Many Christians mistakenly believe that true Christians don t get depressed, and this misconception heaps additional pain and guilt onto Christians who are suffering from mental and emotional distress. Author David P. Murray comes to the defense of depressed Christians, asserting that Christians do get depressed! He explains why and how Christians should study depression, what depression is, and the approaches caregivers, pastors, and churches can take to help those who are suffering from it. With clarity and wise biblical insight, Dr. Murray offers help and hope to those suffering from depression, the family members and friends who care for them, and pastors ministering to these wounded members of their flock.
Christians Get Depressed Too
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Editorial Reviews
Review
When I was first diagnosed with depression, I was completely overcome by shame. I have a wonderful husband, five adorable children, and, most importantly, I have Christ. I thought then that real Christians DON T get depressed. Dr. Murray s book, Christians Get Depressed Too, was recommended to me. As I read it, I cannot express the relief and comfort I received. For a little over a year I wondered if God had abandoned me, but after reading Christians Get Depressed Too, my faith was greatly strengthened, and I was reassured that God has not and never will forsake me. I thank Dr. Murray for the biblical and pastoral care in his book as well as the balanced approach he takes between the all physical, all spiritual, and all mental views concerning depression. During my depression, I felt as though I was drowning in the middle of the ocean, and this book was a life preserver to me. May God continue to use this book to uplift downcast spirits and glorify His name. - Jeni L, Grand Rapids, MI --Endorsement
About the Author
David P. Murray is Professor of Old Testament and Practical Theology at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was born in Scotland and served as a pastor and lecturer there. Dr. Murray and his wife Shona have four children.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I received this little book free from Reformation Heritage in exchange for a review. I was very excited to receive this book and I actually ended up reading almost all of it the evening I received it in the mail. It is with great wisdom that Murray made this book so practical and short in length, because as he said, "Depressed people cannot read hundreds of pages" (xi).
Though only 112 pages this book packs a punch. Murray manages to summarize various approaches to depression in Christian circles and he argues for a balanced approach that pursues humility and rejects dogmatism. I tend to agree.
After pleading for humility in the midst of complexity Murray begins to address the condition of depression. He offers a very helpful ten points of false thinking, and also interacts with other symptoms. He then charts out potential causes and finally attempts to offer some help in exploring a cure. His final chapter is also very helpful, as it is directed towards those that minister to and/or live with those that battle depression.
One other thing worthy of mention is Murray's Thought Inventory Questionnaire. Being introduced to this and his ten points of false thinking is certainly worth the cost of the book.
I love Murray's balance and modeled humility in this book. I think this book would certainly be a helpful guide to anyone struggling with depression. I'm not 100% sure that I would go quite as far as Joel Beeke yet. Who says, "If I had a family or church member fighting depression, it is the first book I would hand out." But I have to say that it would certainly be in my top 3.
This book is not meant to be a stand alone or a cure all for someone struggling with depression. But I think if a depressed person read this book they would be put on the right track at least. It's also a helpful corrective and addition to the library of any pastor.
I would heartily recommend this book.
Though only 112 pages this book packs a punch. Murray manages to summarize various approaches to depression in Christian circles and he argues for a balanced approach that pursues humility and rejects dogmatism. I tend to agree.
After pleading for humility in the midst of complexity Murray begins to address the condition of depression. He offers a very helpful ten points of false thinking, and also interacts with other symptoms. He then charts out potential causes and finally attempts to offer some help in exploring a cure. His final chapter is also very helpful, as it is directed towards those that minister to and/or live with those that battle depression.
One other thing worthy of mention is Murray's Thought Inventory Questionnaire. Being introduced to this and his ten points of false thinking is certainly worth the cost of the book.
I love Murray's balance and modeled humility in this book. I think this book would certainly be a helpful guide to anyone struggling with depression. I'm not 100% sure that I would go quite as far as Joel Beeke yet. Who says, "If I had a family or church member fighting depression, it is the first book I would hand out." But I have to say that it would certainly be in my top 3.
This book is not meant to be a stand alone or a cure all for someone struggling with depression. But I think if a depressed person read this book they would be put on the right track at least. It's also a helpful corrective and addition to the library of any pastor.
I would heartily recommend this book.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Christians Get Depressed Too by David P. Murry is a wonderful book for those suffering with depression or those who know someone who is. Pastor Murry has done a wonderful and thoughtful investigation into the difficult subject of depression. He comes at depression from a well balanced biblical perspective allowing for causes which could stem from heart, body or soul.
In six chapters he discusses why we get depressed, how to study the topic of depression, what depression is and then covers different methods to deal with depression. He discusses the physical, spiritual, mental approaches which have been taken up in the past and explains the strength and weaknesses of each. In his last chapter he address caregivers (spouses, pastors, friends) and gives timely advise on how we can help those dealing with depression. This is a great resource and I am glad to have this book on my shelf.
In six chapters he discusses why we get depressed, how to study the topic of depression, what depression is and then covers different methods to deal with depression. He discusses the physical, spiritual, mental approaches which have been taken up in the past and explains the strength and weaknesses of each. In his last chapter he address caregivers (spouses, pastors, friends) and gives timely advise on how we can help those dealing with depression. This is a great resource and I am glad to have this book on my shelf.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
David Murray admits that his book is not an exhaustive treatment on the subject of depression, but to be seen as an introduction to depression. If it were a class it would be Depression 101.
As a pastor and life coach I have helped people with depression, and have personally battled depression my whole life. One of the things I really like about this book, is that it is short, sweet, and to the point. People who are battling depression don't feel like reading a long treatise on depression.
In six short chapters Murray carefully and concisely writes about the (1) Crisis, (2) Complexity, (3) Condition, (4) Causes, (5) Cures, and those who (6) Care for those who are depressed. In each chapter Murray writes in a balanced manner, avoids extremes, and gives good sound biblical advice, ways to identify causes and cures of depression, through the practical use of various illustrations, examples, and solutions to help in the battle with depression.
I think one of the most helpful Chapters is Chapter 5 were he gives the 5 Keys to developing a balanced lifestyle in reducing the stress and anxiety that often leads to depression: Routine, Relaxation, Recreation, Rest, and Reprioritization. I recommend this book for those who struggle with depression, and to understand those you care for who battle with depression. It is clear, concise, and communicates well the essence of where depression comes from, how to deal with it, and where to find hope for overcoming depression.
As a pastor and life coach I have helped people with depression, and have personally battled depression my whole life. One of the things I really like about this book, is that it is short, sweet, and to the point. People who are battling depression don't feel like reading a long treatise on depression.
In six short chapters Murray carefully and concisely writes about the (1) Crisis, (2) Complexity, (3) Condition, (4) Causes, (5) Cures, and those who (6) Care for those who are depressed. In each chapter Murray writes in a balanced manner, avoids extremes, and gives good sound biblical advice, ways to identify causes and cures of depression, through the practical use of various illustrations, examples, and solutions to help in the battle with depression.
I think one of the most helpful Chapters is Chapter 5 were he gives the 5 Keys to developing a balanced lifestyle in reducing the stress and anxiety that often leads to depression: Routine, Relaxation, Recreation, Rest, and Reprioritization. I recommend this book for those who struggle with depression, and to understand those you care for who battle with depression. It is clear, concise, and communicates well the essence of where depression comes from, how to deal with it, and where to find hope for overcoming depression.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent discussion recognizes God created man with a body and...
There are many who treat and council those with depression that fall on either side of the road concerning the physical and spiritual. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Joshua
5.0 out of 5 stars
Concise and to the point
This book gave a very helpful summary of depression as well as helpful suggestions as to how to recover. Very complicated subject handled well.
Published 1 month ago by J Bark
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great springboard
This book is immensly helpful in providing a solid biblical introduction to viewing and thinking about depression. Read more
Published 3 months ago by BKK
5.0 out of 5 stars
Short, Accessible and Urgent
One of my favorite conference moments to date has been an interaction between John MacArthur and John Piper. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Tim Challies
4.0 out of 5 stars
More People Should Read This Book
Although I have never suffered from depression, like you, I interact with people who are or have been depressed. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Mark K. Wickersham
5.0 out of 5 stars
Highly Recommended
"There are three simplistic extremes that we should avoid when considering the cause of depression: first, that it is all physical; second, that it is all spiritual; third that it... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Diane Bucknell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
The book covered the topic from several viewpoints. I appreciated the author's treatment of this real emotional/physical ailment. An informative read.
Published 5 months ago by Eunice Leonard
4.0 out of 5 stars
A little "heady", but an EXCELLENT and important book
I have a loved one who suffers from depression. There are so many times where I have no clue what to say or do to help, so I stand frozen, scared that I will worsen the situation... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Aaron Henderson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Christians Get Depressed Too worth reading
This book is a well-rounded synopsis of the many aspects of depression, from it's complexity, to it's cures. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Jeffrey Fulmer
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Balanced Approach
There was a time when I was a hardcore Jay Adams nouthetic guy. I thought that antidepressants were like putting a Band-Aid on a chest wound. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Jason Chamberlain
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