Will the Mentally Ill Be Judged by God?

Christian teachings, especially those found in the Bible, offer insights into how God sees and judges humanity. One such passage that addresses the concern of the mentally ill is from Isaiah 7:14-16, where the concept of the Sign of Immanuel serves as a central theme. According to this passage, judgment is deferred until a person understands right from wrong.

Understanding the Nature of Sin in Genesis

Some argue that people are born with a fleshly nature that has the capacity to sin. However, the critical point is when an individual reaches a level of cognitive awareness that recognizes moral choices. It is the nature of a child or someone who is mentally ill who lacks this understanding that influences the interpretation of such teachings.

Mercy vs Justice

The Bahá’í faith also offers perspectives on divine mercy and justice. A prayer attributed to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá states, 'If we are judged by our justice, we all are sinners and deserving to be shut out… but if we are upheld in mercy, every sinner will be made pure and every stranger will be a friend.' This highlights the importance of divine mercy, not just in the context of the mentally ill but for all of humanity.

Nature of the Mentally Ill

Let us consider a view from 'Abdu’l-Bahá’s talk number 110, given on 8 October 1912. He writes, 'They are deprived of that degree of intellect which can reason and discriminate between right and wrong. They are justified in their actions and not responsible.' This perspective emphasizes that those lacking full intellectual capacity, including those with mental illness, are not held responsible for their actions in the same way as those with full mental awareness.

Comparisons to Childhood

Similar to the acceptance of children's lack of responsibility, the mentally ill, often seen as child-like, can also be excused. The Baha'i teachings echo this sentiment: 'No faith or religion hath ever held children responsible.' This implies that God judges people based on their cognitive capabilities and understanding at the time of their actions.

Unpredictability of Judgment

Despite the leniency shown to the mentally ill, one can never know with certainty how God will judge any individual. 'O thou who art turning thy face towards God! Close thine eyes to all things else and open them to the realm of the All-Glorious. Ask whatsoever thou wishest of Him alone.' This poetic expression from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá underscores the unpredictability of divine judgment and encourages a deep trust in God's will.

Concluding Thoughts

The question of whether the mentally ill will be judged by God is complex and involves a nuanced understanding of human nature, cognitive ability, and divine mercy. In the context of these religious teachings, it is clear that one who lacks the mental faculties to discern good from evil is often seen as not responsible, and thus, divine judgement might be more merciful towards them. The key takeaway is a deeper understanding of God's mercy and the complexity of human nature.