Nigerian comedian and actor Chibunna Stanley, popularly known as Funnybone, has called for greater awareness of mental health within Christian communities, saying spiritual rebirth does not automatically resolve childhood trauma or behavioural challenges.
In a post shared on Instagram, the entertainer argued that some personality traits are rooted in emotional experiences rather than spirituality, stressing that faith should not be viewed as a replacement for psychological healing.
“I hope that one day the church understands that some personality traits have nothing to do with spirituality, and that being ‘born again’ doesn’t erase childhood trauma or behavioural dysfunction,” he wrote.
Funnybone said unresolved trauma often remains beneath the surface, shaping the way people think, respond to situations, and interact with others.
He urged churches and believers to give greater attention to therapy, noting that many young Christians carry emotional wounds from their past while believing that becoming born again is enough to address them.
“Keen therapy sessions should be prioritised. Most young Christians are living with deep childhood trauma and bitterness as a result of their life experiences, yet they assume that being born again is enough. But the truth is, you can be a traumatised, born-again Christian,” he said.
The actor added that some of the most difficult personalities he has encountered identify as born-again Christians, attributing such behaviour to unresolved trauma that continues to influence people’s actions.
“This is one reason why some of the meanest people I’ve met call themselves ‘born-again Christians’ because trauma often thrives in the subconscious,” he wrote.
According to Funnybone, seeking therapy does not conflict with religious beliefs. Instead, he said professional mental health support and spirituality can complement each other.
“Therapy, religion and spirituality can co-exist,” he added.
The comedian also observed that some young Christians equate spiritual transformation solely with avoiding behaviours such as smoking, drug use, and premarital sex. However, he argued that a person may still struggle with bitterness, emotional pain, or unkindness if underlying trauma remains unresolved.
His comments have added to ongoing conversations about the role of mental health support within faith communities and the importance of addressing emotional well-being alongside spiritual growth.
