Theology and Mental Health: Depression, Addiction, and Eating Disorders
Understanding Mental Health in a Theological Perspective
This seminar will examine mental health challenges in theological perspective, exploring themes of community, healing, and meaning-making. Participants will explore the overarching relationship between mental health, theology, and psychology, addressing therapy and faith. Join us to examine three specific modes of mental health: depression, addiction, and anorexia nervosa. We will focus on how these forms of psychological suffering challenge traditional theological categories such as sin, salvation, and divine presence. Discussions will consider how our use of theological concepts can (and must) be deepened in order to account for these experiences. While the primary emphasis will be on theological interpretation and conceptualization, consistent space will also be provided to reflect on the implications for mental health and pastoral care, leadership, and practice.
Seminar Reading/Learning Materials
John Swinton, Finding Jesus in the Storm (Eerdmans, 2020).
Sonia Waters, Addiction and Pastoral Care (Eerdmans, 2019).
Michelle Lelwica, Starving for Salvation (Oxford, 2002).
This workshop is tailored for:
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Pastors: Empowering pastors to deepen their understanding of mental health and enhance their ability to offer compassionate, theologically-informed pastoral care. |
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Parents: Assisting parents to gain insight into the theological and psychological dimensions of mental health, helping them better support their children through challenges like depression and addiction. |
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Counselors and Psychologists: Empowering counselors and psychologists to explore the integration of theology with mental health, enriching their approach to treating issues like depression, addiction, and anorexia. |
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Institute for Youth Ministry: Assisting youth ministers to better understand how mental health impacts young people, equipping them to offer faith-based support and guidance through challenges. |
Over four seminar sessions, you will:
- Develop the vocabulary and conceptual basis to think constructively about the relationship between mental health and theology, and between therapy and faith.
- Learn about the major clinical dimensions of depression, addiction, and anorexia nervosa, equipping you to better respond to persons dealing with these struggles.
- Deepen your understanding of the role that theology plays (and can play) in our interpretation of the world and people’s experiences.
How It Works
Session Dates:Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Tuesday, February 18, 2025
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Tuesday, March 4, 2025
Duration/Time:7:00-9:00 PM (ET)
7:00-9:00 PM (ET)
7:00-9:00 PM (ET)
7:00-9:00 PM (ET)
Price:$399 for four sessions
Facilitator
Dr. Samuel Davidson
Samuel Davidson (PhD, Princeton Theological Seminary) is the Postdoctoral Fellow for Digital Learning and Continuing Education at PTS. He is a systematic and constructive theologian whose eclectic interests come together especially through theological engagements with ecology and psychology. He has taught master’s level courses at PTS as well as Truett Seminary at Baylor University, and he is passionate about training church leaders to think deeply and critically about the content of faith and the vocation of the church. He currently lives in Waco, TX with his wife and two small children.