The Insanity of Madness: Defining Mental Illness by Dr. Daniel R. Berger II

For much of the twentieth century, psychiatry, psychology and social theory have held that mental illness, historically known as madness, cannot be objectively defined. This fluidity of concept is especially striking in light of the dogmatism that continues to characterize these fields of study and practice. However, the unmistakable failure to effectively treat the widespread evidence of mental struggle points to the possibility that psychiatric theory has gotten something wrong or missed something at the foundational level. Could it be that mental illness is recognizable across all cultures and all eras, that it has a clear definition which was directly stated in the past and still is implied in modern psychiatry through the DSM-5? This book explores what mental illness or madness is; furthermore, it asserts that mental illness does indeed have a clear definition, a distinct cause and a reliable remedy. No one will argue that fact that the diagnoses of mental illness are of epidemic proportions. But this does not have to be the case: the remedy is clear; the madness can stop.

Reviews

“Dr. Daniel Berger is a gift to the body of Christ. The Lord has given him special insight into biblical psychology—the study of the soul (psyche) through the filter of God’s Word (logos). The ‘psychology’ of the world is not psychology at all, but an anti-God worldview designed to create a humanistic method to solve people’s problems. The most intriguing aspect of Dr. Berger’s book is that he uses their words to affirm their fallacies. But he does not stop with using their thoughts to debunk their false theories; he gives you a theological framework derived from God’s Word that provides practical answers to the reality of madness. If you want to have a clearer understanding of mental illness, let this book, The Insanity of Madness, be your starting point. You’ll love it!” - Rick Thomas.

Author

Dr. Daniel R. Berger II is the founder and direct of Alethia International Ministries (AIM), where he continues to speak around the country at various conferences and ministries. He is also an experienced pastor, counselor, school administrator, and the author of numerous books on Christian counseling, practical theology, education, and the history and philosophy of the mental health construct. Daniel attended Bob Jones University and Florida International University, where he earned four degrees in counseling and theology. He is also a certified member of the International Association of Biblical Counselors (IABC). When he is not speaking, he and his wife Oriana live in Greenville South Carolina with their three children.