Talk 31: Does Christianity Really Cause Guilt, Depression and Despair?

In the writings of the Holy Fathers we often find statements such as this: “One must consider oneself the worst person of all”; “Self-esteem is a sin”; “One must only look at one’s failures, never at one’s virtues”; “The proud cannot be saved”; “Always consider yourself a sinner”; and “There is nothing good in us.” Many find these types of statements upsetting, and come to the conclusion that Christianity causes guilt, depression and despair.

In this talk Father Kosmas explains that these things are caused not by Christianity, but by an incorrect and distorted approach to Christ’s holy teachings. Furthermore, he emphasises that our sins, weaknesses, passions and failures can be used to acquire self-knowledge, repentance, humility, faith, trust in God, grace, peace, spiritual joy and, ultimately, the salvation of our souls.

The followi ...