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**This post has been entered in Things I Love Thursday at The Diaper Diaries!**
The other day I was driving and listening to the radio and a commercial for a local church came on. The commercial featured a handful of different people talking about health struggles they’d had for years, how no doctor could heal them…and then they sat back and prayed and God miraculously healed them.
It didn’t quite sit right with me.
I believe that God can perform miracles. I believe He can heal the sick, if He chooses to do so. But it seemed to be promoting the idea that health is found first through doctors and modern medicine; failing that, faith in God and prayer for a miracle. There was no mention of the relationship that diet, lifestyle, or natural healing may have in creating health. In fact…most of the people we’ve run into seem to think that these things somehow go against God!
So is this really true? Is natural health and healing basically the same as witchcraft? And should we instead say “Thank God for creating doctors and modern medicine!” and turn to prayer if that happens to fail?
Roots of “Natural Living is Bad”
Honestly this isn’t a new idea. It’s been going on for over a thousand years. Back somewhere around the 1100s (my history may be a little fuzzy here), modern medicine began to take more of a stronghold in different communities. The church embraced science and medicine at that time (yes, really) and denounced all of the “natural healers.”
Up until that time, each town had one or two “healers” who used herbs and other “potions” to heal the sick. People would go to these healers — a craft which was passed down through apprenticeships and such — and seek cures for their ailments. Many of the cures are not unlike what we find in modern herbalism. Often, they worked. But there was little science available at that time (in any realm) and so no one could explain why they worked.
As medical science began to advance, and early doctors relied more on hypotheses and testing and formal education, these “healers” fell out of favor with the powers-that-be, including the church. They were ridiculed, and ultimately branded as “witches.” These healers were a major target of the Salem Witch Trials in this country quite awhile later.
That’s the divergence of “natural” health and the church, way back in the 1100s! Only science and reason could explain health — regardless of what information they did or didn’t have, which obviously wasn’t a whole lot at that time. Not much has changed since that time on a large scale; herbal medicines and natural healing are still relegated to the “witch” community and seen as fundamentally opposing the church.
But Why?
In some cases, natural medicine and herbal potions are used by witches. Although to what extent this is factual and what extent it’s stories and myths, I don’t know. I would possibly suspect that herbal potions being used by witches the way the stories say — to ‘curse’ people and so forth — is probably fairly recent (and not even that common now), and not what was largely going on a couple hundred years ago. I don’t know; I’m just speculating. (Unfortunately history is someone’s version of what happened and not always reliable and accurate. There are plenty of things that occurred in history that have been erased from textbooks, like what happened with industrial hemp and the eugenics period.)
It’s also possible that the church did not want people to seek healing outside of the church. By supporting early medical science — which at that time (1100s) could not do much — they could pull people into the church, promising that when medicine failed, God could perform miracles. This wasn’t possible if people sought natural healing that worked.
Herein does lie a problem, though, which remains true today: some people probably felt, and feel, that if they can “cure” themselves with natural healing (in whatever form) that they don’t need God. They’re in control of their own destiny. They denounce the church. It’s even easier to feel that way today, since so many in the church do not understand natural health and do look at as something that should not be a part of a Christian’s life. It’s also true that some of the natural healing methods (not the herbal methods used from hundreds of years ago, but Chinese medicine) do come from non-Christian societies and, according to some, lead away from Christ.
It can be true that people may find strength in healing themselves and turn away from God and worship instead themselves, the cures they’ve used, or the healers who helped them. And that is not okay for a Christian to do. God alone is worthy of worship. Natural healing should not replace God in our lives.
Can God and Natural Living Coincide?
In recent times, there’s been a move within the church where some people are returning to “natural living.” It’s still a very small movement and it is not well understood. I would venture to say there are those who do not understand it so much that they would criticize it as being “against God.” It does still seem radical to the mainstream church that natural living could be, on a large scale, part of a Godly life.
The rationale, however, is this: God created the world and everything in it. He created a perfect world, with everything that we need to be healthy. He gave us a perfect plan for our lives, a perfect way of living. He created food for us, and He created plants to be used as medicine. When we live our lives according to His principles, making wise use of the resources He provided us, we can achieve health and happiness.
Some think this is too simplistic; there is the argument that with Adam and Eve’s fall and expulsion from the Garden of Eden that the world was tainted and is no longer perfect. Thus, there is pain and suffering and we simply have to deal with it. We have to rely on anything we can learn and know to help ourselves. God gave doctors and researchers the ability to do science so that they can create methods and drugs that can heal us, but ultimately we do have to rely on God’s blessings and protection.
Okay.
The world’s not perfect because Satan’s been unleashed in it, but all evil and suffering is from him, not from God. God does not want us to suffer, so we don’t “just have to deal with it.” We can’t fully escape it, obviously, because there is evil in the world, but there are things that we can do. Committing ourselves to God and His plan helps. I also don’t believe that God somehow gave doctors ‘magical powers’ to heal and save the rest of us. He gave doctors intelligence and free will, and what they do with that is their business. Depending on what they’re doing, Satan could be involved in their motivations too! Just look at the greed of some pharmaceutical companies — that sure doesn’t come from God.
I also don’t believe that God intended for drugs to be created the way they typically are (which is to take an element from nature and purify, extract, or synthesize it to create a patentable drug…that’s “playing God,” not working in Him). Sure, He could have given us the ability to create a few drugs, like penicillin, which can save lives when needed. But would He intend for there to be so many drugs out there? For people to ‘require’ twelve different prescriptions just to function? Did He make us so imperfect and sickly that the majority of the population has to rely on modern medicine to stay alive?
I just don’t buy that.
I think a lot of people are playing God and trying to thwart the system. They’re doing it by relying on drugs, processed foods, and other man-made chemical concoctions. They’ve actually begun to worship science in a way! Science is the only way. Science will not fail us. They uphold this belief regardless and denounce those who are skeptical as “idiots” and worse. They’re blind to the failings of doctors — who are, after all, only human. Science can only go as far as the people who are participating in it. So if those people have biases or are not asking the right questions, they cannot learn anything useful. Not all science is ‘good.’
But much like a thousand years ago, people are basically brain-washed to accept the mainstream line that science and the church coincide and that smart Christians ought to seek medical care where necessary — along with plenty of prayer. Natural healing is still outside the church and relegated to the ‘witches’ and strange powers-that-be.
I believe it remains true, though: those who try to thwart God’s system will suffer. Those who seek to live in God’s image and using His resources will thrive.
Final Thoughts
It is incredibly important to realize that God blessed us with this earth and everything on it. When we choose to eat natural foods or choose natural medicine, we are making use of God’s creation and God’s blessing. We are not smarter or better than He is; we cannot abandon Him. We are living well because we are following God’s plan. God can decide to allow us to fail if our hearts are hard, or He can bless us richly if our hearts are open.
God also expects us to make use of His resources. This is true in any area. God does not expect us to just sit around and wait for blessings; He expects us to live, to work, to save, to bless others — and then He will bless us. We are not helpless. When sick, we should not simply sit back and say, “Okay, God, I’m just going to trust you will heal me” and do nothing! We should say, “God, show me how I can heal using what you have created,” and then look for methods and remedies that may benefit us.
Think about it like this old joke: “A man is sitting on his roof in a flood. A boat rows up to him and the man in the boat says, ‘Get in, I’ll save you.’ The man replies, ‘No, my God will save me!’ So the boat rows away. Then, a plane flies overhead and drops a ladder and the pilot says, ‘Climb up, I’ll save you!’ The man replies, ‘No, my God will save me!’ After awhile, the man dies. When he gets to heaven, he meets God and says, ‘Why didn’t you save me?’ God replies, ‘Didn’t you see that boat and that plane I sent?’”
God will always help us but He expects us to recognize His work — usually subtle, not miraculous — and use His resources to help ourselves!
For this reason, no, natural living is not against God. In fact, as long as one’s heart remains open and one remains thankful for God’s creation and blessing, natural living is entirely from God!
What do you think? How does natural living fit into a Godly lifestyle?
This is good. I know someone with MS, she lives on fast and processed foods. I know without a doubt that God touched her and healed her two years ago. A few months later her symptoms returned. I don't understand why and I don't want to judge, but her diet remained the same and I wonder if that has a lot to do with it. I believe we have to be responsible for our bodies and the choices we make. Would it be like going into massive debt, asking God to help us, He blesses us with a way out and we return to our old spending habits?
I really appreciate this post. My father-in-law has been in the alternative health field for over forty years now. When he first got started Christians were very skeptical because herbs and healthy eating, organic gardening, homesteading, etc. were closely related to hippies and the New Age movement. Over the years, walls have definitely begun to come down, but we still have a long way to go. God did make our bodies with amazing capacity to heal themselves if given the proper nutrients. This is to God's glory. Just as "rain falls on the just and the unjust alike," so too His healing principles work for the Christian and non-Christian. It comes down to the principle of stewardship. God has given us the ability to steward our bodies and we ought to do so – not for our own sake but that we can be more effective for Him.
This article is right on, in my opinion. My 3-year old son was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder in January, and we believe that God has healed him, but healing, unlike miracles, is a process that takes time. I also believe that God planted a seed in my mind last year about blessing my family with a real/whole/traditional food lifestyle to start preparing me for the challenges of autism. We are starting small, with cod liver oil, raw milk and homemade yogurt, fermented vegetables, and a backyard garden, but there are already improvements in my son's eye contact and social interaction. Anyway, thanks for the article… I have been so encouraged by the many Christians out there writing real food blogs!
Thank you for this post. I hope that everyone can realize just how wonderful and important natural living can be in our lives.
Sometimes I think the worse thing to happen to Christianity has been The Church and it's politics! Seems so obvious to me that living with the earth and how God made it is a better way to get closer to Him than numbing ourselves with man made poisons be they pharmaceuticals or junk processed foods. Thank you for writing this!
I don't believe in God, but I do agree that everything we need to stay in good health is right here in nature. I believe our bodies are designed to be in good health, to be pain free and full of energy under the right circumstances.
I think too many people live a sedentary lifestyle, eat what they like, use toxic products and then use religion or modern medicine as a 'get out jail free card' when their lazy/misinformed ways haven't worked.
Regardless of your faith, people should take more ownership of their health. As a wife and mother, I take the health of my husband and children very seriously.
If I was a Christian, I would be under the assumption God would want us to cherish these miraculous vessels we call our bodies in the most natural way possible.
It is interesting how many people think natural living is against God. It is also strange to hear many people's rationale for why they think natural remedies are not appropriate for a Christian to use. I know in my experience, there are many practitioners who are not believers and they can introduce some very sketchy influences into the life of a believer because of their spiritual beliefs but overall, I think the remedies themselves are not good or evil. I think for example of the biblical description of the promised land as "a land flowing with milk and honey." Milk and Honey are valuable foods for healing the sick and sustaining people who have been through hardship. There are many other points in scripture that address remedies for various ailments. It would be interesting to compile those and see if they work.
On another note, as a historian, it is fascinating to me how people within the church adopt elements from the outside culture and call that part of Christianity. Science is just one example. Science is not inherently good or evil, it is a tool, given by God for the benefit of his people. It can be used for both good and evil depending on the person using it. In my opinion, discernment is also a gift that believers need to use to evaluate if they are placing any tool, whether natural living or science (modern medicine above God in their lives. Thanks for the post! It really got me thinking.
I know many Christians that think "environmentally friendly" is ridiculous. I find that so hard to understand considering God asks us to be good stewards of all we've been given – including our bodies and the earth. Environmentally friendly is a responsibility of all Christians.
I've been working as a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician for almost 12 years, and of all the things I've seen and heard in that field, the one that bothers me the most is the firmly entrenched belief in many Hispanic communities that since God gives life and takes away life, using a car seat is unnecessary. In other words, if God wants to save the child's life, He'll do so – no car seat needed.
Then about six years into helping people with car seats we began changing our diet to eating Real Food, and I ran into what was essentially the exact same argument, but this time about food, and instead of from deeply religious immigrant populations, it was from close friends, family members, and leaders in our own church. These same people were quoting "your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit" when their kids wanted to get multiple piercings or a tattoo, but wouldn't, or couldn't, apply that same belief to the "foods" they were putting into their bodies.
My grandma used to say, "God helps those who help themselves." I wouldn't go so far as to say that God ONLY helps those who help themselves, I'd like to think that He appreciates the effort we put into treating our bodies with respect and care.
I am a strong Christian, I believe God calls us to take care of our bodies. To eat right…which makes us responsible for KNOWING what we're eating and putting into our bodies. God made herbs. For our benefit I'm sure. Living natural to me is living with God. (did I say that right? LOL)
To blindly eat whatever and get vaccinately for whatever…is not using the mind God gave me!
I agree wholeheartedly with you, Kate! I have no doubt that most (if not all) problems with our health can be prevented naturally, and quite a few can even be treated naturally! That's not to say that if I were to be found to have a huge cancerous tumor that I wouldn't allow the doctors to treat it, or even that if I were to have surgery I wouldn't take antibiotics (and then take probiotics immediately after to re-populate my gut flora). You know the saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? I absolutely believe that you can allow your health to deteriorate to the point that natural cures wouldn't work anymore and you'd have to use doctors. But that isn't to say that you should just let the small stuff get that big. Treat it while it's small! Use the amazing things that God's provided us with and make yourself better now!
I freaking love that you post things like this!
I'm so with you–knowing what I know now, it breaks my heart to see the Church rejecting what God has given us.
This topic of natural food and The Church has been on my heart for many years.
I used to go to the prayer lines to be healed of allergies. Yet, every August they'd come back. I didn't understand why God "didn't" heal me. It was only after lifestyle and diet change that I was actually healed. I know from experience that God doesn't always want to miraculously heal us, but He wants us to participate in that healing. And it may not be immediate, but it may happen over time.
It makes me insane when I see people going to the altar for prayer for healing when I KNOW a diet change would "cure" them. I have a friend with MS, one with diabetes, and know others with other diseases that could at the very least, have minimized symptoms by change in diet.
I think we need to take responsibility for our own health, relying on God to help us eat the way He designed us to feed our bodies.
My dad was one of those on 12 different medications. By changing to a vegetarian lifestyle he was able to get off all of them. Drugs are not a rite of passage for senior citizens! Dad is proof!
Certainly modern science and medicine has a place, but it's WAY over used!
But also in regard to science, why are we not looking at scientific proof that eating certain foods WILL cure and heal and give more energy, etc? Dr. Mark Hyman only looks at science to recommend lifestyle. Why won't the Church hear that? (Although…Saddleback did. Awesome!)
We are kindred spirits! Every time I learn something new about healthy lifestyle and eating it almost always comes to me in some strange way that could be no one other than God inspiring the revealing. I agree that men may have been given brains by God but are still liable to be deceived by the Devil, who must be on contract with Big Pharma. Great Job on sharing all you’ve learned. Hope to learn lots from you and hopefully you something from me!
Great article! I very much agree that God intended us to use His creation to treat our various ailments. It’s exciting to me to learn how creative God was/is and how in the world (ha, no pun intended) He thought of all He did and created it in just 7 days!
NO! In my opinion… Natural healing proves the exisitance of God. He created us to be fruitful of what the earth has to offer. Modern medicine does have its place, but I truly believe that if we are using the resources God has given us, in their purest forms, modern medicine would probably be mostly irrelivent.
My 2 cents.
Oh man, I recently wrote a post about my thoughts on this God vs. natural but I think I’m just going to have to take it down because whoa, you said everything I tried to say so eloquently! Thanks for another awesome post!
When processed foods and prescription medications put people in a spiraling cycle of addiction, we are turning from God. Natural living is putting our trust in God and the simple things he gives us.
Thank you! This helps give me peace about decisions I’m making for my family.
I completely think that natural living, eating foods that lived properly (cows on pasture, for instance), herbs for healing, all of this is appropriate and right for a Christian. In fact, I think it brings glory to God when we receive these gifts from him, using them for His good work! However, as much as I am in support of this, I admit there are lines across which I begin to feel uncomfortable. Yoga, acupuncture, crystals, chakras, ‘energy work’ – At least some of these include a spiritual element… I knew of a Christian gal who was going to someone for some kind of treatment (it was not acupuncture, but some other eastern thing), and she was SO concerned that it not be spiritual in nature. The practitioner (NOT a Christian) always assured her that no, not at all, we’re just working along natural processes… Finally (and I can’t say if he was just tired of her questions, or told her the truth), he exclaimed, “Of COURSE it’s spiritual! You Christians are SO gullible…” I admit I do NOT know a lot about this kind of thing, and I have no idea what would and wouldn’t constitute crossing that line, but I think Christians would be wise to consider that there IS a line. But I don’t think eating organic foods, seeking natural remedies is a problem.
Hi Ellajac, I agree and think the line is going to be different for every person. We should always prayerfully consider our choices. But anything in which we can find the glory of God and praise Him for providing, is okay, I think.