LifeWay Research found that in 2019, only 49% of pastors spoke openly about mental health, and 35% of avid churchgoers believed mental illness could be cured through Bible study and prayer alone. However, men’s mental health faces an even greater level of neglect in Christian circles. Men’s mental health is stigmatized in the world at large — both Christian and non-Christian — and it’s quite possible that Biola has been no exception.
On Mar. 10, Spiritual Development hosted “A Man’s Heart” chapel dedicated to discussing difficult men’s issues, mental health stigma and how they struggle to be heard in the Christian world. Several male Biolans shared their testimonies of struggle and trial, challenging male and female students alike to consider how their thoughts and actions may be preventing open conversation and intervention with men’s mental health on Biola’s campus.
From these stories, I gathered that being a man at Biola, especially one who struggles with mental health, is not any easier in Christian circles than secular ones. A majority of the problem stems from a lack of safe spaces to facilitate healthy, open conversations about men’s issues. Does Biola as a whole fail to provide adequate safe spaces and resources to men? And more importantly, how can we, as Christians, have a healthier view of biblical manhood?
MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH AT BIOLA
The Man’s Heart chapel discussed a multitude of topics, including addiction and feelings of inadequacy and failure as a man on Biola’s campus. Many of these feelings were attached to sin and have gravely impacted these men’s walk with Christ. Arthur Montoya, the senior bible, theology, and ministry major who organized the chapel, saw a need for brotherhood at Biola…