Popular Nigerian comedian and actor, Chibunna Stanley aka Funnybone has sparked conversations on social media after he shared his opinions on the relationship between faith, trauma and emotional healing.

The comedian claimed on his Instagram page that being born again does not instantly erase childhood trauma or behavioral disorder, highlighting the need for the church to pay more attention to mental and emotional health.

Funnybone says many Christians wrongly believe the lack of vices such as substance addiction or sexual immorality is the final indication of redemption, without addressing deeper emotional traumas that continue to determine their conduct.

“I hope that one day the church will realize that there are some personality traits that have nothing to do with spirituality, and that being ‘born again’ doesn’t fix childhood trauma or behavioral dysfunction,” he wrote.

The comic said unresolved trauma typically operates below the surface, affecting how people think, respond and relate with others.

“Some of the most difficult people I’ve ever had to deal with are born-again Christians,” he said. “Spiritual rebirth is not a replacement for emotional restoration.

Funnybone said therapy, religion and spirituality can co-exist and urged Christians to seek professional help when they need it.

“But the heart can still be deeply wounded, bitter or unkind because unresolved trauma often affects subconscious reactions,” he continued.

His words drew mixed reactions from social media users. Some supported his stance and congratulated him for calling attention to mental health difficulties in religious communities, while others contended that the Holy Spirit is integral to assisting Christians to overcome emotional and behavioural struggles.

Another user @kelexofoedu said that being born again is the beginning of recovery and that the Holy Spirit helps Christians work through issues such as rage and other undesirable character flaws.

Another user, @mike_chigbo_ugochukwu, said that many people who go to church don’t have real transformation because they are more focused on miracles than they are on building a personal relationship with God by studying the Bible.

The issue has been a hot topic online with people weighing up the balance between faith-based healing and professional mental health support.