A Victim No More

A Victim No More A sermon by Dr. Mike Caparelli, minister, author, and founder of Unmuted a ministry that gives the oppressed their voices back Introduction and Opening Remarks Welcoming the congregation, enthusiasm for the Word of God. Importance of receiving new revelation, regardless of Christian maturity. Introduction of Dr. Mike Caparelli: friend, PhD in behavioral science, passionate about God and the Holy Spirit. Personal anecdote: Dr. Caparelli as an excellent Italian cook, visit to beach house. Dr. Caparelli’s Background and Ministry Broad ministerial reach: local, national, international. Upcoming trip to Ghana for a mental health seminar at a university. Reference to New York’s “Son of Sam” case: David Berkowitz. Berkowitz's conversion in prison. Caparelli’s correspondence and 100-hour interview project. Book: Monster Mirror – 100 Hours with David Berkowitz. Caparelli’s Media Involvement Discussion of Netflix documentary: "Conversations with a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes." Caparelli interviewed as a behavioral psychologist. Requirement that Berkowitz’s conversion story be included. Anticipation of the documentary’s spiritual impact. The Transformation of David Berkowitz Berkowitz’s violent past: serial murders, arson. His imprisonment and Christian conversion. Emphasis on the authenticity and longevity of Berkowitz’s faith. Ministry to Other Offenders Correspondence with Craig Price, another infamous criminal. Price now reading Monster Mirror in prison. Caparelli’s belief in redemption for even the “worst offenders.” Clarification: advocating spiritual, not legal, freedom. Caparelli’s Published Works Overview of books: Dr. Jesus – devotions on mental health. Pain in the Parables – recovering from trauma. Surviving Feelings – recovering from dark emotions. Transition to Sermon: John Chapter 5 Prayer for the congregation. Statement: The Bible as the greatest psychology textbook. Framing the passage: the lame man’s story as an allegory for everyone’s struggles. Prayer for freedom from emotional, spiritual, physical, and financial paralysis. Exegesis of John 5: The Lame Man by the Pool Reading and explanation of John 5:3-14 (paralytic at Bethesda). Emphasis on the longevity of the man’s condition (38 years). Jesus’ question: “Do you want to get well?” Difference between needing/wanting healing. Risks of adapting to dysfunctional conditions. Psychological and Spiritual Insights Human adaptability: strength and danger in adapting to dysfunction. Adaptation to negative conditions can lead to a victim mindset. University of Adoption study: Victim mentality. Scar experiment: perception of victimhood affects interactions. Biblical case study: Naomi/Mara in Ruth 1. Transition from trauma as event to trauma as identity. Jesus’ Approach: Healing the Mind and Will Jesus’ focus on engaging the man’s mind/will, not just his condition. Distinction between healing the sick and delivering the stuck. The African Impala Metaphor Description of the animal’s physical ability but psychological captivity. Application: psychological and mental barriers limit freedom, not physical ones. Behavioral Analysis: The Three Mental Traps Trap 1: Experiences (Routine Becoming Rut) 38 years of relying on others, forming habits. Neuropsychology: habit wiring in the brain. Repetitive mistakes: "Pete and Repeat" analogy. Example: Disciples fishing from same spot (John 21). Trap 2: Excuses The man’s excuse: “I have no one to help me.” Analysis: Excuses as self-entrapping. “Hidden rescue wish” – waiting for someone else. Jesus’ imperative: “Pick up your mat and walk.” Principle: Personal responsibility for change. Jesus does not do legwork for those unwilling to put in footwork. Emotional exhaustion of trying to help those unwilling to help themselves. Trap 3: Exemptions (Perks of Sickness) Social/financial incentives to remain unwell (begging mat, benefits). Jesus’ challenge: “See, you are well. Stop sinning.” Warning against victim identity becoming a form of exemption and entitlement. Modern context: proliferation of psychological diagnoses, medicalization of struggles. Caparelli’s Personal Testimony Struggles with depression and institutionalization as a youth. Approval for SSDI (disability benefits) despite functional capacity. Experience of salvation and transformation—eventual choice to discontinue benefits. Illustration of “leaving the mat” as a metaphor for responsibility and healing. Application and Altar Call Call to the congregation: recognize when conditions become mindsets. Central question: “Do you want to get well?” Invitation to the altar: for those with longstanding problems, habits, or suffering. Specific Ministry: Targeted Prayers Call-outs for insomnia: prayer for sleep restoration. Instruction: Trust God’s wakefulness, ...