The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel
Week 9: Part Two, Chapter 8 — The Psychological Evidence
Read Part Two, Chapter 8 of The Case for Christ. Key interview: Dr. Gary Collins, psychologist and author, addressing the mental health of Jesus.
Previewing Week 9 of The Case for Christ
Read 3 of 7 discussion questions below. Unlock the complete 15-week guide when you’re ready.
Could someone who claimed to be God simply be suffering from delusion or mental illness? A legal investigation must consider every alternative — including the psychological one.
Discussion Questions
7 questions1.Dr. Gary Collins, a psychologist, is asked to evaluate Jesus' mental health based on the Gospel accounts. What criteria do mental health professionals use to assess delusion or psychological disorder, and how does Jesus fare when those criteria are applied?
2.Collins points out that people suffering from the kind of grandiose delusion that would lead someone to claim to be God typically display signs of disconnect from reality — erratic behavior, inability to function socially, lack of concern for others. How do the Gospels' portraits of Jesus compare to this profile?
3.Jesus displayed remarkable emotional intelligence, empathy, and the ability to engage people at deep levels — from Nicodemus the Pharisee to the Samaritan woman at the well. How does Collins interpret this interpersonal capacity in light of the psychological question?