Martin Luther on Mental Health | CPH Podcast with Dr. Stephen Saunders

Dr. Steve Saunders joins Elizabeth Pittman on this episode of The Concordia Publishing House Podcast to talk about his new book Martin Luther on Mental Health: Practical Advice for Christians Today. Show Notes: Mental health issues are widely discussed today, but these issues aren't new. 500 years ago, Martin Luther was sharing advice to people who were wrestling with similar mental health challenges that many of us face today. In this episode, Dr. Saunders explains how he came across the teachings on mental health from Martin Luther and what inspired him to put this into his new book. Listen to the full episode to hear what Dr. Saunders has to say about what Martin Luther taught 500 years ago and how it applies to our lives today, how we should interpret what the Bible says about mental health, why it’s important for Christians to understand mental health issues, and more. Questions Covered • Why is this book important for Lutherans today? • How did writing this book come about? • How would you define mental health problems? How are they different from more serious mental illnesses? Why is it important to know the difference? Why is it so hard for people to talk about mental health issues? • Why is it important for Christians to know how to have conversations with people experiencing mental health problems? • After writing this book, what is the biggest piece of advice you would give to Christians dealing with friends and family with mental health problems? • In your book, you share some ways non health professionals can help those with mental health issues. Can you recap the most important 1 or 2 things nonprofessionals can do? • You unpack Martin Luther's letters dispensing pastoral care. How does his pastoral care constitute guidance on mental health issues? • We're using the phrase "mental health issues" to cover a range of things many people face. In your book, you share how prevalent mental health issues are. Can you talk a little about this prevalence, which issues are most common, and which (if any) demographic groups tend to be affected the most (age group, men, women, et.)? • What is your favorite piece of advice from Martin Luther? • How much does a person need to know about psychology or mental health issues to read and understand your book? • In your book, you share some concrete indicators when it's time to call in a mental health expert. Please recap those for us. About the Guest Dr. Stephen Saunders is a clinical psychologist and psychology professor at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He earned his Ph.D. from Northwestern University, and his research interests include mental health services and mental health treatment. Dr. Saunders lives with his wife, Ruth, and has three children.