Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Elijah was perhaps the greatest prophet of the Old Testament. The Hebrew people revered him as such. And yet the book of James tells us he was still a man with weaknesses, not so different from many of us today.
Chapter 6 deals at length with the experience of Elijah the prophet and his experience on Mount Carmel as he faces the prophets of Baal. His experience and subsequent reaction provide an interesting analogy of a bipolar episode. The author does not imply that Elijah was bipolar but suggests there are valuable lessons that can be drawn from the event. Elijah does exhibit many of the classic symptoms of a bipolar condition.
First Kings 18-19 is the Biblical material drawn from, with additional comments from James 5:17-18. As you read chapter 6, you will understand the reason for entitling this book The Elijah Syndrome.
Synopsis
After forty-eight years of ministry, I found myself being more and more sidelined by episodes of depression. This was extremely difficult for me because it was hard to line up with my long-held views of spiritual and mental health. Then while pastoring my wife's home church I had a complete emotional breakdown. In 2008, I spent two different weeks in a hospital on suicide watch. I was diagnosed with a bipolar condition. Because of professional advice, I retired from the pastoral ministry.
This book is my story. I was encouraged to write this by my psychiatrist. It is full of gut-wrenching truth but is also full of hope and encouragement. I genuinely believe that many might be helped by reading this book and applying some of the principles that have helped me. Remember, God still loves you and never gives up on you.