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.
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.
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.
Berkowitz’s violent past: serial murders, arson.
His imprisonment and Christian conversion.
Emphasis on the authenticity and longevity of Berkowitz’s faith.
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.
Overview of books:
Dr. Jesus – devotions on mental health.
Pain in the Parables – recovering from trauma.
Surviving Feelings – recovering from dark emotions.
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.
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.
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’ focus on engaging the man’s mind/will, not just his condition.
Distinction between healing the sick and delivering the stuck.
Description of the animal’s physical ability but psychological captivity.
Application: psychological and mental barriers limit freedom, not physical ones.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Call-outs for insomnia: prayer for sleep restoration.
Instruction: Trust God’s wakefulness, relinquish worry.
Call for those lacking hope: prayer for renewal of hope and dreams.
Call for anxiety: explanation of avoidance as root; prayer for courage and confrontation.
General encouragement: face challenges directly, break patterns of avoidance.
Warning against running from relationships, jobs, or church.
Affirmation of church community as a place of support rather than adversity.
Praying for church leadership (Pastor Richard & Lisa).
Acknowledgment of their role and covering in prayer.
Upholding leaders during times of rest and service.
