Blame It On The Brain? - Second Edition

Depression. Attention deficit disorder. Alcoholism. Homosexuality.

Research suggests that more and more behaviors are caused by brain function or dysfunction. But is it ever legitimate to blame misbehavior on the brain? How can I know whether "My brain made me do it"?

Viewing brain problems through the lens of Scripture, Edward T. Welch distinguishes genuine brain disorders from problems rooted in the heart. Understanding that distinction will enable pastors, counselors, families, and friends to help others—or themselves—deal with personal struggles and responsibilities. While focusing on a few common disorders, Dr. Welch lays out a series of practical steps adaptable to a wide range of conditions, habits, or addictions.

Endorsements

“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.”

—Charles Hodges, Counselor and Instructor, Faith Biblical Counseling Ministry, Lafayette, Indiana; Author and Editor, The Christian Counselor’s Medical Desk Reference

“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.”

—Anne Dryburgh, Author; Counselor; Professor

“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.”

—Andrew Collins, Director of the Certificate Programme, Biblical Counselling UK; Former Psychiatrist, National Health Service

“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.”

—Jenn Chen, Lecturer in Biblical Counseling; Former Clinical Instructor, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine

“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 un-spiritual. 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.”

—Lilly Park, Associate Professor of Biblical Counseling, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

About the Author

Edward T. Welch (PhD, University of Utah) serves both the Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation (CCEF) and Westminster Theological Seminary. At CCEF, he is director of counseling and academic dean, as well as a counselor and faculty member. At Westminster, he is professor of practical theology. He is author of Blame It on the Brain and When People Are Big and God Is Small and has contributed to several other books and journals, including the Journal of Psychology and Christianity.