Pre-requisites

None.

Co-requisites

None.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

• Defend advanced theoretical knowledge and technical understanding of the theological principles relating to mental health and the differing Christian perspectives on mental illness

• Formulate advanced perspectives and technical skills from a theological understanding of mental illness to professional practice as a practitioner-learner.

• Argue for a Christian perspective on mental health to other people in a professional context

• Critique and evaluate Christian perspectives on mental health, and present a research-aware and evidence-based perspective on mental health in a professional setting

Unit Description

This unit explores and critiques a Biblical and theological understanding of mental illness. It integrates this understanding with an evidence based approach to mental health disorders. Students who complete this unit will be able to conceptualise mental illness from a Christian perspective that shows compassion and understanding. They will be able to competently provide non-stigmatised pastoral care for people who have a mental illness, both inside and outside of the Church.

Topics

1. Understanding mental illness within the history of the Church
2. Sin, individual responsibility and mental illness
3. The impact of culture on our understanding of mental illness
4. The place of the demonic in mental disorders
5. The impact of stigma and inadequate theology on our understanding of, and pastoral care for, mental illness
6. Issues of suffering and the place of God in understanding good and evil
7. Mental illness and the body of Christ
8. Providing hope to people with mental health disorders

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Unit offerings

Face to face: (Every 2nd Year (Even), Semester 2)

Please note

The Unit Offerings listed above are a guide only and the timetable for any year is the final authority. The College may vary offerings based on demand, regulatory requirements, continual improvement processes or other conditions.

This unit may be available in different modes of delivery i.e. online and face-to-face as listed above. The unit content will not differ between these modes of delivery. There will possibly be a difference in the schedule and/or the prescribed assessment tasks, however both will cover and assess the same content.