Tag Archives: research

Are kids from devoutly Christian families with same-sex attraction at higher risk of suicide?

Posted on July 8, 2019 by

In the absence of any data supporting an association between traditional religious beliefs and increases in suicidal thinking or behavior in children and adolescents, suggesting an ethical mandate exists to influence kids with same-sex attraction to leave their places of worship for more “affirming” congregations or suggesting parents need to “process their religious commitments in light of evidence-based recommendations” is extremely premature at best, demonstrates an extraordinary lack of cultural sensitivity and ignores the ways in which spiritual formation and church attendance may help mitigate the increased risk of suicidal behavior among sexual minority youth. Continue reading →

Posted in Controversies, Key Ministry, Mental Health | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Updated…What do we know about gender non-conforming kids?

Posted on May 13, 2016 by

We know that most kids with gender non-conformity become comfortable with their biological sex as they progress through childhood. For those who continue to experience significant gender discordance as adolescents, far too many will have experienced trauma, mental illness, social isolation, self-injury and suicidal thoughts.
Continue reading →

Posted in Controversies, Key Ministry, Mental Health, Resources | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

What’s the data about special needs and abortion?

Posted on October 13, 2015 by

I do think we can say that babies with a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome are nearly twice more likely to be aborted than others. That’s tragic. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Controversies, Intellectual Disabilities, Key Ministry | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

What we know about kids who do what Josh Duggar did

Posted on May 26, 2015 by

It might be helpful to look at the available research into kids and teens who commit sexual offenses to better understand the background of kids who perpetrate these offenses and the impact that treatment may have on reducing their risk of harming others in the future. Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Controversies, PTSD | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

Looking at the Lifeway/Focus on the Family mental illness study as a peer reviewer would…

Posted on October 2, 2014 by

In examining and interpreting the study for our readers, I thought it would be most helpful going forward to put on my “old hat” as a reviewer and offer insight into how the folks who sit where I sat might think about the Focus/Lifeway study…
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My Weekly Reader…September 27, 2014

Posted on September 27, 2014 by

Melissa Edge shares an incredible story of how God was unmistakably at work through her suffering in the aftermath of losing her husband. What do we do with our lives In the Meantime as we’re experiencing grief.
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Focus on the Family, Lifeway avoid the tough questions about mental illness…

Posted on September 24, 2014 by

Here’s my most significant criticism of this survey…they didn’t ask the right questions! Continue reading →

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My Weekly Reader…September 12, 2014

Posted on September 12, 2014 by

Each Friday, I’ll summarize articles and resources of special interest from my perspective as a physician serving kids and families impacted by mental illness, trauma and developmental disabilities who also inhabits the world of disability ministry. Continue reading →

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Why are we shocked by the Bay Village “Ice Bucket Challenge?”

Posted on September 10, 2014 by

The behavior demonstrated by the perpetrators of the “Ice Bucket Challenge” reflects our human nature. Christianity teaches that none of us are righteous! What type of behavior should we expect to see, especially in a culture in which more and more of us reject God, and fail to recognize any absolute standards of right and wrong? Many of the risk factors associated with bullying are symptomatic of the breakdown of the family unit as the fundamental building block of society. This is just the beginning… Continue reading →

Posted in Autism, Controversies, Families, Key Ministry | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

What families of teens and young adults with developmental disabilities need from church…

Posted on August 26, 2014 by

Nearly 500 parents of adolescents or young adults with developmental disabilities were asked two questions about fourteen supports that churches could provide to their family… Continue reading →

Posted in Advocacy, Autism, Families, Intellectual Disabilities, Resources, Strategies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment