Blame It on the Brain?: Distinguishing Chemical Imbalances, Brain Disorders, and Disobedience

“In the midst of an explosion of neuroscience research, Ed helps us to think theologically about the interaction of our worshipping souls and our material bodies in a post–Genesis 3 world. As he covers issues that are clearly brain-related and those that have merely been blamed on the brain, his practical applications, accompanied by case studies, bring us from secular labels to humanized experiences of weakness and sin. Ultimately, Ed points us back to how Scripture reigns in our ministry to frame the problems, to draw out people’s hearts, and to provide biblical help and gospel hope.”

“Understanding the role of the body in our struggles is perhaps the pastoral question of our day. Through a four-step process of understanding the disease, discerning the physical from the spiritual, speaking to the heart, and strengthening bodily weaknesses, Dr. Ed Welch imparts a careful biblical wisdom that he then thoughtfully puts to work in common complex problems like depression, dementia, and ADHD. I found myself eager to apply it in the counseling room, but this book will also help churches to care well for the flock of embodied souls.”

“In Blame It on the Brain? Ed Welch masterfully and compassionately gives us a biblical framework for understanding brain-related human suffering. He then helpfully applies this framework to specific areas where suffering people often seek help. The book equips counselors, carers, pastors, elders, deacons, and Christian friends to understand brain-related issues from a biblical perspective and provides tools for practically coming alongside suffering people.”

“More than twenty-five years ago, I read the first edition of Blame It on the Brain? as I began my journey into studying and teaching biblical counseling. It was a good book then—full of useful observations and quotes. I paraphrased and taught them. One such was that, when it comes to taking medication, “The question is more ‘Is it wise?’ than ‘Is it wrong or right?’” This weekend I read the new edition and found the old quote. Tonight as I counseled, things I’d read found their way into the counseling process. This new edition is full of good observations and things to quote! And it is a very good book.”

“Ed Welch’s Blame It on the Brain? is classic writing in biblical counseling on the body and soul. Over twenty years ago I read it as a student, and now I am delighted that a revised and updated version is available. The brain is complex, and brain-related problems are complicating. Using a biblical perspective, Ed provides Christian clarity on what seems unspiritual. In doing so, he challenges how we think and how we minister to people. I highly recommend this book for a renewed confidence in God to care for people wisely and compassionately. My students will be reading this discerning book.”

“Ed Welch’s careful biblical and scientific scholarship is a model to be emulated, especially in his chapters on homosexuality and alcoholism. While he has not written the final word on the interaction between the brain and the soul, he has forged a work that has a strong theoretical base and eminently practical application. Christians who personally of professionally face or discuss these problems in themselves or others must study and contend with this book.”