Blame It on the Brain?: Distinguishing Chemical Imbalances, Brain Disorders, and Disobedience

by Edward T. Welch

REVISED AND UPDATED

Each person’s brain is unique and affects daily life in untold ways. But can our brains cause us to sin? Has brain research proved that we’re not responsible for certain actions or feelings?

Viewing brain problems through the lens of Scripture, Edward T. Welch distinguishes brain disorders from problems rooted in the heart, yet shows an interplay between both. As he focuses on a few common issues—from Alzheimer’s to depression, brain injury to addiction—Dr. Welch lays out a series of practical steps that are adaptable to a wide range of conditions and habits. Understanding the nuances of embodied spiritual life will enable pastors, counselors, families, and friends to help others and themselves, even in complex situations.

This new edition of the 1998 classic has been extensively updated and revised by the author.

Genres: Counselling, Christian, Psychology, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Theology, Science

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Edward T. Welch, M.Div., Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist and faculty member at the Christian Counseling & Educational Foundation (CCEF). He has counseled for thirty years and is the best-selling author of many books including When People Are Big and God Is Small; Addictions: A Banquet in the Grave; Blame It on the Brain?; Depression: A Stubborn Darkness; Crossroads: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Addiction; Running Scared: Fear, Worry, and the God of Rest; and When I Am Afraid: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Fear and Anxiety. He and his wife Sheri have two daughters, two sons-in-law, and four grandchildren.

Reviews

[Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Welch has a Ph.D. in psychology as well as theology degrees, and has been a counselor for years. His doctoral work was on brain physiology, so Blame it on the Brain is the fruit of 20 years of reflection on the subject.

Welch wonders if the brain "has been given too much credit" (p. 12). Many have held the brain responsible for some bad behavior: "My disease did it!" (p. 13). While the observations of the rapidly expanding field of brain sciences can be very helpful, when interpreted through a biblical lens they can be put in a more modest and helpful perspective. How do these discoveries illustrate biblical truths that can be applied to people's lives? Instead, too often sin problems are mislabeled as solely brain problems, and thus the true cause is left unaddressed (p. 25).

Four very practical principles emerge from this approach to mind-body issues: 1. The brain cannot by itself `make' a person sin (pp.49f.). 2. Each person's abilities (brain strengths and weaknesses) are unique (pp.53f.). 3. Brain problems can expose heart problems (pp.56f.). 4. Sinful hearts can lead to physical illness; upright hearts can contribute to good health (pp.58f.).

In part two of the book these principles are then concisely but thoughtfully applied to a series of examples. First are apparently physical issues: Alzheimer's disease (pp. 67f.) and head injury (pp.85f.). Next are more psychiatric issues: depression (pp.115f.), "A.D.D." (pp. 131f.), homosexuality (pp.151f.), and alcoholism (pp. 183f.).

Welch's treatments of these problems abound with practical, sensitive insight. In the process he clearly defines the deeper issues at stake: what is the soul?; what is the body?; what is sin?

For me, a crucial component of the book is the section on the mind-body relationships, especially pp. 43-48. Welch is careful to distinguish the heart from the body, but without separating them. Drawing upon rich Trinitarian analogies, he is careful to outline a model that seeks not to over-emphasize either the duality or the unity. This understanding enables us to try to distinguish between sin and sickness. As Welch ably define sit: "any behavior that does not conform to biblical commands or any behavior that transgresses biblical prohibitions proceeds form the heart and is sin" (p. 43). Conversely, "any behavior that is more accurately called a weakness proceeds form the body and is sickness or suffering" (p. 44). We are to repent of sin. But things that reflect only our creaturely limitations are not immoral, but proceed from our fallen bodies.

The example Welch uses of hallucinations is illustrative. The Bible does not prohibit them, so we can not admonish someone for experiencing them. We are called to compassion for them. The hallucination may have been caused by a prior sinful choice, and the hallucinatory may respond to them with sin, but the hallucination itself is not sinful. A helpful chart on p. 45 lists out some examples of body problems (broken bones, mental retardation, feelings of depression, hallucinations) and heart (mind) problems (anger, pride, drunkenness). Of course, many problems involve both the body and the heart or mind, and in unequal and obscured proportions. How do we separate out the differences? And why is it helpful to try?
(OUT OF SPACE........)

[Emily-Louise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of few books I’ve read on the topic so far, but I found it more helpful than I expected. Welch approaches the subject with gentleness and love, while refusing to dilute scriptural truth.

I really liked the way he explained the need to distinguish between physical and spiritual symptoms.
By no means does he suggest that all diagnosis’s or medication should be deemed unnecessary or sinful. Rather, Welch highlights that a diagnosis is only the beginning of a complex issue, and that the use of any medication should be 1. To relieve physical symptoms and 2. Should be used as a last resort/temporarily.

My biggest takeaway from this is probably the reminder of our constant need to see everything, including matters of the brain, through the lens of scripture. Rather than hiding behind a superficial type of ‘love’, Christians need to be bold enough to enact real love by calling out sin where needed and encourage people towards repentance; only then can freedom from bondage be truly found.

[Ben Zornes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recent studies in neurology has resulted in many sins being "re-classified" as diseases, and sadly many Christians have not been able to synthesize scientific research of the brain and Scripture. We've been far too prone to make Scripture subservient to what Scientism says, than reason through scientific data scripturally. Welch threads this needle as if he was a card-carrying member of a babushka's quilting club.

Especially in his treatment of psychiatric medications (i.e. antidepressants) and homosexuality I thought he was particularly articulate, clear, and most importantly Biblical first. He was immensely helpful at encouraging Christians to seek to be understanding of the experiences of those with brain disorders, brain injuries/handicaps, as well as those suffering from depression, Alzheimers, homosexual attraction, and alcoholism. He never surrendered the high ground of Scripture's authority, and did a wonderful job of showing how it applies to all these issues and categories. Compassion and truth were both at home here, as it should be.

I highly recommended to anyone who is affected (personally or someone you know) by "brain issues". It will certainly make you uncomfortable in places, as we are far too much a product of our secular culture, but Welch gently leads the reader to see how Scriptural understanding of how God made man must govern our understanding of neurological discoveries and studies.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

A great book on a topic that is so relevant in the world today. Welch's descriptions are very clear, and he takes everything back to the Bible. His emphasis is on recognizing physical vs spiritual symptoms and how to deal with and think about them in the right way.

[ThePrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very interesting takeaways from this one. Thanks to Blog and Mablog for recommending this.

Just a few of the main points I thought were particularly fascinating, and are just as relevant today as they were when this book was published:
1) Diagnoses are not excuses. They are not the occasion for saying, 'ah, so that is why I have such anger issues, it is the [fill in the blank] within me'. Nor is it acceptable to say, 'that boy is ignoring his mother because of his [fill in the blank]'. No, that's sin.
2) It is imperative to distinguish between physical symptoms and spiritual symptoms.
3) A diagnosis is not an explanation, it is a starting point. Don't even begin to think that a diagnosis such as depression means that you have figured a person out. It is only the beginning of a life-long study.
4) Structure, both physical and spiritual, is a good preventative measure for many problems. People are chaotic, whether in the throes of ADD, Alzheimer's, or any other brain disorder, and need foundations to adhere to and fall back upon. (Is it PC to say brain disorder? No idea.)
5) Stop thinking in psychological categories, or you'll diagnose everyone under the sun with some form of disease. Thinking in theological categories will guide and clarify not only the mind, but the heart.

Also some prophetic points regarding the direction of the church, which have since seen their fulfilment, particularly on issues such as homosexuality and abortion. I think scientific-leaning individuals will find this a real doozy, but really anyone and everyone can get some good principles out of this book.

[Bryan Eberl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a very useful model. It’s main focus is to give credit to the brain aka chemical imbalances when due, and give credit to sin or spiritual imbalances when due. In that regard I’d recommend this book to everyone. Many applicable strategies, and thoughts leading to fruitful discussion on difficult issues.

The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5, was the fact it was written in the late 90s, and coming from a medical background, some of the biases towards or against medicine are simply out of date, and no longer 100% accurate to patient populations of today. That said, there are many narratives that are impeccably applicable even to this generation.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read at better understanding some of the brain with both science/research and biblical truths in balance! Looking at both physical symptoms in relation to spiritual symptoms can be very enlightening, and expose any sins that need to be put to light so we can repent and enjoy the grace that God has so freely offered.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always noteworthy when a significant author in a field comes out with a revised edition of a key work. Thus I was eager to read Welch's second edition, and overall encouraged by what I read. The book gives a basic framework, unchanged from the first edition, of how to engage various struggles that do (Alzheimer's and brain injuries), may (depression and ADHD), and don't (homosexuality and addictions) have their origins in brain function. This is based on a theology of body-soul embodiment that interacts with philosophical, scientific, and theological discussion of dualism and monism. This section is substantially rewritten and organized from the first edition, but in key convictions doesn't express any change of position.

Surprisingly, the most rewritten chapters were those on homosexuality and addictions, and, while the rewrites were necessary, I still found the new chapters weaker. Revisions were necessary because, especially in the former case, the cultural conversation is so drastically different that the first edition seemed quite dated. However, there was a subtle reduction of the language of sin, though not its outright removal. Instead of a lengthy exegetical section on the sinfulness of homosexuality, the second edition recommends other works that cover this ground (and the recommendations are solid, except one passing reference to The Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender). But the second edition then makes an argument that attraction is not sinful (though he indicates that desire for forbidden things is sinful). I understand the impulse: an attempt to communicate to believers with same-sex attraction that there is a space between temptation to sin and sinful desires. But the net effect is to rather muddy the waters. Similarly, on the topic of alcoholism and addiction Welch still speaks of sin, but does so in a less direct and pervasive way than before. I don't think these changes make the book stronger.

[Tess Abraham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found Ed Welch’s assessments helpful and practical as he breaks out common behaviors and disorders into categories based on how much the brain is responsible. He clearly outlines a biblical model for how to balance both physical problems - which are real and valid - and heart problems - which equally cannot be ignored. Too often in the Christian community we stray to one side or the other. I would highly recommend this read!

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” 1 Corinthians 4:16

[CJ Bowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welch very helpfully explains three categories for understanding the role of the brain in behavior and addictions. Under the heading The Brain Did It, he discusses Alzheimers and dementia, and argues that definite changes have occurred in the makeup of the brain that alter ways of thinking and interacting. People with these conditions can still sin, but their brain is assuredly contributing to their problems, and this needs to be taken into account. Moving on to Maybe The Brain Did It, he discussed psychiatric problems such as ADD and depression, arguing that chemical imbalances may indeed be contributing to altered behavior, but there is no test or "verifiable chemical imbalance" in the diagnoses. Since he allows for chemical problems, at least in part, he also allows for chemical (pharmaceutical) solutions in part. The third section, The Brain Didn't Do It, focuses on addictions as sins, where changes in the brain are not necessary causes. The brain possibly contributes to the problem, but it is disordered desires that turn a temptation into a sin. Homosexuality, alcoholism, and presumably pornography would fall into this category. Throughout, Welch maintains that faithfulness to Scripture demands that we not excuse sin by attributing it to the brain, while acknowledging that brain disorders or chemical imbalances may certainly contribute to the problem.

One area of weakness would be Welch's insistence that illness/brain trauma/chemical imbalances reveal the heart. A more careful expression of what he no doubt means would be that such problems can reveal desires in the heart. A man who struggles successfully to put his lust to death daily for many years who then suffers a head injury and goes crazy for porn is not having his heart revealed. What he did when he was fully in control reveals his true heart. When he is less in control, less himself, his heart is less accurately revealed, not more. Similarly, a porn addict can suffer head trauma and suddenly (much to his dismay) no longer find the same pleasure in pursuing his lust that he once did. But has his true heart been revealed? Surely not.

But overall, the book is very helpful and biblical, and gives Christians a solid framework to understand how to understand the brain's relationship to behavior.

[Josiah DeGraaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, really good book that does a superb job at looking at the connections between the physical and spiritual aspects of a person, particularly in relationship to the brain, and in drawing careful yet practical biblical guidelines based on the nature of that relationship. Welch is a deeply empathetic person whose care for struggling individuals clearly shines forth in this group.

The book is essentially divided into two parts: a shorter first part, where Welch goes into the mind-body connection and how to tell when an ailment truly is a fault of the brain and when it is a struggle of the soul; and a longer second part, where Welch applies the principles he's created to different specific areas where this struggle comes into play. While I would have preferred him to elaborate a bit more in the beginning of the book on his rationale for the physical-spiritual connections and distinctions that he draws, within the latter half of the book as he's applying it, his applications very much help to show exactly what he means, and so, while a potential fault, I didn't see it as a very major fault.

Some of the specific points he made that I really appreciated:

1. His argument that mental illness can never make us a different person or cause us to sin; it just makes some of our secret faults more evident and obvious.
2. His point of how psychiatric labels are often just descriptions, and not really explanations.
3. His redefinition of the "medication for depression" debate from a matter of possible sin into a matter of wisdom.
4. His careful theological and psychological look on the matter of homosexuality and whether or not it really is caused by genes.

This book was published approximately two decades ago, and there were a good many places where I would have wished that this book would have been updated so that Welch could engage with some of the newer research on these issues, given that brain research is currently quickly-changing issue. Nevertheless, despite that limitation, this was a very thoughtful and caring look at many of these issues that brought in relevant biblical truths for a more discerning look at the issue.

Rating: 4.5 Stars (Excellent).

[Keri · Rating 1 out of 5]

Maybe rating this book 1 star is a bit harsh, but this book was a doozy. I think I could rant about it for hours.
One of my biggest complaints about this book was his argumentative style. He is extremely dogmatic and insists that to accept that for example homosexuality has any genetic components, then it gives reason for homosexuals to blame there struggle completely on God. This is an extremely black and white way of seeing the world. He also makes wild claims about what the popular view of things are which are things I have never heard any one in my entire life say. For example here is a quote. "The common though inaccurate view of sin is that a person wakes up in the morning and says, 'Today I am going to sin. I am going to disobey God, hurt myself, hurt my spouse, and break promises to my children.'" I have never heard son described that way.
I think this book has some truth in it. His premise that every person whether they have tendencies towards a certain type of sin, does not negate that person from the moral responsibility of acting on those sins is valid. But he seems to be arguing that those tendencies are purely moral decisions rather than having any biological factors. He does change what he says a lot and can be contradictory in his arguments.
There may be kernels of truth in this book, yet it is more harmful than good. If people who are having struggles and want a source to help them overcome their mental struggles, I don't think this would be helpful.

[Cliff Dailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welch wrote an excellent and practical book that could be used for centuries to come. This book should be read because it persuades and equips every Christian to understand how the brain works and how to minister to people in the three primary categories: 1) The Brain is responsible; 2) Maybe the brain is responsible; and, 3) The brain is definitely not responsible. The Bible teaches clear principles that Welch helps modernize to address current and incoming brain issues. Book part one alone can create an army of counselors! The biblical principles are not new, but as he says, “What is new, however, is the application of this theology to some modern questions.” (15). Every Christian should read this book because Welch helps the 21st century Christian accept past church failure and he gives a paradigm to use in seemingly any scientific issue. I want to use this book to better understand brain issues, better minister to people in my network, and use it to teach other Christians why and how to do the same.

[John Benzing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is rather old considering it’s subject matter, but the principles he lays out are timeless as they are from scripture. Transgenderism is not addressed but the the 4 step process he discusses for all the other subjects will fit there, too. As culture attempts to push Christians to accept every behavior under the Sun, the author shows that the truths of scripture will work in every situation and give true hope of deliverance for those who have decided that following God’s dictates are more important than felt needs.

[Kayley Jordan van Wingerden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent. Welch is an author who truly values scripture and truth. This is evident in his writings. This book is something that anyone who struggles or knows someone who struggles with issues like dementia, ADD, homosexuality, depression, etc. should read. It is additionally an amazing resource to look back on when faced with a specific issue or concept in life or a counseling situation. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Kristopher Schaal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was much more even-handed and helpful than I had expected it to be (for whatever reason). The basic grid it presents for separating physical and spiritual problems (as expressed in the simple diagrams at the beginning of each case study) is very helpful. Gather information, distinguish between physical and spiritual problems, address heart issues, then focus on addressing physical issues through training, medication if need be, etc. The case studies in this book are very helpful.

[Hopson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful book on the brain from a biblical worldview. Welch offers a solid theological foundation on the body and soul, then moves to apply that foundation to various ailments of the brain (real or alleged). Although some of his discussion on the brain is dated, the biblical lens is not. I found this to be a very helpful book.

[Ana Avila · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars. This book is very helpful and I learned a lot. I will definitely be revisiting it. I believe a few things weren't explained as clearly as I would have liked, but the topics are complex and there are no easy answers, so that's understandable.

[bex 🌱 · Rating 3 out of 5]

helpful :)

[Micah Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written over 20 years yet still so applicable for today. So many modern day ideas contradict scripture yet are embedded in to everything we hear/see. Depending on what you’re seeking help with there might be a chapter or handful of chapters you don’t read but nonetheless still a great resource!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

gold

[Jenny Neuman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!! Benefited greatly from specific chapters!
Would love to read all his other books! I highly recommend this author!

[David Emenike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This great book gave clear theological answers and guidelines for the psychological issues we observe in modern times. He shed a lot of light on issues that we often deem out of our control, simply labeling them as "diseases", but are rooted in spiritual disobedience of our own choosing. A truly eye-opening book on how we understand issues of our brains vs problems of our hearts.

[Graham · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I was recommended by a Westminster graduate who didn’t like “The Logic of the Body” and thought this book presented a better way of going about counseling. However, my biggest criticism of the book is that it’s overly simplistic in its anthropology, and therefore also in some ways it recommends treatment and counseling of some conditions/disorders. There were some paragraphs that I thought were really unhelpful. Nevertheless, there were some sections full of wisdom that only comes with a career spent in counseling, and I was really helped by some of Welch’s practical applications and recommendations on how to interact with someone suffering from/fighting, let’s say, dementia or alcoholism.

[Peter Pinyol]

Este es uno de los libros sobre el funcionamiento de nuestro cerebro infuyendo la personalidad y las decisiones que mas he disfrutado ultimamente, las observacines que hace me han ayudado a entender mucho mas el comportamiento de aquellos que por enfermedad, traumatismo o mal funcionamiento neuronal confrontan cada dia dificiles decisiones, tambien me ha ayudado a distinguir como muchos de los comportamientos que llamamos ser simplemente neurolgicos son en realidad comportamiento pecaminosos motivados por nuestra naturalez caída.

[David Monreal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required Reading for Every Pastor

In an age of confusion and questioning the sufficiency of Scripture, Welch comes along and gives clear guidance. This book is detailed but practical. It does not reject everything psychology says but submits it all to the authority of Scripture.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

I a really good book from one of the CCEF guys on thinking about sin and chemical imbalances. Excellent for pastors and even parents.

[Brent Osterberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welch does a great job of biblically navigating a complex subject.

[Barry Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating treatment of the brain in addressing the question of who is in charge in the actions of individuals from a biblical perspective. The author suggests three basic approaches – the Bible over Science, Science over the Bible, or the Bible next to Science. In discussing the mind-body connection, he moves on to offer some practical applications, including 1) the mind cannot make the body sin, 2) each person’s strengths and weaknesses are unique, and 3) brain problems can expose heart problems as hearts (sinful or upright) can result in illness or health.

The book continues by addressing, in order, practical advice 1) when the brain did it (Alzheimer’s/dementia), 2) maybe the brain did it (psychiatric problems reviewed, depression, attention deficit disorders), and 3 )the brain didn’t do it (homosexuality, alcoholism). Each theme is discussed in detail, with examples and practical guidance on addressing each. A standard flow chart is offered, with minor revisions, to approach each issue: 1) get information, 2) distinguish between spiritual and physical, 3) address heart issues and 4) maximize strengths, minimize weaknesses. This pattern adjusts across the specific issues, but the basic format remains, emphasizing when issues have real physical causes or the problems are problems of the heart.

Chapter 6 offers an exceptional and measured approach to psychiatric problems. Welch offers three propositions: 1) they are always spiritual and sometimes physical, 2) they sometimes respond to medication, and 3) the labels applied to such issues are descriptions, not explanations. Time is spent in discussing the appropriate use of medications, recommending them as not the first treatment to be considered.

In moving on to deal with these specific problems (depression, ADD, homosexuality, and alcoholism), the author provides detail on the nature of each, citing research, and offering practical actions to address their presence and treatment. Some particularly useful guidance Is offered in approaching homosexuality and alcoholism, including discussing present treatments such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Welch makes the interesting case that alcoholism can be seen as a “disorder in worship” on the part of the individual, noting the lack of biblical faith and forgiveness in most 12 step programs (p. 198).

This helpful book closes with two key points offered by the author. “First, be confident In what the Bible says. There is no reliable brain research that takes issue with timeless biblical truths….Second, study people. Know their suffering. As you know them better, focus more on their gifts – their brain strengths – rather than their weaknesses. As you do this, be strengthened by the fact that nothing – neither demons or disease – can separate use from the love of Jesus” (2 Cor. 4:16-18, p. 204).