WDYB Episode #6: Theology Matters

July 26, 2017

On today’s show we will discuss our emphasis on theology. Our key text is 2 Timothy 4:1-5, which describes the duty of the pastor, among other things, to dispense sound doctrine (theology) among God’s people. We will also discuss what’s going on at School of Urban Missions (SUM) Bible College and Theological Seminary as they prepare for a new year of training and equipping Christian leaders to be sent out into the world. Like us at WDYB, SUM believes in teaching sound theology from a uniquely Pentecostal worldview. If you have a call to full time ministry, check out their Bachelors and Masters programs in areas of theology, biblical studies and the fivefold ministries.
On “In the News” we pause to consider the death of Chester Bennington, and how one can overcome the depression that plagued the Linkin Park front man. “Jared’s Gems” are always a surprise, but today’s edition will build off of that discussion. Lastly, today’s “Word From the Word” will show us one can find true “rest in Jesus.”
Don’t forget to send us your questions! Comment on this post so we can address them at the end of the show – anything dealing with Pentecostalism, evangelism, discipleship, apologetics and theology!
The issue of suicide has been on my heart lately because the popular rock stars that have taken their lives; (Chester Bennington & Chris Cornell).  I began to do some research and was shocked to discover that the U.S. has a rising suicide rate and its the tenth reason for death in America.  Thus, I felt led to write this blog to offer resources and help!
Below is an example of people’s responses to the suicide epidemic in the U.S.:

Suicide Stats

Here are just some quick facts about suicide from the “American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.”

 

  • Every 13.7 minutes someone in the United States dies by suicide
  • Nearly 1,000,000 people make a suicide attempt every year.
  • 90% of people who die by suicide have a diagnosable and treatable psychiatric disorder at the time of their death.
  • The suicide rate has increased the last five years to a record high of 12.4% per 100,000 people.
  • Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the US.  Click here for US death rates.
  • Men are nearly 4 times more likely to die by suicide than women. Women attempt suicide 3 times as often as men. Click here to view.
  • Suicide rates are highest for people between the ages of 40 and 59. Click here to view.

As one can easily see from the chart and stats above suicide is a major problem in the US. However, there doesn’t seem to be a clear solution from the professionals.  Some blame the drug industry claiming that the rise in the rates over the last five years is due to the increase of people being given dangerous psychiatric drugs, (click to here for more info on this belief).  On the other hand, some believe that proper treatment with psychiatric drugs does produce more of a positive change than those who don’t take them, thus leaving people untreated causes the real problems, (click here for more info).

To make the issue even more confusing, there is also disagreement between Christians.  Some Christians believe that all suicide is preventable and is an act of selfishness or self-murder, thus it is a serious sin against God, (click here for more info).  Yet other Christians believe that suicide is an illness just like cancer or diabetes thus the person shouldn’t be thought of sinning but rather suffering from a disease, (click here for more info).

As a result of the above conflicting beliefs in the psychiatric and church worlds I believe the ones who need the most help suffer the most and can get lost in the debate.  Therefore, to avoid adding to the debate or the confusion, I would like to simply share some of the main triggers for suicide and the best ways I believe we can help prevent it.

Some of the Major Causes or Triggers for Suicide

  1. Untreated Depression (especially when combined with alcohol and/or drug abuse)
  2. Bipolar Depression
  3. Drug/Alcohol Abuse and Dependence
  4. Schizophrenia
  5. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  6. Eating disorders
  7. Personality disorders
  8. Sexual/Verbal Abuse
  9. Intense Rejection or Bullying
  10. Helplessness in Regards to the Future (job, money, family, etc.)For more triggers that may cause suicide click here or here.

Three Ways to Prevent Suicide

  1. BE READY TO HELP: If someone is suffering from depression and mental illness we should offer them the best in help from both the church and medical science. If someone even mentions or hints towards wanting to take their own life, caring people should rally behind them and help them seek help.
  2. OFFER JESUS AT ALL TIMES: When the soul and spirit is right with God it will help assist the physical body in healing.  Meaning, if I had a healthy walk with God and lost my arm in an accident, having Jesus would make my recovery easier.  Thus, incorporating Jesus and personal salvation into the mental therapy is a must because Jesus and the Bible grounds a person’s hope in life and in the future, Isaiah 40:28-31.
  3. TEACH THE TRUTH ABOUT SUICIDE AND THE MEANING OF LIFE: I believe that many people don’t have the right definition or understanding of life and suicide.  Thus, when things in life go wrong they may get depressed and hide it because they believe that things won’t change.  Thus, they can feel suicide will make things better for themselves and the people around them. However, the Bible teaches the correct meaning of life, the value of each life, and ultimately how to have hope in this life in Jesus.  We must teach these things to our friends and family because correct theology will affect our every day lives, John 8:31-32.

 

Nuggets from Dr. Meier

Dr. Meier has started great holistic clinics around the midwest. Below are excerpts from his book, Happiness is a Choice.

 

 

More Resources

  1. Focus on the Family, a great online Christian counseling site.
  2. A powerful list of Bible verses to encourage you in times of depression, click here.
  3. If you are suffering from depression or having suicidal thoughts please ask someone for help right now.  Please start by calling this 24/7 number 1.800.273.8255 or chat online right now, click here.

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Posted in What Do You Believe Podcast