, revealing and challenging to psychiatry, theology, religion and academia - I commend this book to the readers of MHC&R for its revelations and its challenge to all embroiled in the care and treatment of mental illness, the forgotten leprosy of our times."John Foskett, Chaplain Emeritus of Bethlem and Maudsley Hospitals"The author recommends a multidisciplinary approach in which the best examples of medical and faith-inspired practice are combined. It has the potential to be a game changer."-The Revd Anne Holmes, Church Times, December 2015
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