A. J. Higgins, The Matter of our Minds: Measuring our Minds by Scripture (Northern Ireland: Scripture Teaching Library, 2019), 115 pp.
Reviewed by Marcus Cain
Perhaps more than ever before in human history, the mind is under tremendous pressure and constant attack. This book comes at a time when stress overwhelms many, anxiety is becoming increasingly common, and depression is afflicting an ever greater proportion of society at large. The Christian is not exempt from any of these challenges.
The topic of the mind is extensive, but Dr. Higgins treats it biblically and succinctly. He makes it plain that we need to examine our minds in the light of the Holy Scriptures, whether we are dealing with marriage problems or miscarriage, injustice or infertility, failure or frailty, death or depression. He spends considerable time dealing with these misfortunes in life, but before he does so he describes the minefield through which we are currently walking. The media, music, the movements, the messages and the masses all will take us away from the One who modeled a perfect mind.
One whole chapter deals with depression, and he ably takes us through the story of Elijah, finishing with the emergence from this affliction of the mind. He does make it clear that this book is not meant to deal with a severe depression that requires more intensive intervention, but rather what used to be called melancholy.
This book is essential reading for elders as they keep their finger on the pulse of the mind of the sheep. It will also be helpful for parents, as these issues of the mind commence at an ever earlier age. All believers will find this book to be a profitable read as they reap the benefits of Dr. Higgins’ many years of service both as a shepherd amongst God’s people and as a physician.
