I work in a Community Psychiatric Clinic. I have a client roster of about 300 people. In the teams that I serve, there are those who have bipolar, major depressive and borderline personality disorder. But, the majority of clients are diagnosed with schizophrenia. I also see a garden variety of demon/spirit oppression/possession.
One morning, I had a client come to my office: Male, Caucasian, 48 y/o, address in a very decent zip code. While I did an assessment, he told me, “I know God. I hear His voice. You know He is Jesus. You’re a Christian woman, aren’t you? I see the Spirit on you”. I continued the interview, without responding, and asked the standard questions.
When I asked if he experiences hallucinations, the man answered, “They aren’t hallucinations, they’re visions of the spirit world”. My client went on to explain that when he looks into the mirror, he has seen the red dragon with seven heads, ten horns and seven crowns. He then looked at me and said, “You believe, don’t you? He’s coming soon.”
Later, the same day, I had another client: Male, African-American, 23 y/o, address in a questionable zip code. While I prepared his medication, he said, “I’m the Christ.” I ask him to elaborate and explain this to me. He states, “I may be the anti-Christ, but, I’m sure that I’m one or the other. I believe it’s the Christ.”
This particular young man is very intelligent and well read. He experienced his psychotic breakdown while he was at the top of his class in college.
While in my office, he expresses his desire to be “understood” but realizes, “Christ wasn’t understood, how can I be?” I administer the medication and ask the standard “suicidal/homicidal ideation, hallucination” questions.
He responds, “I see visions. I look in the mirror and see the red dragon with seven heads, ten horns and seven crowns.”
I give him a reminder card for his next appointment.
At the end of my day, I’m pondering these two men and spiritual implications. I don’t argue, expound, debate or discuss the Bible or religion with my clients. It’s not prudent.
But, I have to ask myself, if there isn’t ANYTHING to this Jesus, the Holy Bible and definitive Truth; why is it THE ONLY religious preoccupation I’ve come across.
Not one time has a client come to me having delusions of being Bhudda, Mohammed, Krishna or the Pope. It’s Christ or Satan. Not God the Father, or God the Son, or God the Holy Ghost.
Jesus. That’s it. They tell ME there’s one God. Plain and simple. No questions. (James 2.19 “Thou believest there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” ) Go figure.
I’ve yet to hear “Bhudda-**** it!” or “Mohhammed!” or “Pope John Paul!”
Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim religions are embracing each other. They’ve become very tolerant. However, throw a Jesus-name-Apostolic-Pentecostal into the mix and even the Evangelicals panties are in a bunch.
Acts 4:16-19 “…What shall we [religious/political leaders] do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all…and we cannot deny it…Let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name…and they commanded them [men of God] not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus”
There is Truth. The angel’s know it and rejoice. The demon’s know it and tremble. The crazy people know it and are medicated.
But, there are reasonable and sane human beings that question it.
Hmmmmm
