Christians,
the Fallen Matrix, and Schizophrenia
What
psychologists have called “schizophrenia” can be a serious mental issue. In
this fairly short article, we wish to approach this from an Ancient Antiochene
Christian perspective. We hope it helps other Christians come to a good and
basic understanding.
Why do we as Antiochene Christians study such an issue as
this? Because, as we have explained many times regarding mental issues, we wish
to help others who are struggling with the different affects of sin. Sin is the
main problem of all irregularities and troubles. We want to understand others
out of pure compassion. Jesus teaches us to do this. We believe that knowing
the person of Jesus Christ is the answer to all problems. Thus, we study the
science of Christian thought.
So just what is “schizophrenia”? It is a mental disorder
which causes psychosis – multiple issues. It can create disabilities to
function in normal life. Sadly, many with this disorder have not gotten the
help that they need. They go about their daily business emotionally a mess.
Many could fully recover if they understood themselves better and got the help
that they needed. We as Christians hope this for all of those struggling with
this issue.
When we as Christians talk about “reality” we must factor in
“sin”. This world has many problems and dysfunctions. As Christians we educate
our children regarding how the real-world works, it is not always fun. Those
who struggle with schizophrenia have a difficult time dealing with reality. They
have a delusional perception of reality. All fallen humans, those without
Christ in their lives, have a somewhat distorted view of reality – delusional
perceptions. However, those who have schizophrenia behavior have persistent
delusions which create chronic disabilities.
They have what we might call “type-two” beliefs such as
believing that the earth is flat. Regardless of the evidence of a matter they
will still choose the delusion. Another issue is with how they use their five
objective faculties. They will see things vividly that are not really there –
hallucinations. All of us have “seen things”, perhaps a UFO or ghost but the
schizophrenic sees and hears strange things almost every day which are
delusional, not really there and not seen by others.
A very serious symptom is when they believe that all of
their thoughts are not their thoughts but have a belief that “something” or
“someone” is controlling them constantly. A paranoid anxiety develops. Some
also believe that everybody can read their minds. This creates disorganized
thinking and confusion. This creates a hard time with communication and produces
meaningless or confused speech.
They also display what we might call inappropriate emotional
responses to things that happen in everyday life. They may display disorganized
behavior and struggle with basic reason and logic. Strange body movements or
postures are sometimes witnessed.
It must be said here that some people who have been
demonically possessed display many of the same symptoms but in these cases, it
is not something that a person has developed over time (schizophrenia), since
birth, but in the demonically possessed person these symptoms come on the
person all at once and are accompanied by extreme hatred towards God and
Christians. Also, demonically possessed people have supernatural phenomenon
happening around them that can be experienced by others.
People who struggle with schizophrenia display memory
problems, attention problems, and cognitive thinking problems. As Christians we
cannot properly diagnose a person without some kind of professional training
but it is important to know and understand the symptoms of such a serious
disease that we might be alert to somebody who is struggling with
schizophrenia. We must develop compassionate attitudes towards others that we
do not understand. We must pray for them and if possible, help guide them to
get help.
In ending this message, we hope that if you have read this
that you “book mark” our site: “The Shepherds Way & Nugget of Truth”. We
are Christians and invite all Christians, no matter their denomination or
non-denomination, to study with us here. If you are a baptized Christian – by
the water and the Word – we accept you as an official Ancient Antiochene
Christian. There are no fines, fees, or forms to fill out to be an authentic
Christian. We welcome you to the Family of God.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
AACG (December 25th 2025)
