A Biopsychosocial-Spiritual Model of Depression Reviewed from the Christian Faith: An Integrated View of the Role of the Church

Stephen Iskandar; Yanto Paulus; Victor Deak

doi:10.55927/eajmr.v4i7.254

Authors

Stephen Iskandar Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Kharisma, Bandung
Yanto Paulus Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Kharisma, Bandung
Victor Deak Sekolah Tinggi Teologi Kharisma, Bandung

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55927/eajmr.v4i7.254

Keywords:

Depression, Biopsychosocial-spiritual, Integration, Church, Pastoral Counseling

Abstract

Mental health issues, especially depression, are getting more and more attention in church ministry, but they are often understood reductively either as just a spiritual problem or simply a medical disorder. This study uses a literature study method by analyzing theological, psychological, and psychiatric sources. Within the framework of the Christian faith, depression cannot be separated from the effects of sin, but its treatment requires a comprehensive understanding of the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects. The Christian faith, understood as God's grace and rooted in the truth of the Word, is at the center of this model as distinct from general spirituality which is subjective and anthropocentric in nature. The article also criticizes the spiritual simplification of the depressed within the church and offers the active role of the church as an empathetic and transformative healing community. This integration is expected to expand the paradigm of pastoral ministry and Christian counseling in response to today's mental health crisis.

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