Sin, Sickness or both?

[Reformingstudent]

Are hypochondriacs sinning if they know that there is nothing really wrong with them or is this sickness a mental or an emotional illness that can not be helped?
If the person truly believes that they are sick it would not be considered a sin, but what if they knew that there was nothing wrong with them but just wanted to use their imaginary sickness to get attention? Would not this come under the sin of lying? I know of a person who comes up with a new disease just about every week and then tries to milk it for all it's worth.
Should any thing be said to such a person about this and if so, what could be said? Would it be wrong to suggest that maybe they get some help or serious counseling? I think this person is a Christian but a very immature one. Just an observation. If hypochondria is a sickness, (I'm not sure it is or if this person even has that, might just be a lying hypocrite for all I can tell) would it be wrong or sin for them then not to seek help?

 

[Hippo]

I often think that even as we seek to avoid and acknowledge sin it is unhelpful and potentially hetrodox (in the sense of Christian perfection) to see every imperfection through the lens of avoidable sin, especially when such an observation is made of others rather than ourseleves.

 

[Reformingstudent]

I often think that even as we seek to avoid and acknowledge sin it is unhelpful and potentially hetrodox (in the sense of Christian perfection) to see every imperfection through the lens of avoidable sin, especially when such an observation is made of others rather than ourseleves.

Well I guess that's an easy way out. Turn a blind eye and pretend you see no wrong and if thy brother sins, don't warn him, just act like it's alright because you have your own sins to worry about.

 

[Zeno333]

Being a hypochondriac can be a major symptom of having an "anxiety" disorder, or a "panic-obsessive compulsion" disorder.....both are a brain chemistry physical disorder that can be treated...so in that case it would not be a sin, just like having Diabetes is not a sin.
(I am not a MD, and this is not medical advice....but I know about hypochondria being a result many times of those 2 conditions.)

 

[Hippo]

I often think that even as we seek to avoid and acknowledge sin it is unhelpful and potentially hetrodox (in the sense of Christian perfection) to see every imperfection through the lens of avoidable sin, especially when such an observation is made of others rather than ourseleves.

Well I guess that's an easy way out. Turn a blind eye and pretend you see no wrong and if thy brother sins, don't warn him, just act like it's alright because you have your own sins to worry about.

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
(Mt 7:1-5)

 

[Reformingstudent]

Being a hypochondriac can be a major symptom of having an "anxiety" disorder, or a "panic-obsessive compulsion" disorder.....both are a brain chemistry physical disorder that can be treated...so in that case it would not be a sin, just like having Diabetes is not a sin.
(I am not a MD, and this is not medical advice....but I know about hypochondria being a result many times of those 2 conditions.)

Is Alcoholism not a sin then, seeing that it can be treated also and in some ways can be a compulsive disorder (can't stop drinking)?
Just wondering.

 

[Pergamum]

What are the motives for the hypochondriasis?


There are many weaknesses of the mind that are not sinful but due to ..well, weakness.

PTSD and severe fatigue due to stress are disorders of mind that affect the body, but I would not call these sin, but a response to overwhelming stress or trauma. In like manner, many missionaries and aid workers experience "emotional fatigue" and I know several myself who just get SO tired due to accumulated stress and burnout.... I am not ready to call this sin, but merely the effects of stress on the body.

Dementia makes people act crazy, but they have ceased to be fully aware and so I think some of their moral culpability ceases. If hypochndriasis is caused by severe stress perhaps some of their moral culpability also decreases.


However we answer has implications for alcoholism, the insanity defense, the moral acts of the mentally handicapped and senile and the nature of morality itself.

 

[Reformingstudent]

I often think that even as we seek to avoid and acknowledge sin it is unhelpful and potentially hetrodox (in the sense of Christian perfection) to see every imperfection through the lens of avoidable sin, especially when such an observation is made of others rather than ourseleves.

Well I guess that's an easy way out. Turn a blind eye and pretend you see no wrong and if thy brother sins, don't warn him, just act like it's alright because you have your own sins to worry about.

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
(Mt 7:1-5)

Luk 12:57 And why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
Joh 7:24 Do not judge according to sight, but judge righteous judgment
1Co 5:12 For what is it to me to also judge those who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside?
1Co 5:13 But God judges those who are outside. Therefore put out from you the evil one.



Scripture prohibits hypocritical judging or on trivial matters (Matthew 7:2-5). But, otherwise, we are commanded to be judgmental vis-a-vis those claiming to be followers of Christ.

-----Added 1/14/2009 at 07:37:41 EST-----

Well I guess that's an easy way out. Turn a blind eye and pretend you see no wrong and if thy brother sins, don't warn him, just act like it's alright because you have your own sins to worry about.

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
(Mt 7:1-5)

Luk 12:57 And why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
Joh 7:24 Do not judge according to sight, but judge righteous judgment
1Co 5:12 For what is it to me to also judge those who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside?
1Co 5:13 But God judges those who are outside. Therefore put out from you the evil one.



Scripture prohibits hypocritical judging or on trivial matters (Matthew 7:2-5). But, otherwise, we are commanded to be judgmental vis-a-vis those claiming to be followers of Christ.

Also:
"The spiritual man makes judgments

about all things" (1 Corinthians 2:15

NIV)



"In righteousness you shall judge

your neighbor" (Leviticus 19:15 NKJ)



"Do you not know that we will judge

angels? How much more the things

of this life!" (1 Corinthians 6:3 NIV)

 

[Hippo]

Well I guess that's an easy way out. Turn a blind eye and pretend you see no wrong and if thy brother sins, don't warn him, just act like it's alright because you have your own sins to worry about.

Luk 12:57 And why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?
Joh 7:24 Do not judge according to sight, but judge righteous judgment
1Co 5:12 For what is it to me to also judge those who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside?
1Co 5:13 But God judges those who are outside. Therefore put out from you the evil one.



Scripture prohibits hypocritical judging or on trivial matters (Matthew 7:2-5). But, otherwise, we are commanded to be judgmental vis-a-vis those claiming to be followers of Christ.



Also:
"The spiritual man makes judgments

about all things" (1 Corinthians 2:15

NIV)



"In righteousness you shall judge

your neighbor" (Leviticus 19:15 NKJ)



"Do you not know that we will judge

angels? How much more the things

of this life!" (1 Corinthians 6:3 NIV)

All of which should be carried out within the spirit of Matthew 7. If something offends us it is always possible that this tells you more about ourselves than the other person.

 

[Zeno333]

Being a hypochondriac can be a major symptom of having an "anxiety" disorder, or a "panic-obsessive compulsion" disorder.....both are a brain chemistry physical disorder that can be treated...so in that case it would not be a sin, just like having Diabetes is not a sin.
(I am not a MD, and this is not medical advice....but I know about hypochondria being a result many times of those 2 conditions.)

Is Alcoholism not a sin then, seeing that it can be treated also and in some ways can be a compulsive disorder (can't stop drinking)?
Just wondering.

Tricky question...they know now that there is an "Alcoholism gene", but not everyone that has that gene will for become addicted to alcohol. Now if any of the things that end up triggering that gene could be a sin would be a rather complex debate I would imagine.

-----Added 1/14/2009 at 07:59:48 EST-----

Being a hypochondriac can be a major symptom of having an "anxiety" disorder, or a "panic-obsessive compulsion" disorder.....both are a brain chemistry physical disorder that can be treated...so in that case it would not be a sin, just like having Diabetes is not a sin.
(I am not a MD, and this is not medical advice....but I know about hypochondria being a result many times of those 2 conditions.)

Is Alcoholism not a sin then, seeing that it can be treated also and in some ways can be a compulsive disorder (can't stop drinking)?
Just wondering.

Obsessive compulsive disorder is usual not given as part of any actual physical addiction to something....like cocaine for example. It is a separate disorder apart from any hypothetical drug addictions.

 

[Mushroom]

I know someone whom I consider to be a hypochondriac. She is a beloved sister, and I believe is quite convinced of her numerous ailments until they are disproven medically. Is it sin? I don't think so, although it may be a product of the flesh on some level, in that it appears she is seeking a solution for her dissatisfactions and fears other than trusting her Shepherd. We just love her and try to show her compassion. The only time I ever confronted her to her face about it was when she had searched and searched and finally found a quack who was willing to remove her gall bladder after many doctors had told her it was unnecessary. Thankfully, the day before the surgery she backed out. Cutting parts out based on undiagnosed hunches is going just a tad too far.

 

[Reformingstudent]

All of which should be carried out within the spirit of Matthew 7. If something offends us it is always possible that this tells you more about ourselves than the other person.

?
Sin is still sin and if it offends God it should offend us when we see it especially in those who claim to know Him. I am not saying we should be cruel or mean in
our judgments but we are still to judge non the less. (1 Corinthians 2:15}

 

[beej6]

Part of what makes mental/emotional disorders different than physical disorders is the element of the recognition of illness. Near 100% of people wouldn't deny they were injured if they broke their arm. Not nearly 100% would agree when they suffer from depression, or hypochondria. I'm not saying that the difference is sin, neither; it can be medical if rarely.

Here's a different example: what of the diabetic who doesn't follow their diet/medication/exercise regimen and keeps relapsing into diabetic comas? We'd probably agree that the diabetes "isn't their fault," leaving aside the question of whether it could have been prevented, say, if their pre-diagnosis diet was better etc. I would say that if they've been shown how to correct their diabetes and don't follow it, thereby worsening their health, there's some element of sin in that.