Biblical Answer

The Futility of Physical Treatments in Addressing Spiritual Symptoms

The question of whether treatment can make us sicker is a valid concern, particularly when it comes to addressing the deeply spiritual symptoms of depression, such as guilt, fear, and self-loathing. While physical treatments may alleviate some of the physical symptoms, they do not address the underlying spiritual issues that contribute to the illness. In fact, as the Bible teaches, "The patients disease is in his belief" (Matthew 9:22). This means that the root cause of the problem lies in the individual's thought patterns and beliefs, rather than in their physical body.

The Limits of Physical Treatments

The effectiveness of physical treatments in addressing depression is also limited by the fact that we do not fully understand why they work for some people and not others. As one medical expert notes, "We dont know why, for any individual person, some medications are more effective than others. We dont know why medications that are chemically different have similar effects." This lack of understanding makes it difficult to determine whether a particular treatment is wise or not. Furthermore, as the Bible teaches, "Health is a great blessing, but the moment you make health one of your main, direct objects you start becoming a crank and imagining there is something wrong with you" (Matthew 6:24).

A Higher Solution: The Restoration of All Things

In contrast to physical treatments, which only address the symptoms of depression, the Bible offers a higher solution: the restoration of all things through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. As the apostle Paul writes, "We do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all" (2 Corinthians 4:16-17). This means that while physical treatments may provide temporary relief, they do not address the underlying spiritual issues that contribute to depression. A deeper solution, one that addresses the root cause of the problem, is needed. As the Bible teaches, "Caring for the sick is not an end in itself. It is evidence of a higher calling (the gospel) and of a greater solution (the restoration of all things)" (Matthew 9:22).