Bible and Bedlam first critically questions the exclusion and stereotyping of certain biblical characters and scholars perceived as 'mad', as such judgements illustrate the 'sanism' (prejudice against individuals who are diagnosed or perceived as mentally ill) perpetuated within the discipline of Western biblical studies. Second, it seeks to highlight the widespread ideological 'gatekeeping' - 'protection' and 'policing' of madness in both western history and scholarship - with regard to celebrated biblical figures, including Jesus and Paul. Third, it initiates creative exchanges between biblical texts, interpretations and contemporary voices from 'mad' studies and sources (autobiographies, memoirs etc.), which are designed to critically disturb, disrupt and displace commonly projected (and often pejorative) assumptions surrounding 'madness'. Voices of those subject to diagnostic labelling such as autism, schizophrenia and/or psychosis are among those juxtaposed here with selected biblical interpretations and texts.

Bible and bedlam -- Ivory towers and the banishment of bedlam: reason, right minds, and sane privilege in biblical studies -- The curious incident of a Jew in the night-time: autistry and an encounter with Nicodemus -- Ex-centric women: intersecting marginalities and the madness narratives of Bessie Head, a Canaanite woman and Pythian slave girl -- Gatekeeping the madness of Jesus and Paul: negotiating mythologies of madness in an age of Neoliberalism -- Beyond bedlam? Keeping open[ing] minds in biblical interpretation.

This multi-age, all-church Bible study program for Advent is centered on the book Finding Bethlehem in the midst of bedlam written by popular author James W. Moore. This study contains five sessions that delve into the Luke account of Jesus' birth through an ADVENTure to find Bethleham. Children will have opportunities to experience the stories of Mary, Joseph, Gabriel, the shepherds and Jesus. This guide is simple to use and includes reproducible activities for each session.

Christmas or confusion, Bethlehem or bedlam . . . Which will you choose this year? The truth is, we don’t have to choose, because Christmas always happens right in the midst of our chaos. God breaks into our noisy disorder and is made known in Jesus Christ. Christmas and confusion—weren’t they intimately related at the first Christmas when Jesus was born? Sometimes we forget that. That’s what this study is about—how Christ breaks into our chaos and confusion and brings Christmas—how Bethlehem always happens in the midst of bedlam. This participants book for adults includes a session for each Sunday in Advent, along with one for Christmas Sunday. Each session includes questions for reflection and discussion, a brief prayer, a focus for the week, and six daily Bible readings for personal devotional time during the week.

Is it possible to develop such a thing as a biblical theology of mental health? How might we develop a helpful and pastoral use of scripture to explore questions of mental health within a Christian framework? This timely and important book integrates the highest levels of biblical scholarship with theological and pastoral concerns to consider how we use scripture when dealing with mental health issues. Chapters include: *Paula Gooder on Healing and wholeness *Joanna Collicutt on Jesus and mental health *Isabelle Hamley on Job *David Firth on Anxiety in Scripture *John Swinton on The Bible in Pastoral Care *Walter Brueggemann on Psalms and lament With a foreword from Archbishop Justin Welby

Do you believe that everything matters... including, and especially, you? We live in a world that tells us everything is a cosmic accident and nothing has ultimate meaning. But God's Word says otherwise. The Bible tells us God made everyone and everything with thoughtful care, and He has a master plan for all of it. In Blueprint in Bedlam: God's Plan Amid the Chaos, author and pastor Kent DelHousaye makes a compelling case that the most foundational chapters in the Bible are the first three chapters of Genesis, for the simple reason that they tell us who and why we are. Within the context of the creation story, each of us can discover meaning and significance for even the smallest details of our lives. DelHousaye directs us to the genesis-the beginning-where we are introduced to God's intentions, or blueprints, for the world. He shows us where things went wrong. And he illuminates God's plans to heal and restore everything to his original design. Do you long to wrap your mind and heart around the truth about God's divine plan for the world and everything in it? Do you wonder what God expects for your life, your family, your friends, your vocation, and your future? It's time to reclaim the foundational truth that has been widely discarded. You are made in the image of God. You have tremendous value. And you exist for a divinely appointed purpose.

Christmas or confusion, Bethlehem or Bedlam & Which will you choose this year? The truth is, we don't have to choose, because Christmas always happens right in the midst of our confusion. God breaks into our confusion and makes himself known. Christmas and confusion--weren't they intimately related at the first Christmas when Jesus was born? Sometimes we forget that. But, that's what this book is about--how Christ breaks into our chaos and confusion and brings Christmas--how Bethlehem always happens in the midst of bedlam. This thematic Advent study for 2013 has five sessions--one for each Sund.