Spurgeon was depressed because he smoked cigars.
:tongue3:
Why was Spurgeon depressed?
Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by Jedi Knight, Jun 10, 2009.
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Bro. Curtis <img src =/curtis.gif>Site Supporter
Huh ?
There is no justification. Depression comes from slipping in Christ's command to be of good cheer. I thought that's been said, already. Sickness & death were brought into the world because of sin. Your question makes no sense. -
It sounds like you are a typically uninformed person who has read a few snippets here and there, but don't really have any idea of what the issues are. That's one of the problems with a discussion like this. We end up with people who don't know what they are talking about making bold dogmatic statements and throwing out silly and often unrelated examples.
We don't know enough about Alzheimer's to talk about causes and effects, and what the physiology of the brain is like. There is a lot of work to be done there.
But people who have actual depression deserve more than the flippant responses you are giving here. I hope you will spare depressed people your friendship during their dark days. -
Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
This is just to broad a brush to be correct. -
Your response was very hurtful. -
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I for one am very thankful to God Almighty for modern American medicine or I too would be like Spurgeon. -
As one of my profs used to say, "If you were like Spurgeon, we'd already know it".:laugh:
peace to you:praying: -
Do you deny that a person's spiritual condition can sometimes cause depression? -
Jedi Knight Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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Spiritual problems are not inherited but depression can be. That's been proven through scientific studies. -
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http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Se...Management/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=67727
Major depression affects about five to eight percent of the United States’ adult population in any 12-month period, which means that, based on the last census, approximately 15 million Americans will have an episode of major depression this year.
Depression occurs twice as frequently in women as in men, for reasons that are not fully understood. More than half of those who experience a single episode of depression will continue to have episodes that occur as frequently as once or even twice a year. Without treatment, the frequency as well as the severity of symptoms of depressive illness tend to increase over time. -
Jedi Knight Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
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You (and many others) seem to overlook that many if not most of our responses to life are learned responses. For instance, people who grow up around angry parents are much more likely to have anger issues.
So this issue is a good deal more complex than you are letting on. -
News flash: depression is real. It is complex. Is it always a result of sin? In one sense, yes, since we all are messed up thanks to the fall and to our fallen world. Are chemicals at play? Yes, we know this. You can literally take a vial and give someone depression for a time. Are SSRIs/SNRIs overused? I don't see how any sane person can say anything but yes. I have had NPs and PAs offer these to me just because I was sad one day about the Vols losing or the Reds losing streak or a bad sermon or the fact that it was raining. These drugs have powerful side effects and should be a last resort, not a quick first fix. I think it's rather akin to diabetes. Type 2 diabetics are supposed to use insulin as a last resort. Only after diet, weight control, etc., are exhausted as a means to control the issue. What about chemical imbalances? While this could be the case in a number of instances, it seems to be the default, screen-saver explanation. Imbalances can be temporary. If you have ever taken steroid injections, cortisone shots, etc., you know what I'm talking about. But the human brain releases millions of neruotransmitters every minute. God designed it to be a wonderfully restorative thing. But sin can tamper with that, and sin has tampered with that.
While we're talking about meds, one thing has always amused me. There are those who argue that SSRIs and SNRIs are sin....you sin by taking Prozac or Effexor or Wellbutrin. But not if you take herbals like 5-HTTP, Sam-E, or St. Johns Wort. Really? So one pill from one lab is a sin where another pill from another lab isn't? Got it. :tongue3:
I think Powlison, Welch, Adams, Johnson, Crabb are more correct than some of the others who try to make Christianity fit with Psychology. -
OK here is my opinion:
Depression is the result of unresolved conflict.
When we are distressed or troubled about something then we have a need to bring ourselves back to a balanced state of mind or depression will follow.
IMO, a chemical imbalance is also the result not the cause of unresolved conflict mainly because we don't get the proper kind and amount of sleep.
Proverbs 3
19 The LORD by wisdom hath founded the earth; by understanding hath he established the heavens.
20 By his knowledge the depths are broken up, and the clouds drop down the dew.
21 My son, let not them depart from thine eyes: keep sound wisdom and discretion:
22 So shall they be life unto thy soul, and grace to thy neck.
23 Then shalt thou walk in thy way safely, and thy foot shall not stumble.
24 When thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet.
The troublesome thing need not be sin. Basically we need to yield ouselves to God.
Yes easier said than done, I realize that because many years ago (and as a Christian) I experienced a deep state of depression.
WWJD?
John 12:27 Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour: but for this cause came I unto this hour.
John 13:21 When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.
Luke 22
42 Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.
43 And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
Yielding to the will of God will eventually lead to strength coming down from heaven bringing joy and peace.
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
It may take several years to learn this lesson.
HankD -
Hank brings up an interesting point. No one has shown whether the chemical imbalance is the cause or the result of things like depression. There are a lot of assumptions going on, but no real hard science and thoughtful interaction.
And we have to remember that drugs treat symptoms, not problems.
Ed Welch's book Blame It On the Brain is a must read on this topic.
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