Addressing Mental Health: Mental Health and the Demonic

Often, mental illness and possession have been associated because of their similar attributes and behaviors. Both of these experiences are characterized by howling, multiple personalities, unsettling speech, self-harm, and illogical thought patterns. But are they the same thing? This Sunday we will look at the Gerasene Demoniac and how his story can help us better understand the ancient world's understanding of possession. We will also look at how that compares to our understandings of mental illness and disability today. Scriptures about demons may be some of the most difficult and troubling for modern ears. What should we do with these stories? How do they relate to contemporary mental health conversations? I hope you'll join us in-person or online Sunday as we consider these questions. Sermon based on Mark 5:1-15.