Depression, Lincoln's Melancholy, Our Brains and the Bible

Depression is a complex experience of varying depth and causation. It varies from "feeling blue" to the awful interior pain of "clinical depression." We will look at the many factors that contribute to its onset: biological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual, using examples from the life of Abraham Lincoln. We will examine the relationship between abnormal brain function, our thoughts and feelings, and biblical teaching about sin—the fall and our responsibility. We will discuss ways to reduce our vulnerability to depression.