Why doing some research on the topic of why and how God introduced wellness and health care to His chosen people I came across the following book review of a classic book None of these Diseases by S.I McMillen and David. E. Stern. Elsie Y. Smith, Associate Professor of Biology, Union University, Jackson, TN.
I read the book decades ago but reordered it when I was writing my book, Breaking Free
The authors of None of these Diseases, S.I.
McMillen and David E. Stern, are Christian medical doctors who draw upon
experiences from their profession and faith to make the point that the Bible
is not only a guide for spiritual development but is also a guide for living
healthy physical and emotional lives. Exodus 15:26 serves as the underlying
theme discussed in the book. In that scripture God says, "If you will diligently
hearken to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his
eyes, and give heed to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put
none of the diseases upon you which I put upon the Egyptians; for I am the
Lord your healer."
As they describe scientific discoveries relative to
infectious diseases, the authors point out that God had Moses record
guidelines to protect people against microorganisms long before they were
known to cause disease. They identify specific scriptures that address hand
washing, quarantine, circumcision, proper treatment of dead bodies, and
proper disposal of human feces (Num. 19, Lev. 13:46, Gen. 17:12, Deu
23:12-13) , all of which are recognized today as measures significant in the
prevention and/or control of infectious diseases. Relative to circumcision
they call attention to God's instruction to circumcise on the eighth day
after birth, which can be confirmed medically as the ideal time for the
procedure to be performed in order to prevent uncontrolled bleeding and
excessive trauma.
The authors call specific attention to God's warnings
about the physical, mental and sociological effects of excessive use of
alcohol by addressing on pages 44-54 problems or diseases related to
alcoholism (Eph. 5:17-18, Prov. 23:19-21, 29-34). Reference is made to damage
of nerves and body organs, damage to newborns, and sexual disorders.
Attentions is also called to the number of highway deaths and broken homes
resulting from alcohol abuse.
God's plan for sexuality as set forth in I Thess. 4:3-5 is
contrasted with the practices of homosexuality , incest and adultery , which
lead to devastating consequences such as sexually transmitted diseases and
neurotic behavior. They explain how these violations of God's instructions
have not only affected those directly involved but have generated problems
for society as a whole.
One section of the book, devoted to the concept of
emotional wholeness, discusses the role of faith in coping with stress and
dealing with anger.(Ps. 23, Prov. 29:11) Numerous psychological disorders and
aberrant behaviors are identified as the results of the failure of Christians
to exercise faith. Attention is called to the fact that some medical schools
in the U.S. have recognized the power of prayer in healing and have
instructed doctors to emphasize the faith principle.
The final chapters address spiritual wholeness and discuss
the resources Christians have to cope with the loss of loved ones
(Phil.4:6-7), live victorious lives (Gal. 5:24, Rom. 6: 5-6), and die in
peace (Num. 23:10). The price of perfectionism and extreme ambition is
described on pages 239-243. It includes fatigue, frustration and anxiety, as
well as serious physical and emotional disorders.
Perhaps the major thrust of the book is to highlight the
fact that God gave instructions for protecting us spiritually, mentally and
physically long before we understood what elements we needed to defend
against. If we had heeded those instructions , our society would be better
and more advanced and Christians would indeed be more like Christ. Our daily
challenge is to live the lifestyle God commanded so that we can claim the
promise of "none of these diseases."
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