And on the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food... Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing. (Ez 47:12 ESV)
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The Bible & Alternative Medicine
Written by e-Mom. Share on Twitter or FB. Subscribe in a Reader
Snake oil, snake charming, and the fountain of youth. To me, these phrases conjure up images of scams at best and sorcery at worst. The variety of alternative medical treatments available today can be very confusing—and even frightening. It’s tempting to shun alternative options altogether, and stick only to traditional medicine.
So does the Bible prohibit the use of alternative medicine? Here's what GotQuestions.org has to say:
Three Helpful Q & A
Q. Should a Christian consider alternative medicine?
A. “There are two primary issues with this ‘alternative medicine is always wrong’ mindset. First, much of modern traditional medicine also has its roots in non-Christian religions and philosophies. While alternative medicines like acupuncture may have originated in connection with Taoism, many traditional medicines originated in the ancient Greek and Roman cultures, which were just as non-Christian as ancient Taoism.
The idea that unless something was invented by a Christian, it is inherently wrong is not biblically supportable. Many inventions and technologies that Christians have no qualms about using were invented by non-Christians. The belief system of the inventor does not necessarily determine whether the invention itself has moral value. The origin of an alternative form of medicine should not be the deciding factor in whether a Christian can consider using it.”
A. “There are two primary issues with this ‘alternative medicine is always wrong’ mindset. First, much of modern traditional medicine also has its roots in non-Christian religions and philosophies. While alternative medicines like acupuncture may have originated in connection with Taoism, many traditional medicines originated in the ancient Greek and Roman cultures, which were just as non-Christian as ancient Taoism.
The idea that unless something was invented by a Christian, it is inherently wrong is not biblically supportable. Many inventions and technologies that Christians have no qualms about using were invented by non-Christians. The belief system of the inventor does not necessarily determine whether the invention itself has moral value. The origin of an alternative form of medicine should not be the deciding factor in whether a Christian can consider using it.”
Q. What is the standard for determining whether a treatment is alternative?
A. “There is no standard for determining whether a medicine or treatment is considered alternative. Is chiropractic treatment considered alternative? Is taking herbal supplements considered alternative? Is a gluten-free diet or eating Brazilian acai berries considered alternative?
People are quick to point to some alternative medicines as being wrong, while failing to recognize that they themselves are using alternatives. If anything other than having surgery or swallowing a prescribed pill is considered alternative, then hundreds of millions of people are already knowingly, or unknowingly, using alternative medicine. Ultimately, the deciding factor in this discussion is whether or not an alternative medicine can be separated from the philosophy associated with the medicine or treatment...”
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A. “There is no standard for determining whether a medicine or treatment is considered alternative. Is chiropractic treatment considered alternative? Is taking herbal supplements considered alternative? Is a gluten-free diet or eating Brazilian acai berries considered alternative?People are quick to point to some alternative medicines as being wrong, while failing to recognize that they themselves are using alternatives. If anything other than having surgery or swallowing a prescribed pill is considered alternative, then hundreds of millions of people are already knowingly, or unknowingly, using alternative medicine. Ultimately, the deciding factor in this discussion is whether or not an alternative medicine can be separated from the philosophy associated with the medicine or treatment...”
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Q. How do I choose between the options?
A. “With the freedom that we have in Christ, decisions like whether or not to use alternative medicine are to be based on our own biblically-informed convictions and preferences (1 Corinthians 6:12; 8:9; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Galatians 5:1). As with everything, Christians are to be wise and discerning. We are free to follow our convictions as long as they are biblically sound and bathed in prayer. What we are not free to do is to force our own convictions on others, especially in debatable areas such as alternative medicine.”
Personal Lifestyle Choices
I’m a big fan of nutritional therapies including naturopathy, vitamin & mineral supplements, and herbs. Aromatherapy is effective and of course, so is fervent prayer. We drink alcohol in moderation and we try to walk for ½ hour in the evenings. I also enjoy a cup of my favorite brand of Green Tea, Twinings of London every afternoon. (Did you know it's terrific for weight loss?) Yep, alternative medicine really works for me.
Related
2. "My Testimony of Healing Through Prayer"
Visit We are THAT Family for Works-for-Me-Wednesday. Photos: EricinSF & JIGGS IMAGES (Flickr)
How do you feel about alternative medicine?
Visit We are THAT Family for Works-for-Me-Wednesday. Photos: EricinSF & JIGGS IMAGES (Flickr)
How do you feel about alternative medicine?
15 Comments:
Good morning sister. I have to come back since I've been busy lately but I just want to thank you for coming by my site and leaving your "footprints" :) Nice to meet you, too. Wishing you God's blessings to pour over you and may you have a great day today. I love this topic you just posted as many seems to easily believe that "something" will cure their ailment by treatments like these.
I think "alternative" medicines, however they are defined by others, are worth exploring. I have a chronic disease, rheumatoid arthritis, which requires me to be on traditional meds in order to function, but other things, like drinking green tea and exercising and using ice and heat sure do help.
I have a friend who has had breast cancer come back, and she believes in alternative medicine. The cancer is in three of her lymph nodes, and she refuses surgery, chemo or radiation, but she is taking tamoxifen, which is 75% effective against cancers like hers. I am afraid for her, but it is her decision. If it were me, I'd want the cancer OUT!
I think alternative medicine is like anything else. We have to be informed and prayerful. Then we can make wise decisions. Thanks for this great article. I loved seeing an open viewpoint about this sometimes touchy issue.
And I also keep meaning to say...thank you! Thank you for always taking the time to stop by and visit my blog. You're a great encourager and I appreciate your wisdom & words. Hope you're having a great week!
I think that this sentence:
"Ultimately, the deciding factor in this discussion is whether or not an alternative medicine can be separated from the philosophy"
is a fantastic summary.
Another point to mention is that conventional, allopathic medicine has pagan roots, as well. The Hippocratic Oath had pagan references so, in this respect, alternative methods of treatment are not inherently any different from conventional ones.
Recently, Loverbrains and I decided to join our grandparents in being what the family has dubbed "vitamin cultists." It's a joke...we don't worship them...but we do believe that taking a large pile each day (and walking three miles,drinking a quart of water)has allowed them very healthy lives (80s)with almost no hospital/doctor visits. Loved the post!
Very interesting topic, e-Mom! I'm a firm believer in alternative treatments. If there is a way for me and my family to be healthy without taking medicine, I'm all for it!
“It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man." Psalm 118:8
You presented a very good and thought provoking blog post. I would much rather use the resources God made (plants, animals, sun, water, etc.) than anything that man has made. Yes, there are some good things that man has made, but I consider most that man has made to be tainted by sin.
When I do have to use medicine made by man, I still have my trust in the Lord, not in the medicine.
mychildsview.blogspot.com
This was VERY interesting, e-mom! I am more into a "natural" approach (I guess that is now considered alternative?? I never knew....) I do know that I do NOT like taking meds unless absolutely necessary...like I do take antibiotics if an ear infection, etc. and I praise God that antibiotics were given in large doses back when I had the lyme disease....however...I much prefer natural means for daily living...like fresh everything over vitamins....altho i do take omega 3's as getting fresh fish here in NYS is difficult most of the year...it was interesting to read the other comments, too! and yes...praying about major things like medicines, alternative therapies, etc. is important in a Christian's life....we need to have wisdom......
How you can turn a simple post into one that's chock-full of enlightening information is beyond me. This is so very helpful and interesting. Thanks for sharing!
Since I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2005, I have wavered between the two worlds of traditional and alternative, feeling like the rope in a tug of war. People I respect from both sides had valid points.
This year, as I faced my third bout, traditional doctors said they had nothing left for me. My naturalpath is taking up the slack. I have a young friend (kids 2 and 4) with lung tumors traditional doctors cannot treat. Alternative is also her only option.
Above all, we have committed our cancers to the Lord and are willing to suffer with joy as He allows, but we still pray for healing....and take herbs, drink green tea, talk about bile and intestinal bacteria and all kinds of things. :)
Yes, Chick Hatchers, I agree with all the love for Jesus my heart holds - I trust in HIM, not in traditional or naturalpath medicine. Even if He chooses to heal me with the rapture or with death, yet I will praise Him!
Very interesting topic! Although my preference is natural remedies, it concerns me where some of them began. My husband began suffering with chronic pain several years ago. One path told us to heavily medicate him - anti-inflamitory meds, pain meds etc. Another doctor chose eating for good health - to the extreme accompanied by massive vitamins (expensive too!). We choose to seek the Lord, find a balance and it is working great. No daily meds, lots of nutritious food with an occasional treat, exercise and rest when pain flairs up. Thanks again for enriching our minds and lives!
i totally agree with you. I think "green" and natural are great! Though I will take a tylnol or two if needed. Just don't ask me to chant while I'm taking it and i'm probably okay with it.. that being said i like to research first -- green or other "alternative" sometimes are just bunk.. lol.
hugs. Fun topic!
rcubes: Thanks for visiting today. I appreciate your kind words.
Becky: Thanks for openly sharing your health issues. I pray you find the right combination of spiritual, alternative, and medical treatments for you and your friend.
Alicia: I loved seeing an open viewpoint about this sometimes touchy issue. Surprising isn't it? I agree. We do need to be wise and prayerful about any treatment we choose, traditional or otherwise.
Rachel R.: Absolutely true: Another point to mention is that conventional, allopathic medicine has pagan roots, as well. In addition, modern surgery was developed to treat injuries on the battlefield. Thanks for visiting!
Bobbi: "...vitamin cultists." LOL. My son used to accuse me of a similar offense. I do take my daily supplements and I never get sick. So what's not to like? :~D
TamiB.: If there is a way for me and my family to be healthy without taking medicine, I'm all for it! I'm with you completely. :~D
Chick Hatchers: You sum it up well: I would much rather use the resources God made (plants, animals, sun, water, etc.) than anything that man has made. Thanks for commenting today.
Faith: I'm grateful for antibiotics too, when necessary. But did you know that garlic is a natural (and powerful) antibiotic? I take deodorized garlic capsules every day to keep the germs away... and for heart health. Sounds like you're well read on this topic!
Jo.attalife: Well, thank you for your kind comment. Blessings!
MommaMindy: I'm so sorry to learn of your cancer. Bless you for your healthy attitude in the midst of your battle. Above all, we have committed our cancers to the Lord and are willing to suffer with joy as He allows, but we still pray for healing....and take herbs, drink green tea, talk about bile and intestinal bacteria and all kinds of things.
Have you looked into the Gerson Therapy? Also, Dr. Jonathan Wright of the Tahoma Clinic (Tacoma, WA) might be able to help you. (Nutritional/vitamin therapy.)
Finally, please take a look at the link at the bottom of this post: "My Testimony of Healing From Cancer through Prayer." God is good. He loves us, and by His stripes, we are healed.
(((Hugs)))
Joyfull: What a blessing that you've been able to find health and wholeness for your husband through natural means.
Amydeanne: Yes, research is key! We need to be well-informed. LOL: Though I will take a tylnol or two if needed. Me too, although it's not often. :~D
Great post!! You have an especially important point about BOTH kinds of medicine having non-Christian roots.
I think sometimes people get so into thinking, "This world is fallen and sinful," that they start to think of it as meaning the whole earth and everything that comes from it. Then there's an even stranger distortion, thinking "natural" means bad and we humans are "above nature" so should use human-invented things because they must be superior... um, that is not very humble, and boils down to thinking that what we make is better than what God made!
I think it's best to choose the most natural option that works. As for alternative medicines that "adjust the flow of energy" like acupuncture, I just hear that as another way of saying, "It helps you to feel the Holy Spirit healing you." It's not some scary energy wielded by a heathen cult; it's the same energy that flows through us all and connects us to God, and other belief systems have different ways of talking about it.
I think we have to take responsibility for healing our bodies rather than just hand it over to the medical profession. Sometimes this means changing our lifestyle, sometimes it may mean seeking alternative healing. I think the most important thing is to make sure the practioner is fully trained and accredited.
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