BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE OF THINKING AND MENTAL HEALTH: A CONSIDERATION OF PHILIPPIANS 4:8

Isaiah Abolarin; Vivian Adebola Alofe

doi:10.62416/ijwb-83

Authors

Isaiah Abolarin Babcock University
Vivian Adebola Alofe Abiola Ajimobi Technical University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62416/ijwb-83

Keywords:

biblical perspective of thinking, human existence, mental health, professional counsellors and medical personnel, relationship breakdown

Abstract

Mental health has become a focus of deliberation not only in the academic but also in every human gathering including church and community. This is as a result of the prevalence of factors like hardship, economic downturn, relationships breakdown and separation among family members that have negative influence on people’s mental health. Professional counsellors and medical personnel have always handled the issue of mental health, but the current trend requires that pastoral counsellors and pastors engage in educating and counselling people on the issue of mental health to bring about a healthy society. Thinking, specifically positive thinking, has much to do with mental health and has been written about by different scholars; but not many have been specific on what positive thinking is about. Therefore, there is a need to consider biblical perspective on thinking in order to present positive biblical approach to mental health. The Bible is a holistic book that deals with every aspect of human existence. Using qualitative approach of research, specifically desk research, this paper explored how Philippians 4:8 present the power of thinking on mental health. It was found that the passage gave a positive thinking framework that can influence human existence and is essential to mental health. It was recommended that pastoral counsellors, pastors and teachers educate people to engage in positive thinking as prescribed in Philippians 4:8, irrespective of the prevailing circumstance in the society, to keep them in good mental health.

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