How to talk to mentally handicapped about eternity?

[nanny]

There is a shopping plaza near my apt. and there are mentally handicapped people that get dropped off for the day. They don't seem to have a caretaker around and they carry money (there is security at this place-I'm just trying to explain how handicapped they are) They don't read and they don't seem to have great reasoning skills.
Anyway, I want to talk about eternity and hell with them-
( there are 2 in particular that just seem to have no interest in God) , I know I have to learn to listen more to the Holy Spirit about these things, and I'm doing that more,
but in the meantime, does anyone have any suggestions or know of any good books for reaching mentally handicapped people?
I hope it's ok to post this type of question.
If it's even slightly offensive please delete it.

[Steve53]

Talk to them as you would anyone else. Conversation will be your barometer to help you discern whether or not they possess the cognitive ability to comprehend what you're saying.

[organgrinder]

I have a son who is mentally challenged-- IQ of 60 with a pervasive personality disorder, some autistic tendencies amongst other things. He has heard end times messages and made "committments" about a half dozen times but aside from that, nothing really registers.

He is pretty much self-absorbed. If I were to die today, there would be a piece of his personal life "pie" gone. He would be said but not emotional. His affect is flat. Doesn't even respond to music at church. If someone were to come into his life and "replace" me, everything would be back to normal for him. He just isn't wired the same as most folks. He can socialize but is also one who can be led along a bad path easily. It's been difficult to say the least.

Many of these folks aren't capable of reasoning as you or I would reason. All I know is that God made him as he is and knows him better than I ever will. He knows his capabilities and I just have to trust the Lord on this one. God just made him different.

God bless.

-Speedy

[iSong6:3]

I believe, depending on their individual mental capacities, they would be under the category of children. If they are unable to understand their situation regarding sin and God and judgment and salvation, they are not accountable for *rejecting* Him - they are covered by Him. God is truly Love, merciful and just.

To ascertain that, maybe you could present the Gospel as you would to a child, maybe with a simple picture book that you could read to them and show them? God bless you.

I know many mentally challenged people - like children - have purer trust and love than the rest of us do; Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.

Here's what Jack Kelley has to say:

Salvation for Children and Mentally Handicapped Adults

Q. Through some of your recent writings, I have come to more thoroughly and TRULY understand the difference between the value of faith in Jesus and works done in His name. What does the Bible have to say about those living children or disabled adults who either because of their immaturity or disability, can not comprehend the acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Savior?

A. I interpret Romans 7:9 as Paul saying he had eternal life until he reached the age of accountability, at which time he became responsible for his sins and was sentenced to death. (Later, when he accepted the Lord as His Savior he was pardoned and the death sentence was canceled.) This means children who are under the age of accountability (not intellectually mature enough to understand the spiritual consequences of sin) are not held accountable for their sins and have eternal life.

The Bible doesn’t specifically address the mentally disabled. But in doing some research on the Jewish tradition of bar/bat mitzvah, the ceremony where boys and girls who’ve reached the age of accountability become officially responsible under the Law, I learned that children who do not develop the intellectual capacity to comprehend this are not required to accept the responsibility. From this research and from my studies on the character of God I have concluded that the mentally disabled always belong to God and are regarded as though innocent, and therefore are saved.

Tags: Salvation

Related Posts:
◦More On The Age Of Accountability
◦The Age Of Accountability
◦Reaching The Mentally Handicapped
◦Children And The Rapture
◦Coming Full Circle http://gracethrufaith.com/ask-a-bibl...ts/#more-25002

[haley23]

I believe, depending on their individual mental capacities, they would be under the category of children. If they are unable to understand their situation regarding sin and God and judgment and salvation, they are not accountable for *rejecting* Him - they are covered by Him. God is truly Love, merciful and just.

To ascertain that, maybe you could present the Gospel as you would to a child, maybe with a simple picture book that you could read to them and show them? God bless you.

I know many mentally challenged people - like children - have purer trust and love than the rest of us do; Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.

Here's what Jack Kelley has to say:

Salvation for Children and Mentally Handicapped Adults

Q. Through some of your recent writings, I have come to more thoroughly and TRULY understand the difference between the value of faith in Jesus and works done in His name. What does the Bible have to say about those living children or disabled adults who either because of their immaturity or disability, can not comprehend the acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Savior?

A. I interpret Romans 7:9 as Paul saying he had eternal life until he reached the age of accountability, at which time he became responsible for his sins and was sentenced to death. (Later, when he accepted the Lord as His Savior he was pardoned and the death sentence was canceled.) This means children who are under the age of accountability (not intellectually mature enough to understand the spiritual consequences of sin) are not held accountable for their sins and have eternal life.

The Bible doesn’t specifically address the mentally disabled. But in doing some research on the Jewish tradition of bar/bat mitzvah, the ceremony where boys and girls who’ve reached the age of accountability become officially responsible under the Law, I learned that children who do not develop the intellectual capacity to comprehend this are not required to accept the responsibility. From this research and from my studies on the character of God I have concluded that the mentally disabled always belong to God and are regarded as though innocent, and therefore are saved.

Tags: Salvation

Related Posts:
◦More On The Age Of Accountability
◦The Age Of Accountability
◦Reaching The Mentally Handicapped
◦Children And The Rapture
◦Coming Full Circle http://gracethrufaith.com/ask-a-bibl...ts/#more-25002

Great post iSong6:3! Its true, if there is really a problem for OP talking to them about eternity, then it won't matter if they hear it! Praise God for being just and good

I'm not familiar with Jack Kelley's writing, though. Could anyone tell me a little more about him? He seems very smart from this.

[Nightelf]

I hope it's ok to post this type of question.
If it's even slightly offensive please delete it.

It's an awesome question, thanks for asking it!!

It shows your heart to jump in to unknown territory where others won't ordinarily tread.

You've gotten some great advice already, I'll add to what Steve said about starting converstaions and being a friend to them first.... that way you'll ascertain what level they are at and go from there. They are all different, what works for one may not work for another. Keep the Gospel simple.

[Crazed for Jesus]

I have an auntie who suffers from Schizophrenia, while its heart-breaking to see a loved one in that position, she is a Christian, I don't know her full relationship with Christ but she is always talking about Jesus with fellow patients, talking to her about God and Jesus is only about the only viable conversation you can have with her. Thankfully she was raised in a loving Christian home and I know that one day that her mind shall be healed in heaven.

Keep it very simple, don't over complicate witnessing to the mentally handicaped. Don't raise tough topics, 99% tough questions which you would usually be asked by non-believers wont be asked. Simply share the wonderful news of salvation

[Acts5:41]

As someone who is mildly "slow" AND mentally ill; it is interesting to see the phrasings.

Is your aunt also "slow", in addition to being schitzophrenic? Most sufferers have well above average intelligence.

If they can't read, and are being dumped at the mall, I would contact adult protective services on the matter. In the meantime, take it like you would a Sunday School.

If someone can't comprehend salvation, I sure don't think they're going to hell.

[Crazed for Jesus]

As someone who is mildly "slow" AND mentally ill; it is interesting to see the phrasings.

Is your aunt also "slow", in addition to being schitzophrenic? Most sufferers have well above average intelligence.
If they can't read, and are being dumped at the mall, I would contact adult protective services on the matter. In the meantime, take it like you would a Sunday School.

If someone can't comprehend salvation, I sure don't think they're going to hell.

If you are talking to me, yes she has well below intelligence.

[iSong6:3]

Great post iSong6:3! Its true, if there is really a problem for OP talking to them about eternity, then it won't matter if they hear it! Praise God for being just and good

I'm not familiar with Jack Kelley's writing, though. Could anyone tell me a little more about him? He seems very smart from this.

I first put in the wrong link...very sorry!

Here's his site, GraceThruFaith. http://gracethrufaith.com/ He has a wealth of information there, new questions answered every day - check it out!

[Acts5:41]

Interesting, from my understanding that is uncommon.

I will add, the medication I take for mental illness also slows down my "processing speed". I don't have the reading comprehension, etc, I used to have.

One reason I'm concerned, Nanny, developmentally delayed women "slow" - are quite often victims of sexual abuse. I think 80% are sexually abused. The victims don't understand it is wrong, and some can't articulate the abuse. Horrible statistics on that; if some predator at the mall sees them they are an easy target. That's why they are usually in a group situation, with a chaperone adult.

They should never just be dumped out in public for any predator's pickings.

[fl2007rn]

I have a sister who is mildly autistic and she loves the Lord Jesus more than anyone I know. I have to take her to her Doctors appts because she cannot comprehend what they tell her, yet she can quote just about any scripture from the Bible. She may be mentally slow, but is blessed because she has accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior.

Just think of all the intellectual people we know who reject Jesus, yet my autistic sister completely understands the concept of salvation. Honestly, I think it would be easier to witness to a mentally challenged person rather than a scientist!

[nanny]

I don't know how that head smacking guy got up there, sorry.

Thank you for all the replies and links.
Very helpful.
These people sound like O.G.'s son.
Acts - It's pretty much out in the open that these people are unsupervised. And a couple of the women I've met are definitely in not so great relationships. But even though they are gullible in a way, some of them really just want to have boyfriends and girlfriends and they want to "party". One guy is kind of open to the gospel, but for the most part they seem to have no interest. I did meet one woman that loves Jesus, but she is living with her boyfriend.
I guess what I'm really having trouble with is ( because a dear friend died recently and it changed me..I talk to strangers almost every day about dying and Heaven and Hell and Jesus....and I'm kind of blunt and graphic about it...and it's been shocking to me how many people have death and the end of the world on thier minds and at the same time have zero interest in and no fear of God). And these people despite their handicaps aren't "innocent" so it's kind of not like talking to kids, but with thier limited reasoning skills, I don't want to totally freak them out.
Thanks again.

[Acts5:41]

I would definitely report that to adult protective services. It's not just about them being neglected (which it is), it's about them defrauding the government, too.

They are getting paid BIG BUCKS to take care of the "flock". A workshop gets at least $1,000 per head, per month.

[haley23]

I first put in the wrong link...very sorry!

Here's his site, GraceThruFaith. http://gracethrufaith.com/ He has a wealth of information there, new questions answered every day - check it out!

Wow, thanks! That site is a treasure trove, really informative. I bookmarked it on my computer and will definitely be making regular visits!