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- Church messaging can discourage seeking professional mental health care, promoting faith as sole remedy.
- Mixing faith and therapy is possible; people shouldn't be forced to choose between religion and treatment.
- Stopping psychiatric medication without support can cause severe withdrawal, vulnerability, and risk of crisis.
- Religious leaders’ good intentions may unintentionally create harm when they claim to have all healing answers.
- Collaborative care—clergy working with trained therapists—better supports recovery and holistic healing.
By Nadia Johnson
September 30, 2025
On Sunday, 28 September, in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, a 40-year-old man named Thomas Jacob Sanford, a former Marine, drove his car into a church. He then opened fire and set the church ablaze. His rampage resulted in the deaths of at least four people and left eight others injured. The police ultimately shot and killed him.
People are questioning Sanford’s connection to the Mormon church. He previously dated a woman in Utah who was of the Mormon faith, but they had recently broken up. After leaving the Marines, Sanford moved to Utah and became addicted to methamphetamines. According to friends, he began expressing grievances against the Mormon faith, even going so far as to refer to it as the “Antichrist.”According to friends, he had started to air out his grievance against the Mormon faith, going as far as to call it the Antichrist.
However, his state of mind raises concerns about whether the church had informed him that he did not need mental health support. It appears that he believed that all he needed was God, prayer, and fasting to overcome his addiction, as well as to deal with the post-traumatic stress disorder he may have experienced after returning from the war.
Often, the church tells people with mental health issues that they don’t need to see a therapist or take medication; instead, they need Jesus. This perspective is misguided, particularly in light of the mass shootings that occur in America, including in churches and schools.
First, this belief suggests to individuals seeking help that they cannot pursue both faith and mental health care. As Matthew 6:24 states, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate and love the other or be devoted to and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” This verse highlights the challenge of divided loyalty in spiritual and material matters. However, it is not true that one must choose between faith and seeking help.
The church may not fully realize the challenges faced by individuals when they discontinue mental health medications. The withdrawal process can be incredibly painful and overwhelming, making it difficult for many to cope without adequate support. During this time, individuals may feel lost and vulnerable, experiencing mental breaks or even thoughts of self-harm or violence.
It’s understandable that the church wants to offer hope and healing, but it’s important to acknowledge that they may not have all the answers. When they present a message that suggests they can heal all wounds, it can unintentionally lead to further suffering for those who rely on their guidance. This well-intentioned desire to help can create situations that are beyond anyone’s control, sometimes resulting in unintended harm.
Therapists are trained professionals equipped with the knowledge to diagnose and create effective treatment plans for individuals struggling with mental health issues. Collaborating with these professionals rather than attempting to replace them could foster a more supportive environment. It’s vital that we recognize the importance of comprehensive care that includes both spiritual and psychological support. By working together, we can better serve those in need and help them find a path to healing and hope.
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