My faith is a part of who i am, and not necesserly a part of my disorder but i can't seperate the two because I'm both. I know that sounds like mombo jumbo but for me it's true. Some support me and understand others don't I get help from those who do. I am a christian who happens to have a mental illnes and not the only one, but without the belief that God cares about me and is on my side all the time and accepts me for who I am I'm not sure i would have made it this far. So i think it's a help to me and not a detriment.

#13 I understand that attitude I've been told that God gave us a 'sound mind" so if I have this I'm not really a believer. Some ppl are just ignorant I know who i am and don't need anyones confermation, i would say that most in the Christian community understand that the mind can be sick just like the rest of the body.And no no can of worms opened I've dealt with this before.

I used to be a a Seventh-Day Adventist christian. In fact I was going to school to be an SDA pastor at their flagship university Andrews University. I was studying theology in the undergrad program whrn I had a complete breakdown and was hospitalized my first time. I was kicked from the program, being told that they didn't need any crazy pastors. I was forced out of the church by both members and pastors, saying I was Demon Posessed. In the hospital there was a large number of SDA nurses and aides. One of the aides mad me go into my room whle she attempted to perform an exorcism. I was very tired of this treatment and when she got to the end of her prayer and said in the name of Jesus, I replied "I know Jesus, but who are you." I did this with my eyes bugged out and staring at her intently and deepened my voice some. the look on her face was priceless. Anyway I digress. The treatment I recieved from the SDA church and school caused me to completely turn my back on God for 5 years. I am only just now reestablishing my relationship with him. I still have reservations about organized religion though.

I belong to the Church of the Insane, it is the flip version of Scientologist. In this church Bipolars are demigods. We walk and rule the Earth. We are bound by the rules of BD so that means there isn't a sin we are not allowed to do.

Sad to say the membership level is very small. So far I am the only member in this side of town.

Short Version (I hope):

I have faith in One God, was raised Independent Baptist but like so many have run from Practicing Religion.

When I was first dx'd I dealt for two years, the prayed and fasted, asking God to Take It Away.

He heard me and after many weeks, took away....

PART of it. I was confused, but finally understood. He took away the parts that left me

Without the Ability to Choose.

He left me with bipolar - I think I understand His reasons - but gave me Awareness of my actions, so that I am not Blameless for what I choose.

This of course, is spoken from a viewpoint of Faith in an Omnicient God - but it is Mine.

Wounded Shaman, a common belief in many cultures. Not only Christians burned mentally ill at the stake but ancient civilizations, such as Macedoneans, if a baby wasn't born perfect, it was put out on a hill to die. I like Buddhist teachings but feel close to Jesus. Can't deal w/churches, tho'. Always someone wanting to cast demons out. Archaeic!