Kregel Book Review: 40 Questions on Typology and Allegory

When I went to seminary, we didn't speak a lot about Typology and Allegory, so what I knew about the topics was mostly self researched and taught. That is until I had the opportunity to read 40 Questions about Typology and Allegory.

I'll be honest, when I first opened the book I didn't have high hopes, I thought great, another text book, that is going to be dry reading. I was pleasantly surprised at what an easy read this book was. However from the moment I read "This book is an invitation to a kind of reading - a kind of seeing. But I must warn you: once you see the beauty of typological and allegorical readings in the Old and New Testaments, you can't unsee it. And you wouldn't want to, even if you could." I was hooked. Just like the book 40 Questions about Heaven and Hell, the book lays out the most common questions people may have about typology and allegory, giving good, solid definitions of both. I read the book in a little over 8 hours, this isn't to say the book is a super easy read, it is that well written and draws you into seeing the scripture for what it is. Chase truly focuses on one thing at a time, and that makes the book seem like a quick and easy read, but hold on to your hats, because he sure does pack a lot of information into those fairly short chapters!

The author states "My aim in this book is to orient Bible readers to the subjects of typology and allegory, that we might be more faithful readers of the Scripture as we behold more fully the glory of its story." I can't help but think that with this book, and the knowledge I now have, that I will be more focused on the larger story of the scripture and not just the topics that appeal to me as a Christian.

The book is broken up into 3 sections, The Bibles Big Story is part one. This covers a very high view of the Bible's story. Part two and three are Questioning Typology and Allegory, respectively. These two seconds are further broken down into three sections, Understand..., Church History..., and Indentifying. Each of these sections further discusses each topic more in depth and allows you to read answers to many common questions and possibly come up with your own not so common questions.

Over all I found this book to be an easy read all Christians, those with Doctorate degrees, all the way to your common church goer looking for a deeper relationship with scripture, no matter your education level or dedication level you will learn something about the deeper meaning behind scripture.

Mental Health and the Church

This is a post about depression and how the Church should handle depression and depressed people. There may be triggers in this article. As always, If you’re depressed, tell someone. Tell a doctor, friend, family member or counselor. I am begging you please do not suffer alone, especially if you feel suicidal.

World Mental Health Day was on October 10th.  This week, in various discussions with Christians, I have heard "you don't need counseling, a doctor, a therapist, medication, etc." These same Christians follow up with you only need Jesus. 

I am not going to lie, that is one thing that really irritates me because it shows just how much work we need to do to become more acceptant of mental illness being treated. How many Christians do you know that will go to the doctor when they catch the flu? Have a broken bone?The common cold? Pregnancy? Most everyone will go to the doctor for ailments they can see or that they physically experience. So why not mental health? 

Mental Health shouldn't be a taboo topic. According to an article by Geneva College, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), "approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S." Biola Univerisity states that this means that nearly 46.6 million Americans over the age of 18 struggle with some form of diagnosable mental illness ranging in severity from mild to severe. On average, there are 48,344 suicide deaths, most of whom have a diagnosable mental illness. To break that down further, 100,000 population, there are 14.8 suicide deaths. 

Many of these individuals will have turned to their church and their faith for spiritual guidance in times of emotional distress. Unfortunately, there is still a stigma attached to mental illness in many Christian churches. The prevailing culture of silence along with misguided attitudes and erroneous expectations often cause suffering believers to feel shamed, blamed and very unsupported. This means that a lot of good, Christ-centered people suffer alone and more often than not in silence. And sadly enough our African American counterparts are more likely to suffer in silence even if they have the funds to seek help. 

In years past, people with mental illness were ostracized, alienated and even abused. Today, most would agree that mental illness is better understood and better treated. However, some of the contempt and cruelty of the past has been replaced with silence and indifference in the present. It is time for the church to step up and make a difference, to move beyond the taboo and reach out to people who suffer from mental illness.

I was reading an article written by a pastor of the Moravian Church and in the article she relates the story of a woman whose husband had knee surgery and the church gathered around, brought food, etc. Yet when this same woman's husband attempted (unsuccessfully) to take his life, the fridge stayed its usual empty self. This goes back to the leadership of the church. This same article in the Moravian church stated that A 2016 study conducted by LifeWay Research and published in ChristianityToday revealed the horror and reality that only seven percent of church pastors discuss mental health with their congregations “once a month” or “several times a month.” Meanwhile, 92 percent of pastors reported talking about mental health in sermons or church functions “once a year, rarely, or never.” (By the way if you are a pastor looking for a great resource on mental health, I recommend the Pastoral Handbook of Mental Illness from Kregel Publishers, see review here.)

Personally, one of the worst things I believe Christians can say to those who are suffering with mental illness is that "You don't really need help." "Jesus can heal you." "You have to believe more." As one who has been diagnosed with two mental illnesses, I can tell you I have heard my share of "You don't have enough faith" comments to last a life time. As CareNet blogger Susan Roberts writes "He is the source of our abundant life. However, mental health struggles are not often the result of sin or failure. Equating someone’s depression with mental instability brought about by God as a punishment is like equating a cancer diagnosis with God striking down King Herod for denying him glory. Mental illness is not a punishment.

So what can the church do? 

The church needs to educate itself on mental illness. Whether through conferences or classes. They need to learn to speak about mental illness compassionately and in informed ways. The Grace Alliance Mental Health Website offers resources for churches and individuals that want to work through learning more about mental health and even start their own grace group to help others through recovery with mental health. NCBI has a wealth of articles for starting Mental Health committees in churches so that they can  educate members and clergy on working with those who are currently stigmatized by mental health. 

I would like to remind you all that mental health in the church is something that I feel very passionate about. You may ready my First Blog about mental health at It is Well...Depression in the church. The following is from my second blog about depression and the church. Depression and the Church Revisited: 

Church leaders should know that depression is a very real issue that they must address.  Some people say that depression is solely a spiritual problem while others believe it to be a physical or mental disorder.  I believe it is both.  As followers of Christ, everything we are, everything we do and everything we experience is wrapped up in and affected by the personal relationship we have or do not have with God through Jesus Christ.  Nothing touches our life that doesn't pass through His hands, with His permission.  Every problem we face, whether it is a physical illness or an unconfessed sin is a "spiritual problem".  If it is a concern to us it is a concern to Him.

Church leaders should know that depression may require medical attention.  Chemical imbalances induced by stress can trigger depression.  It is important to know that a tendency toward depression is many times hereditary, resulting in a disorder that responds well to the right medication.  Depression is not eliminated by medication.  Medicine simply levels the playing field so that the issues and problems that lead to depression can be effectively dealt with.

Church leaders should know that depression may require professional counseling.  I am amazed that so many Christians are so afraid to see a Christian counselor.  Shame and guilt often prevent those who battle depression from getting the help they need.  God gave counselors their gifts and abilities.  He must have known we would need them.  Church leaders should be quick to encourage those struggling with depression to seek out Christian counseling. 

Church leaders should be aware of the shame and stigma felt by those who struggle with depression.  These people are not "crazy" but often feel as if everyone thinks they are.  Many times a pastor or church leader can make it easier for those who battle depression by simply acknowledging depression as a reality that anyone can face.

Church leaders should know that depression is not necessarily sin.  The causes of depression are incalculable. While it is true that depression can be triggered by the consequences of sin it is just as true that depression can simply be the result of a chemical imbalance present from birth. Depression can even be a side affect of medication or induced by health problems as well as physical and mental exhaustion. For example, those who must take medicine to control high blood pressure, thyroid conditions, diabetes and a host of other illnesses are very likely to struggle with depression.  Many of the most creative and powerful leaders battle depression because they constantly teeter on the brink of burnout.

Remember, authenticity and transparency bring healing.  As pastors and leaders we must be willing to practice emotional integrity, freeing those we love and lead to do the same. 

Judgmental Christians...

I am often seen as a judgmental Christian. Fine. I am judgmental. I could throw out the scripture of Matthew 7:1 Judge not, lest ye are judged." However, we are judge not so that we can judge well. 

What can't we judge? We must not judge “the hidden . . . purposes of the heart” of other Christians based on their decisions, actions, perspectives, words, or personality that concern us if those things themselves are not explicitly sinful (1 Corinthians 4:5). However, there are things we can judge. Christians must judge the explicitly sinful behavior of a professing Christian.

Jesus said a “tree is known by its fruit” (Matthew 12:33). When do the hidden sinful purposes of the heart reveal themselves? In a person’s explicitly sinful behavior. That’s why Paul didn’t even have to be present to pass judgment on a man who engaged in sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 5:3). And he explicitly instructed the Corinthian Christians to pass judgment on him too (1 Corinthians 5:12–13).

When we sin, our Christian brothers and sisters have an obligation to judge us. They must not condemn us, but they must, out of love, call us to repent. Such judgment is a grace, an expression of God’s kindness (Romans 2:4), and we only compound our sin if we take offense. If our sin is very serious and our church determines that we must be disciplined according to Matthew 18:15–17, we must keep in mind that the purpose is to pursue our redemption not damnation (1 Corinthians 5:4–5).

So last night I wrote a blog called Beyond 4 Walls. Tonight, I was chastised for posting the blog, stating I hadn't spoke to the person. I did attempt, I explained, based on earlier comments that the church was offering online services, that I felt the original poster just doesn't like the way the church is being lead. I still feel that way. He even said as much to another commenter.

But let us not judge other Christians’ hidden purposes of the heart as sinful if they disagree with us over the best course of action. We may discuss and persuade, but we may not judge. Jesus will judge. It is for him alone to bring to light what is now hidden and to commend or rebuke (1 Corinthians 4:5). Let us “with all humility and gentleness, with patience, [bear] with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).

Beyond 4 Walls

Earlier today in a group on facebook, someone wrote "UMC in VA had abandoned the church." This is simply not true. The church that he attends is offering online services but not in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The truth is a lot of churches are having to look at alternative ways of worship. 

I understand the feeling of abandonment. However, as my Bishop stated, we are to do no harm to our fellow man. When we speak of doing no harm, it means to avoid all evil of every kind, including not showing up to a building where people may end up capturing a virus that could potentially kill them. What I believe this person is saying is that nothing is going to make him happy until he can get back in the church and actually worship sitting in a pew. I get it, I am not happy that we can't be in church, but I feel like God is doing something greater.

You see, I look for silver-linings in not being in the church. One church right now doesn't intimidate people. They can pull up in their cars, they can hear a message about God online through social media. Even the church of England has recommended that churches continue with online services when they return to their buildings, even the official website has online prayer office daily. God has moved the church beyond walls. 

Andrew Hall of First Baptist church in Huntsville, AL says "Church isn't necessarily the building, the Church is the people." I think about Ferguson, MO and one of the chants that the people called out "Get out of the house and into the streets." In other words, "Get out of the pews and into the streets." COVID-19 has taught us that we need to move beyond the walls. 

Yes, there is comfort sitting in the church, walking in shaking hands with those we know and love, definitely comfortable. Yet, God has given us a door to the world. Everyone one of us has a ministry, and we have a mission field. The Coronavirus pandemic calls us to a new location – the streets redefined. The call to the streets is a metaphor for leaving places of comfort and going to the inconvenient spaces in the margins. If physically being away from our sanctuaries – mosques, temples, synagogues, and spiritual houses of worship makes us uncomfortable – perhaps worshipping in place is where we need to be. Perhaps we have become so comfortable behind those walls, we have lost our prophetic imagination to be the church without the bricks and mortar surrounding us.

God is calling us to the highways and the hedges, to compel people to come in that His house may be full. (Luke 14:23, ESV). God doesn't work by accident. In fact, Brad Larson says "He is intricately intentional with how he guides our lives. The people around you — the ones you love and the ones you loathe — are his image-bearers and they all need the grace of Christ." 

It's time to stop worrying about if a Bishop will allow you back into your building, because God is calling you to something greater, He's calling the church out from behind the walls, and straight into the mission field...will you answer?