is there a point when you can become engrossed in a bad way with the bible?

silvermint

my mother is a Christain but I feel she has become obsessed with the bible! its very difficult for me to say this. i admire her faith but in the past 2 years she has become more and more reclusive. She doesnt need to work so she rarely leaves the house, she spends most of the day reading the bible (I mean hours upon hours every day) and watching the God channels on Sky. In these past years she has devoted herself to figuring out when the end of the world is coming by reading the bible and keeping a journal of disasters that happen around the world which are "referred" to in the book of Revelations.

She says that God speaks to her and sends her signs that the world is about to end! At first I was unsure but thought that maybe she was right, after all I wouldnt read the bible as much as her at all. She has "predicted" the ending in different months over the past couple of years and so far has been wrong. Now with the recession etc she is convinced that she will be proved right in the coming months. I was home over the weekend and I actually came away depressed & upset from listening to her. All she talks about is this, and how she can back it up in the bible. I cant have a normal conversation with her anymore without her harping back to this.

I really dont know what to do or what to think! She is an extremely stubborn woman and has always "been right" no matter what. When i try to ask if shes not spending too much time reading the bible or why won't she get out more she just says you can never read the bible enough / all she needs is God. I know she's kindav happy so maybe I should just leave her off? Maybe I'm just being selfish as I want to see my normal, fun loving mum when I go home?

JimiTime

silvermint wrote: »

my mother is a Christain but I feel she has become obsessed with the bible! its very difficult for me to say this. i admire her faith but in the past 2 years she has become more and more reclusive. She doesnt need to work so she rarely leaves the house, she spends most of the day reading the bible (I mean hours upon hours every day) and watching the God channels on Sky. In these past years she has devoted herself to figuring out when the end of the world is coming by reading the bible and keeping a journal of disasters that happen around the world which are "referred" to in the book of Revelations.

She says that God speaks to her and sends her signs that the world is about to end! At first I was unsure but thought that maybe she was right, after all I wouldnt read the bible as much as her at all. She has "predicted" the ending in different months over the past couple of years and so far has been wrong. Now with the recession etc she is convinced that she will be proved right in the coming months. I was home over the weekend and I actually came away depressed & upset from listening to her. All she talks about is this, and how she can back it up in the bible. I cant have a normal conversation with her anymore without her harping back to this.

I really dont know what to do or what to think! She is an extremely stubborn woman and has always "been right" no matter what. When i try to ask if shes not spending too much time reading the bible or why won't she get out more she just says you can never read the bible enough / all she needs is God. I know she's kindav happy so maybe I should just leave her off? Maybe I'm just being selfish as I want to see my normal, fun loving mum when I go home?

It certainly seems obsessive. May I ask, has she been talking to or studying with any religious groups. I'd be concerned about the end of the world obsession. Maybe its rooted in something deeper, like a desire to see the end of the world? Some close family of mine used to be Jehovahs Witnesses, and there is a bit of an end of the world vibe that goes with them. It is an obsession with some of them.

I suppose I would need to know the person in question to make any real assessment, but personally, I don't think the behaviour you describe sounds healthy.

A point of note btw. Sometimes when we look at someone that we hold up as a pillar of faith, it makes us feel inadequate in our own faith. This means that our judgement can be clouded when looking at the person we see as the pillar of faith. We can feel almost guilty for discouraging such behaviour because you think you are keeping them from God. However, the behaviour you describe, does not sound godly. If there is any way to express your concerns, personally, I'd recommend you do it.

Dades

Is she part of a particular church that's encouraging this behavior?

You might want to check she hasn't been donating the family silver to some televangelist, too!

kelly1

Hello Silver, I think you're right to be concerned. As a Christian she should have no fear for the future and should not be concerned with matters that are God's business alone.

The bible makes it clear that we won't know the hour or the day when the Master of the house will return. Her obsession is time wasting and unhealthy.

I suggest you pray for her and I'll do the same.

God bless,
Noel.

P.S. Does she use the internet or are there any Watchtower magazines lying around the house? Just wondering what's putting these ideas in her head.

robindch

I've seen exactly this kind of behavior in my own extended family, and in the families of a few friends, so I can understand what it's like -- not fun is an understatement.

One guy I know whose mum suffered from this had a word with a sympathetic family GP who referred her to a psychiatrist who put her on some kind of mild meds and things improved. Though she still showed up in our house from time to time for dinner, with a few glasses of wine. Which must have reacted like a hand grenade with the meds and a few pleasant evening dinners turned into screaming, tear-flooded, purple-faced, stomping-out-the-front-door-and-slamming-it fests.

Asking the local parish priest to have a quiet, calming word might help. But ultimately, I don't believe there's much you can do other than to try to understand that it has all of the symptoms of a sad and sometimes distressing mental illness.

If you want to read up on it, this book seems to be written from the point of view of somebody sympathetic to religion (review here). From the secular POV, there's Eric Hoffer's descriptive The True Believer, while Wikipedia's pages on temporal lobe epilepsy and the amorphous Geschwind syndrome might be worth a quick read.

Fanny Cradock

I would agree with the general consensus that what you describe is not healthy - particularly the obsession with the end of the world. Most Christians will tell you that their faith is a rewarding relationship with God that brings happiness and comfort in all areas of their lives.

This said, none of use here are qualified to diagnose conditions (or if they are, certainly an on-line diagnosis is not the way these things are done). But lets not jump to any conclusions. However, if you really think that there is a possibility her behaviour is as deeply rooted as Robin suggested you may want to pop into your GP for a chat.

Aside from that, I would suggest trying to get your mum reacquainted with other interests - be it walks in the forest, going with her to a hand-clapping evangelical church (one that celebrates a positive message) or treating her to a nice meal.

JimiTime

Fanny Cradock wrote: »

I would agree with the general consensus that what you describe is not healthy - particularly the obsession with the end of the world. Most Christians will tell you that their faith is a rewarding relationship with God that brings happiness and comfort in all areas of their lives.

This said, none of use here are qualified to diagnose conditions (or if they are, certainly an on-line diagnosis is not the way these things are done). But lets not jump to any conclusions. However, if you really think that there is a possibility her behaviour is as deeply rooted as Robin suggested you may want to pop into your GP for a chat.

Aside from that, I would suggest trying to get your mum reacquainted with other interests - be it walks in the forest, going with her to a hand-clapping evangelical church (one that celebrates a positive message) or treating her to a nice meal.

I think the time spending is a good idea. Then Frankly speaking about your concerns. Hate the idea of the GP tbh. I think wise judgement on the part of you and your family is required. Why not listen to her reasonings, and look into it yourself. You may be able to reason her back around to christ like thinking. Some spiritual guidance would be great for her, if the scenario is a spiritual one. If however, it is rooted in a pychological issue, again some real wisdom is required. I hate the thought of anyone being stupified by Meds.

PDN

If we could disconnect that God Channel then it might well help her become a bit more balanced.

Sadly the people who obsess about the end times in this way are rarely part of a healthy church fellowship. They tend to be loners who get fixated on one particular segment of the Christian message to the exclusion of all others. People often get obsessed in the same way with Israel and start interjecting occasional Hebrew words into their otherwise vernacular conversation, believing that this makes them more spiritual.

robindch

JimiTime wrote: »

Hate the idea of the GP tbh. [...] I hate the thought of anyone being stupified by Meds.

It's not a matter of "stupefying" somebody by taking meds, but of restoring a balance in brain chemistry that's been upset for one reason or another.

PDN

Only a medical professional can assess if her behaviour is caused by a medical problem or not. If it is, then medication may well be the answer. I once experienced a situation where a church member tried to kill me because she was experiencing a severe episode of manic depression and was convinced that I was Satan.

I later discovered that the lady in question (normally a very pleasant person) had stopped taking her medication because some buffoon from another church had told her that her reliance upon medication was "a lack of faith". What made me even angrier was that this 'evangelist' regularly wore contact lenses (apparently he didn't see that as a lack of faith). It took all of my Christian self control to limit myself to verbally rebuking him rather than giving him a well-deserved slap to the back of his fat charismatic head.

There, I feel much better for getting that off my chest!

Fanny Cradock

robindch wrote: »

It's not a matter of "stupefying" somebody by taking meds, but of restoring a balance in brain chemistry that's been upset for one reason or another.

But of course, we are not in the business of diagnosing people on this forum, are we? Now, if people really want to discuss the pros and cons of medication, please find the appropriate forum. Or better still, go see your GP :pac:

Let's drop the medication talk, eh!

Silvermint, I would try to avoid jumping to any rash conclusions. Talking to you mother (assuming she will listen) and trying to encourage her out of her current mindset is probably your first course of action.

Fanny Cradock

PDN wrote: »

Only a medical professional can assess if her behaviour is caused by a medical problem or not. If it is, then medication may well be the answer. I once experienced a situation where a church member tried to kill me because she was experiencing a severe episode of manic depression and was convinced that I was Satan.

I later discovered that the lady in question (normally a very pleasant person) had stopped taking her medication because some buffoon from another church had told her that her reliance upon medication was "a lack of faith". What made me even angrier was that this 'evangelist' regularly wore contact lenses (apparently he didn't see that as a lack of faith). It took all of my Christian self control to limit myself to verbally rebuking him rather than giving him a well-deserved slap to the back of his fat charismatic head.

There, I feel much better for getting that off my chest!

Wow! Did you ever consider wearing a stab resistant vest on Sundays?

PDN

Fanny Cradock wrote: »

Wow! Did you ever consider wearing a stab resistant vest on Sundays?

No, this was nore a case of Miss Peacock with the candlestick to the back of the head in the dining room (obscure cultural reference - for those who grew up in the era of video games try http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cluedo)

I don't need a stab resistant vest. Any knife would have to penetrate about 6 inches of fat before it reached any vital organs.

Fanny Cradock

Lol, as they say. Natures stab vest!

Anyway, if something similar happens again hit Ctrl, Alt and Delete

MrPudding

silvermint wrote: »

She has "predicted" the ending in different months over the past couple of years and so far has been wrong.

That's a relief. :eek:

MrP

Biro

Definately the first action has to be more social interaction.
Is there anyone who she'd look up to spiritually? There's no point in you saying "you're wrong, it's all nonsense" cause she'll ask how you know if you've never read the bible? You need someone who she knows has a better grasp of the Bible to explain to her where she's misunderstanding it maybe.
It's very hard to force professional help on someone, they need to seek it themselves mostly. But you're right, in this case she has an unhealthy interest in the Bible.

Splendour

PDN wrote: »

No, this was nore a case of Miss Peacock with the candlestick to the back of the head in the dining room (obscure cultural reference - for those who grew up in the era of video games try http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cluedo)

Ahh good old Cluedo-'twas one of my fav boardgames. Brought up a few memories there PDN.

Sorry I know this off topic...

silvermint

thanks so much for all your advise! I'lll just add a bitav background to answer some of your questions!

a few years back she was organising really successful prayer groups in the church, she'd have up to 40 people attending and everyone was raving about how great she was at organising! but after a while (according to her) the clergyman didnt like that it was so succesful and that he wasnt involved so he tried to start controlling it. My mother is unable to compromise and I dont think she liked him changing it so totally gave up on it. I know the clergyman would be headstrong and controlling himself but im not sure really what the truth is!!

I think its from here the reclusiveness began. She then became heavily interested attending a local methodist church. The people who ran it were truely amazing, Godly people and she really had a great respect for them. She was going to bible studys etc with them but after a while she decided that they "werent teaching it correctly" and kindav lost interest in going! So I think she has basically decided that she could do better herself perhaps.

My mother does have a fantastic faith in God but this whole end of world obsession sometimes overshadows everthing else. I often feel that she is not happy with here life and that is why she is so "looking forward the the end"!

i get home to visit my parents only around once a month as the journey is so long so I think i have tried to avoid trying to face that there is something wrong as I dont know how to fix things. The last few times i've gone home i have actually tried to bring her shopping, go for drives etc. Maybe thats the way to go - make more of an effort to get her out more! if only i could convince her to disconnect the God channel!!!

Splendour

silvermint wrote: »

My mother does have a fantastic faith in God but this whole end of world obsession sometimes overshadows everthing else. I often feel that she is not happy with here life and that is why she is so "looking forward the the end"!

I know a couple of Christian guys who like your Mom are 'looking forward to the end' and whereas I understand where they're coming from, I think it belittles the life God has given us on this earth.
If your Mom is so obsessed with 'end times' why don't you suggest she gets out to tell folk about God in the hope of saving some souls. Least this way she will get out of the house and interact with other people.

You mentioned your parents. How is your Dad with all of this? Is he feeling the same way you are?

sorella

Medicating for spiritual insight is a common thing.

They put Padre Pio on valium at one stage too.

We know a man in New York who had a physical vision of the Twin Towers bombing years before it happened. They put him in a mental home.

The idea of these things/awarenesses being a brain chemistry imbalance is secular and bizarre. The dear Lord alone knows how many visionaries He has sent have been medicated out of vision

Doctors know little of spiritual matters.
Asking anyone to conform to what "we" think is "normal"?

It has been ever thus.

Thankful for those religious Orders who keep visionaries safe still.

Blessings.....

kelly1

silvermint wrote: »

a few years back she was organising really successful prayer groups in the church, she'd have up to 40 people attending and everyone was raving about how great she was at organising! but after a while (according to her) the clergyman didnt like that it was so succesful and that he wasnt involved so he tried to start controlling it. My mother is unable to compromise and I dont think she liked him changing it so totally gave up on it. I know the clergyman would be headstrong and controlling himself but im not sure really what the truth is!!......

....after a while she decided that they "werent teaching it correctly" and kindav lost interest in going! So I think she has basically decided that she could do better herself perhaps.

Hello, I hope this doesn't come across as uncharitable, but maybe pride got the better of her? Maybe she should have handed control over to the priest as an act of humility? But I could be way off the mark.

JimiTime

sorella wrote: »

Medicating for spiritual insight is a common thing.

??

They put Padre Pio on valium at one stage too.

Did he offer anything more than stigmata? Or did he share a message?

We know a man in New York who had a physical vision of the Twin Towers bombing years before it happened. They put him in a mental home.

Would there be any links to this story?

The idea of these things/awarenesses being a brain chemistry imbalance is secular and bizarre. The dear Lord alone knows how many visionaries He has sent have been medicated out of vision

Not a great believer in doping the depressed etc. However, if you read the original post, you'll see the lady in question has predicted the end of the world and got it wrong on a few occasions. Hardly a prophet of God now is it?

Thankful for those religious Orders who keep visionaries safe still.

Such as? Are there examples of 'visionaries' by which you surely mean Prophets of God alive today being protected by religious orders? What message have they brought?

studiorat

There's worse things she could be doing. But it's not a good thing, she could just be lonely (my neighbour's been waiting for god for years) I just stop for a chat when I see her, but maybe your mum's even a little depressed, seriously. I'm speaking from mine and others experience here.