What is a Deceptive Diagnosis?

A deceptive diagnosis is labeling a problem of living, like rebellion, with a psychological term, like oppositional defiant disorder. The behavior, feeling or thinking of an individual is declared to be a disease, just like cancer or diabetes. Cancer and diabetes have a proven organic cause and their effects can be seen using objective laboratory or radiological tests. Deceptive diagnoses are made based on the subjective viewpoint of a medical or mental health professional, thus they are declared diseases. The diagnosis is deceptive because it is not a real disease as disease is historically defined. There is no alteration in the anatomy (structure) or physiology (function) of the human body. Rather, the problem lies in feelings (depression, anxiety, guilt) and behavior (rebellion, anger, selfishness, immorality).

A deceptive diagnosis subsequently removes the accountability and responsibility for one’s thinking, behaving and feeling from oneself and places it on the disease. “My disease made me do it” has become the rallying cry for sinful people who do not want to confront their sin for what it really is.

What is the Effect of a Deceptive Diagnosis?

Placing sin in the category of sickness compromises the message of salvation. It sets aside the historical-grammatical method of interpreting Scripture and replaces it with a hermeneutic centered on pathology of the flesh. This interpretation views man as a victim who is sick rather than a sinner who is responsible to God. It eliminates the necessity for repentance. As such, the doctrine of the total depravity of man is undermined. Culpability and guilt vanish and there is no need for a Savior. In a similar way, sanctification is hindered. There is no need for repentance and change, no need for discipleship and spiritual growth. Believers are duped into thinking they are sick and need recovery.