Madness: American Protestant Responses to Mental Illness

284 Pages·2015·1.84 MB·English

by  Heather H. Vacek

MADNESS
SERIES EDITORS
Sarah J. Melcher
Xavier University (Cincinnati, Ohio)
and
Amos Yong
Fuller Theological Seminary (Pasadena, California)
MADNESS
American Protestant Responses
to Mental Illness
— Heather H. Vacek —
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY PRESS
© 2015 by Baylor University Press
Waco, Texas 76798
All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
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of Baylor University Press.
Unless otherwise stated, Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard
Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National
Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permis-
sion. All rights reserved.
Cover Design by Kara Davison, Faceout Studio
Cover Image: “Contracture Provoquée,” from Paul Regnard, Sorcellerie Magnétisme,
Morphinisme Délire des Grandeurs (Paris: E. Plon, 1887).
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Madness : American Protestant responses to mental illness / Heather H. Vacek.
283 pages cm
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-1-4813-0057-5 (hardback : alk. paper)
1. Mental illness—Religious aspects—Christianity. 2. Protestantism—United
States—History. I. Vacek, Heather H., 1969–
BT732.4.M285 2015
261.8’3220973—dc23
2014048047
For Gary, Luke, Mom, and Dad
and
all who navigate mental illness
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Series Introduction
Studies in Religion, Theology, and Disability brings newly established and
emerging scholars together to explore issues at the intersection of religion,
theology, and disability. The series editors encourage theoretical engagement
with secular disability studies while supporting the reexamination of estab-
lished religious doctrine and practice. The series fosters research that takes
account of the voices of people with disabilities and the voices of their family
and friends.
The volumes in the series address issues and concerns of the global reli-
gious studies/theological studies academy. Authors come from a variety of
religious traditions with diverse perspectives to reflect on the intersection of
the study of religion/theology and the human experience of disability. This
series is intentional about seeking out and publishing books that engage with
disability in dialogue with Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, or other religious and
philosophical perspectives.
Themes explored include religious life, ethics, doctrine, proclamation,
liturgical practices, physical space, spirituality, or the interpretation of sacred
texts through the lens of disability. Authors in the series are aware of conver-
sation in the field of disability studies and bring that discussion to bear meth-
odologically and theoretically in their analyses at the intersection of religion
and disability.
Studies in Religion, Theology, and Disability reflects the following devel-
opments in the field: First, the emergence of disability studies as an interdis-
ciplinary endeavor that has impacted theological studies, broadly defined.
More and more scholars are deploying disability perspectives in their work,

vii
viii
Series Introduction
and this applies also to those working in the theological academy. Second,
there is a growing need for critical reflection on disability in world religions.
While books from a Christian standpoint have dominated the discussion at
the interface of religion and disability so far, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and
Hindu scholars, among those from other religious traditions, have begun to
resource their own religious traditions to rethink disability in the twenty-fi rst
century. Third, passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in the U.S.A.
has raised the consciousness of the general public about the importance of
critical reflection on disability in religious communities. General and intelli-
gent lay readers are looking for scholarly discussions of religion and disabil-
ity as these bring together and address two of the most important existential
aspects of human lives. Fourth, the work of activists in the disability rights
movement has mandated fresh critical reflection by religious practitioners
and theologians. Persons with disabilities remain the most disaffected group
from religious organizations. Fifth, government representatives in several
countries have prioritized the greater social inclusion of persons with disabil-
ities. Disability policy often proceeds based on core cultural and worldview
assumptions that are religiously informed. Work at the interface of religion
and disability thus could have much broader purchase—t hat is, in social, eco-
nomic, political, and legal domains.
Under the general topic of thoughtful reflection on the religious under-
standing of disability, Studies in Religion, Theology, and Disability includes
shorter, crisply argued volumes that articulate a bold vision within a field;
longer scholarly monographs, more fully developed and meticulously docu-
mented, with the same goal of engaging wider conversations; textbooks that
provide a state of the discussion at this intersection and chart constructive
ways forward; and select edited volumes that achieve one or more of the
preceding goals.
Contents
Acknowledgments xi
Introduction: Christianity and Mental Illness 1
1 Making Theological Sense out of Suffering,
Sin, and Sickness: Cotton Mather 7
2 Christian Vocation and the Shape of the
Secular Profession: Benjamin Rush 27
3 Advocating for the Helpless, Forgotten, and Insane:
Dorothea Dix 55
4 Reclaiming Religious Authority in Medicine: Anton Boisen 89
5 A Passionate Plea to Engage Finds Lukewarm
Reaction: Karl Menninger 121
Conclusion: Suffering, Stigma, and Hospitality 159
Notes 181
Bibliography 251
Index 265

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