Codependent Discipleship: Not a how-to guide

Many people today express feelings of being overwhelmed or taxed beyond their abilities. A growing voice of discontent and victimization seems to underscore the discourse on social media and reports by news outlets. The intense and sometimes all-consuming demands of modern society include worries of economics, employment, friendships, family relationships and responsibilities, moral responses to injustices, church and community obligations, and even conflicts centered around government and politics. Modern scriptures record a description of this type of society, saying, “And all things shall be in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts shall fail them; for fear shall come upon all people.” This scripture describes an emotional or mental health pandemic in these last days. For years many have felt the symptoms but didn’t know how to diagnose what those symptoms indicated. We have also come to find ways that this “disease” has uniquely impacted members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Some have viewed being a faithful member of the Church as providing some sort of shield or protection from mental health issues. We hope to stand as a witness that such a notion is not only unfounded but also unnecessary. The presence of mental health issues is neither evidence of nor the consequence of sin. There are many reasons that we experience challenges of all types in this fallen world. At times, the ways in which we interpret the words of scripture and of living prophets can contribute to mental health issues, even when our motivations appear pure. One such scenario arises with respect to the topic of codependency. In Codependent Discipleship, Nick Galieti and Jennifer Roach explore the interaction of codependency with matters of Christian Discipleship. This insightful and empowering text is helpful for those struggling, or for those ministering to those in need.