Ask a Christian Counselor | Podcast and Christian Counseling Resources
  • About
  • Podcast
  • Blog
  • Personality Test
  • Free Course
  • Get Help
  • Contact

Q&A Blog​

Do Those with Mental Illness Go to Hell?

8/24/2017

2 Comments

 
Q: If someone is born with a developmental disorder or has a mental illness that prohibits them from believing, will they go to hell?
Picture
A: No. I don’t believe anyone will be judged beyond what they can comprehend. I believe that scripture teaches that we are responsible for responding to what we know. According to Romans 2:14-15: 

​"
Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right."


​According to Paul, the writer of Romans, people who don't have the written word of God will be judged according to what they know. How do people know there is a God? The creation and their conscience. The creation speaks to the evidence of a creator. People also have a conscience that tells them right from wrong.

So what if someone cannot comprehend this? What if they can't understand scripture, the creation, and don't know right from wrong? I don't believe they qualify for the judgment and are exempt. This does get tricky, because it's hard to draw an exact line of where that exemption lies. People of many different theological stripes disagree on this issue. For me, it comes down to the fact that I believe God to be merciful, loving, and gracious. He wouldn't unfairly punish someone who is not even able to understand or take responsibility for their actions. —T.A.

2 Comments
Angela
10/31/2018 05:11:09 am

I agree. I have been having a discussion on Facebook about Christians who commit suicide.
Obviously they aren't in a Sound State of mind.
I believe that we can't undue our salvation. That is once we believe and confess Christ Jesus we are saved.
Our salvation covers all of our sins, past, present, and future. Now that doesn't give us a get out of sin free card. We can't deliberately go around sinning.
Suicide is usually committed by the mentally ill. Not someone in full mental health understanding that choice in that moment. Someone suffering depression or even a twisted reality.

Reply
Patty
3/30/2019 03:49:06 pm

We have eternity written in our hearts (Ecc 3:11) so even the stubbornest person on earth would desire significance and a sense of importance. Not being said, if we have the ability to reason and a sense of values whether it be about ourselves or others, it makes sense that such a person has his/her mental faculties in touch with reality and could therefore choose Christ has his Savior. Yes, as Christians we are exempt from judgment on the day we meet God, including those who decide to choose suicide instead of waiting on God's timing to see Him in Heaven. Suicide is an excusable sin that is forgiven. My question is what about those who later in life has Alzheimer's or dementia or some mental health issue and did not out of his own free will choose Christ. Are they excused as well?

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    Ask a Question

    This a blog where Tres Adames answers real questions in a "Dear Abby" format. Have a question? Ask here. 

    Topics

    All
    Anxiety
    Boundaries
    Counseling
    Death And Dying
    Depression
    Faith
    God
    Mental Illness
    Relationships
    Sexual Addiction

    This information is given with the understanding that the author is not rendering medical or legal advice. This is provided for educational purposes only. Names and identifying information have been omitted.
Picture

Counselor Directory

Search for a Christian counselor in your local area using our directory, Christian Counselor Near Me:
Search Now
Picture

Free Course

Enroll in our free email courses in biblical counseling and learn how to apply the Bible in counseling and ministry.
Enroll Now

This site is user-supported and contains affiliate links. When you click the link and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
​© 2020 Arizona Christian Counseling LLC. All Rights Reserved. Site by Lamplighter Media.
  • About
  • Podcast
  • Blog
  • Personality Test
  • Free Course
  • Get Help
  • Contact