Some Christians have tended to treat psychological problems as purely a matter of sin. Modern psychology and psychiatry, by contrast, have tended to treat psychological problems as purely biological and a result of poor socialisation. However, the greatest thinkers and pastoral leaders of the Christian church typically rejected such simplistic views, favouring a more holistic approach that takes into account all four dimensions of human life and that can be easily incorporated into church life. A case study of a church member with psychological problems will be discussed that illustrates the presence of all four dimensions, and we will consider how ministers, lay people, and Christian mental health professionals, including physicians, can collaborate to help.
