Comments You Will Not Hear at the 01-25-09 WT Study (November 15, 2008, pages 23-27)(HEALTH)Review comments will be in red
WT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxes
w = Watchtower
g = Awake
jv = Proclaimers book
Bible translations www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible
WT publications www.strictlygenteel.co.uk
WT child abuse www.silentlambs.org
Blood issue www.ajwrb.org
United Nations http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm
Also posted on
http://exjehovahswitnessforum.yuku.com
www.jehovahs-witness.com
(soon to be www.jehovahs-witness.net)
http://www.jwsupportforum.com/index.php
http://www.jehovahswitnessrecovery.com/
MAINTAIN A SCRIPTURAL VIEW OF HEALTH CARE
"You must love Jehovah your God...with your whole mind and with your whole strength."--MARK 12:30
OPENING COMMENTS
So why an ellipsis ... what was not important to leave in?
Quote
(Mark 12:30) and you must love Jehovah your God (with your whole heart and with your whole soul and) with your whole mind and with your whole strength.
So we don't need our heart and soul regarding health?
What are spiritistic health practices? In 1994 the WTS had a side article on this. Yet, no references to this or any other example in this article.
*** w94 12/15 p. 19 A Health Test for You? ***
The Watch Tower Society does not make recommendations or decisions for individuals on medical and diagnostic practices. If certain practices have aspects that are questionable in the light of Bible principles, however, attention may be called to these. Then each person can weigh what is involved and decide what to do. Dear Brothers: I would like your opinion. A [certain health practitioner] seems to have good success, but a method she uses makes me suspicious. . . . By examination she determines what is wrong. Then to find out what kind of medicine or how much of it to use, she puts a medicine bottle next to the skin near a gland or an organ. She tries to pull down the patient’s raised arm. The kind of medicine or the amount of it is determined by the force she needs to pull the arm down. The theory is that electrons, like a current, travel from the medicine through the metal cap of the bottle to a body part, strengthening it. Is this like water witching?
THIS letter from Oregon, U.S.A., concerns a practice that some use to determine nutritional needs, weigh emotional issues, assess memories, and resolve questions about daily life. However common the practice is, are the writer’s suspicions justified? (REST AT END OF COMMENTS)
No reference to the Radio Biola in the 1920's WTS magazines.
Quote
The Watchtower Society in The Golden Age magazine promoted numerous highly questionable medical cures and remedies. Some of these were more related to the occult arts than medical science. One of these endorsements was of the electronic theory of disease of Dr. Albert Abrams. Several machines and techniques were developed by Dr. Abrams and by his supporters after his death in 1924. Some of these were used by International Bible Students (JWs) on the recommendation of the Watchtower Society in The Golden Age. These devices supposedly diagnosed and cured diseases of all kinds. One of these machines, the Electronic Radio Biola, was invented by a Bible Student and advertised for sale in The Golden Age magazine.
http://www.seanet.com/~raines/biola.html
or other Quack cures
http://www.seanet.com/~raines/cures.html
http://www.seanet.com/~raines/quackery.html
http://www.ajwrb.org/science/quack.shtml
I know jws that still believe in the grape cure for cancer, that using aluminum cookware will give you cancer, and the microwave ovens poison your food.
Naturopathy spawned and promoted numerous quack cures and treatments in the 20th century , which was thus promoted by the Jehovah's Witnesses: The Biological Blood Wash; The Grape Cure; Iridiagnosis; Zone Therapy and more. This embracing of quackery was due to Naturopaths (and JWs) having the tendency to accept anything and everything opposed to orthodox medicine that was "natural". MDs used "unnatural" substances (vaccines, serums, drugs, etc.) to cure which went counter to Naturopathic philosophy of "natural cures". This was the reason for their (and thus JWs) futile crusades against such things as vaccinations and drugs. [9]
START OF ARTICLE
Q 1. What did God originally purpose for mankind?
JEHOVAH GOD'S original purpose for human creatures did not include sickness and death. Adam and Eve were placed in the garden of Eden, or "paradise of pleasure," "to cultivate it and to take care of it," not for a mere 70 or 80 years, but for eternity. (Gen. 2:8, 15, ftn.; Ps. 90:10) If that first human couple had remained faithful to Jehovah and had lovingly submitted to his sovereignty, they would never have experienced ill health, frailty, and death.
Paradise is never mentioned in the Bible in conjunction with "earth."
Notice Adam, a perfect man, has a beard in the WTS illustration.
Notice that Eve has long hair, which is considered the best hairdo for a woman.
No Negroid or Asian features though parents of all humans.
submitting to God's sovereignty = submitting to the WTS
Quote
*** w94 1/15 pp. 16-17 pars. 5-6 Shepherds and Sheep in a Theocracy ***
Today, that is no longer the case; there are no inspired prophets or apostles. Rather, Jesus said that during his royal presence, he would identify a faithful body of followers, a “faithful and discreet slave,” and would appoint it over all his belongings. (Matthew 24:45-47; Isaiah 43:10) In 1919 that slave was identified as the remnant of anointed Christians. Since then, as represented by the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, it has been the center of theocracy on earth. Around the world, the Governing Body is represented by Branch Committees, traveling overseers, and congregation elders. Cooperation with theocratic organization is a vital part of submitting to theocracy.
Q 2, 3. (a) How is old age depicted in the book of Ecclesiastes? (b) Who is responsible for Adamic death, and how will its effects be undone?
2. Ecclesiastes chapter 12 paints a vivid picture of "the calamitous days" that accompany old age in the case of imperfect humans. (Read Ecclesiastes 12: 1-7.) White hair is compared to the blossom of "the almond tree." Legs are likened to "men of vital energy" that now bend and totter. Ladies who go to a window in search of light and find only darkness are a fitting illustration of dimming eyesight. Since some teeth are missing, "the grinding women have quit working because they have become few."
3. Shaky legs, failing eyesight, and toothless gums are certainly not what God originally purposed for mankind. Moreover, death inherited from Adam is one of "the works of the Devil" that God's Son will undo by means of his Messianic Kingdom. The apostle John wrote: "For this purpose the Son of God was made manifest, namely, to break up the works of the Devil."-1 John 3:8.
Paragraph 2 Comments
White hair (no hair dyeing allowed?), teeth missing (no dentists allowed?), dimming eyesight (no opthamologists allowed?)
How many jws told in 1975, 34 years ago, that they would live into the new system? How many are now facing death, wondering about that promise and seeking health treatments so they can live until the end?
Quote
*** w85 2/1 p. 24 par. 21 Act Promptly Upon the “Sign”! ***
Therefore, under divine protection you have the priceless opportunity of surviving that “great tribulation” right on into the new system of things, in which righteousness is to dwell forever. Indeed, there is set before you the possibility of never dying but of living endlessly and blessedly in a paradise earth under the universal sovereignty of Jehovah God!
Quote
*** w83 7/1 p. 23 par. 21 The Live Men of Faith Who Will Never Die ***
Unquestionably, so late in this “time of the end” since the end of the Gentile Times in 1914, there are many live men and women of faith and integrity who will never die off the face of the earth, God’s footstool. What an unusual opportunity lies ahead of them! Because of never dying and being buried, they will need no resurrection of the dead during the thousand-year-long reign of Jesus Christ.
Quote
*** w66 2/15 p. 117 par. 7 Identifying the Present-Day Beneficiaries ***
Then, as World War I neared its climax, on Sunday, February 24, 1918, the then president of the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society delivered in Los Angeles, California, the talk “The World Has Ended—Millions Now Living May Never Die.” It held out a hope of never dying off the earth but of surviving the “great tribulation” that had begun on the earth, clear through the battle of Armageddon and into the new order of things under God’s heavenly kingdom by Christ
Quote
*** w64 10/1 p. 595 par. 16 God’s Word the True Guide for Man ***
There is a special urgency about being guided by God’s Word now, for the time in which we live will see the complete end of this old system of things. That means we can have the hope of surviving its end and of never dying at all! “The world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever.” (1 John 2:17)
Paragraph 3 Comments
How is Satan responsible for death if Adam and Eve had free will.
Whose kingdom is it God's or Jesus?
Reasonable Concern Is Natural
Q 4. Why are Jehovah's servants reasonably concerned about their health, but of what are they aware?
4. At the present time, some of Jehovah's servants find themselves faced with the problems of ill health and aging that are common to sinful mankind. Reasonable concern about our health under such circumstances is natural and even beneficial. Do we not want to serve Jehovah 'with our whole strength'? (Mark 12:30) While seeking to remain reasonably healthy, however, we should be realistic and recognize that there is very little that we can do to slow down the aging process or avoid all sickness.
Jehovah's servants--only jws, why not use the word "Christian"?
REASONABLE CONCERN
REASONABLY HEALTH
REALISTIC
!Very little we can do to SLOW DOWN
!Very little we can do to AVOID ALL SICKNESS
So we shouldn't try?
Q 5. What lesson can we draw from the way faithful servants of God have dealt with sickness?
5. Many faithful servants of Jehovah have had to contend with health problems. Epaphroditus was one of these. (Phil. 2:25-27) The apostle Paul's loyal companion Timothy had frequent bouts of stomach trouble for which Paul recommended the use of "a little wine." (1 Tim. 5:23) Paul himself had to deal with "a thorn in the flesh," perhaps an eye affliction or some other physical ailment for which there was no medical cure at that time. (2 Cor. 12:7; Gal. 4:15; 6:11) Regarding his "thorn in the flesh," Paul made fervent pleas to Jehovah. (Read 2 Corinthians 12:8-10.) God did not miraculously relieve Paul of the "thorn in the flesh." Instead, God strengthened him to endure it. Jehovah's power thus became manifest in Paul's weakness. Could this case contain a lesson for us?
faithful servants of Jah--only jws, why not use word "Christian"?
Finally mentions 3 NT examples
But no expectation of miraculous healing by Christians of other Christians
ENDURE (COPE) is the concept
Isn't God's power also manifest in healing especially in the first century?
Avoid Excessive Concern Over Health Care
Q 6, 7. Why should we avoid excessive concern over our health?
6. As you know, Jehovah's Witnesses accept medical help and various forms of treatment. Our journal Awake! often contains articles on health matters. And although we do not endorse any particular treatment, we appreciate the help and cooperation of health¬care professionals. Of course, we are aware that perfect health is not yet attainable. Therefore, we know that it is wise to avoid letting our health become an obsession or a constant concern. Our attitude should differ from that of those who have “no hope," who think that this life is all there is and who will resort to any therapy in an attempt to cure their ailments. (Eph. 2:2, 12) We are determined not to forfeit Jehovah's approval in an effort to save our present life, for we are con¬vinced that if we remain faithful to God, we will "get a firm hold on the real life," everlasting life in his promised new system of things. -1 Tim. 6:12, 19; 2 Pet. 3:13.
7. We avoid excessive concern over our health for another reason. Being inordinately concerned about our health could lead to our becoming self-centered. Paul warned against this danger when he urged the Philippians to be "keeping an eye, not in personal interest upon just [their] own matters, but also in personal interest upon those of the others." (Phil. 2:4) It is proper to take reasonable care of ourselves, but the keen interest we show in our brothers and in the people to whom we bring "this good news of the kingdom" will prevent us from being preoccupied with our physical well-being.-Matt. 24:14.
Paragraph 6 Comments
EXCESSIVE CONCERN
Do jws accept medical help? I have known jws that would not go to medical doctors, suspicious of their treatments but go to anyone who says they have some special herb or procedure who have never seen the inside of any medical school.
The Awake may have articles, but every one has a disclaimer and no real documentation of the source of their information.
What is perfect health? When does a person stop seeking medical treatment?
OBSESSION
CONSTANT CONCERN
RESORT TO ANY THERAPY
Have jws been taking blood transfusions secretly and the HLC have found out the trend but with doctors protecting
their patients?
CARROT--EVERLASTING LIFE IN PROMISED NEW SYSTEM
Paragraph 7 Comments
EXCESSIVE CONCERN
INORDINATELY CONCERNED
SELF-CENTERED
REASONABLE CARE
PREOCCUPIED
Do you get the idea that the WTS thinks that jw "concern" about health is unreasonable?
Q 8. What might undue concern over our health lead us to do?
8. The danger exists that a Christian might let health concerns push Kingdom interests into the background. Obsession with health care could also lead us to try to impose on others our personal opinions regarding the value of some diet, therapy, or food supplement. In this regard, consider the principle embodied in Paul's words: "Make sure of the more important things, so that you may be flawless and not be stumbling others up to the day of Christ."-Phil. 1:10.
A Christian--only jws
health concerns push OBSESSION
Impose on others personal opinions--the most likely to do this with me were elders' wives and regular pioneers, telling me that refusing to use their wild suggestions meant I did not want to serve God--iridiology was the biggest hoot.
What Is More Important?
Q 9. What is one of the more important things that we should not neglect, and why?
9. If we are making sure of the more important things, we will be having an active share in the work of spiritual healing. It is accomplished by preaching and teaching the Word of God. This joyful activity benefits us and those whom we teach. (Prov. 17:22; 1 Tim. 4: 15, 16) The Watchtower and Awake! magazines occasionally include articles regarding our spiritual brothers and sisters who have serious illnesses. These accounts sometimes explain how those individuals cope with their problems or even temporarily take their minds off them by seeking to help others come to know Jehovah and his wonderful promises.*
* A list of some such articles appears in the box on page 17 of The Watchtower of September 1, 2003. (available on request to Blondie)
ACTIVE SHARE--what is an inactive share?
JOYFUL ACTIVITY--So why did everyone race to get home at 11:30?
So if you have a serious illness, going door to door and spreading your germs is the cure?
to know Jehovah--where's Jesus?
Q 10. Why does our choice of therapies matter?
10. When faced with a health problem, each adult Christian must "carry his own load" of responsibility in choosing treatment. (Gal. 6:5) But we should remember that our choice of therapy matters to Jehovah. Just as respect for Bible principles moves us to "abstain ... from blood," so our deep regard for God's Word should impel us to avoid resorting to therapies that could harm us spiritually or affect our relationship with Jehovah. (Acts 15:20) Some diagnostic and therapeutic procedures border on the use of the uncanny. Jehovah disapproved of apostate Israelites who resorted to "uncanny power," or spiritistic practices. He declared: "Stop bringing in any more valueless grain offerings. Incense--it is something detestable to me. New moon and sabbath, the calling of a convention-I cannot put up with the use of uncanny power along with the solemn assembly." (Isa. 1:13) A period of illness surely is no time to do something that might hinder our prayers and jeopardize our relationship with God.-Lam. 3:44.
Christian--only jws
Respect choosing treatment--how can they choose if they WTS does not detail what is acceptable?
UNCANNY SPIRITISTIC---what therapies (see Opening Comments)
"Soundness of Mind" Essential
Q 11, 12. How does "soundness of mind" come into play when we are selecting health care?
11. When we are sick, we cannot expect Jehovah to heal us miraculously, but we can pray for wisdom in choosing treatment. We should seek to be guided in our choice by Scriptural principles and good sense. When the case is serious, it may be wise to consult more than one specialist if that is possible, in line with the thought expressed at Proverbs 15:22, which states: "There is a frustrating of plans where there is no confidential talk, but in the multitude of counselors there is accomplishment." The apostle Paul urged fellow believers to "live with soundness of mind and righteousness and godly devotion amid this present system of things." - Titus 2:12.
12. Many individuals find themselves in a situation similar to that of a sick woman in Jesus' day. At Mark 5:25,26, we read: "There was a woman subject to a flow of blood twelve years, and she had been put to many pains by many physicians and had spent all her resources and had not been benefited but, rather, had got worse." Jesus healed that woman and dealt with her compassionately. (Mark 5:27-34) In desperation, some Christians have been tempted to choose diagnostic or therapeutic methods that go against the principles of pure worship.
Paragraph 11 Comments
Cannot expect God to heal miraculously....but how many jws have told you that they were?
Paragraph 12 Comments
Mark 5:25,26--so had this woman chosen wrong medical treatments?
Q 13, 14. (a) How could Satan use our choice of health treatments to breach our integrity? (b) Why should we keep away from anything that even borders on the occult?
13. Satan will resort to any means to distract us from true worship. Just as he uses sexual immorality and materialism to cause some to stumble, he tries to breach the integrity of others by means of questionable treatments that amount to the use of occult powers and spiritism. We pray to Jehovah for deliverance from "the wicked one" and from "every sort of lawlessness." So we should not play into Satan's hands by exposing ourselves to anything that borders on spiritism and the occult.-Matt. 6:13; Titus 2:14.
14. Jehovah forbade the Israelites to practice divination and magic. (Deut. 18:10-12) Paul lists the "practice of spiritism" among "the works of the flesh." (Gal. 5:19, 20) Furthermore, "those practicing spiritism" will have no part in Jehovah's new system of things. (Rev. 21:
Paragraph 13 Comments
So is the wrong medical treatment the same as materialism and immorality? How is it possible when the WTS has not delineated what is wrong?
QUESTIONABLE TREATMENTS--OCCULT, SPIRITISM Which treatments?
Paragraph 14 Comments
What treatments are divination, magic, spiritistic?
""Let Your Reasonableness Become Known"
Q 15. 16. Why do we need wisdom in choosing health care, and what wise counsel did the first¬ century governing body give?
15. In view of the foregoing, if we have doubts about some diagnostic or therapeutic procedure, we would be wise to reject it. Of course, the mere fact that we personally are unable to explain how a health technique works does not in itself mean that it involves some form of spiritism. Keeping a Scriptural view of health care requires divine wisdom and calls for good judgment on our part. In Proverbs chapter 3, we find this admonition: "Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, and
he himself will make your paths straight .... Safeguard practical wisdom and thinking ability, and they will prove to be life to your soul." -Prov. 3:5, 6, 21, 22.
16. While endeavoring to stay as healthy as possible, then, we must be careful not to lose God's favor as we try to cope with sickness or the aging process. In health care, as in other matters, we should 'let our reasonableness become known to all men' by living in accord with Bible principles. (Phil. 4:5) In a vitally important letter, the first-century governing body instructed Christians to abstain from idolatry, blood, and fornication. That letter included the assurance: "If you carefully keep yourselves from these things, you will prosper." (Acts 15:28, 29)
Paragraph 15 Comments
Have doubts about treatment--reject--how possible if you have no idea which ones the WTS thinks are spiritistic?
Will they use the jw tried and true method and reject all medical treatment?
"of course" if the average jw does not know how the treatment works, doesn't mean it is spiritistic....working
both sides of the street WTS?
Paragraph 16 Comments
Divine wisdom--how? Does God reveal to individual directly through holy spirit?
REASONABLENESS
Idolatry, fornication the same as selecting the "wrong" treatment?
Reasonable Care With Perfect Health in View
Q 17. How have we benefited physically from our adherence to Bible principles?
17. Each of us does well to ask himself, 'Do I appreciate the extent to which I have personally prospered because of my strict observance of Bible principles regarding blood and fornication?' Think, too, of the benefits that have come to us as a result of our efforts to "cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit." (2 Cor. 7:1) By adhering to Bible standards regarding personal hygiene, we avoid many physical ailments. We prosper because of shunning the spiritually and physically defiling use of tobacco and illicit drugs. Consider also the
health benefits that result from moderation in eating and drinking. (Read Proverbs 23:20; Titus 2:2, 3.) Although such factors as rest and exercise may contribute to our general well-being, we have especially prospered physically and spiritually because we have accepted Scriptural guidance.
So if a jw gets sick have they ignored the Bible's health guidelines? Is it all a matter of personal hygiene, tobacco use, immoderately drinking/eating, not enough rest or exercise?
Do only jws prosper physically and spiritually?
Q 18. What should be our main concern, and to the fulfillment of what prophecy regarding health can we look forward?
18. Above all, we should take care of our spiritual health and strengthen our precious relationship with our heavenly Father, the Source of our "life now and that which is to come" in his promised new world. (1 Tim. 4:8; Ps. 36:9) In God's new world, full spiritual and physical healing will be brought about by means of forgiveness of sins on the basis of Jesus' ransom sacrifice. The Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, will guide us to "fountains of waters of life," and God will wipe out every tear from our eyes. (Rev. 7:14-17; 22:1, 2) Then, too, we will experience the fulfillment of this thrilling prophecy: "No resident will say: 'I am sick.' "-Isa. 33:24.
Relationship with Jesus?
CARROT--LIFE TO COME
Q 19. While taking reasonable care of our health, of what can we be assured?
19. We are convinced that our deliverance is near, and we eagerly await the day when Jehovah will reverse the process of human sickness and death. In the meantime, we are assured that our loving Father will help us to endure the burden of our aches and pains because 'he cares for us.' (1 Pet. 5:7) Let us, therefore, take care of our health but always in accord with the clear guidelines contained in God's inspired Word!
NEAR
ENDURE
CLEAR guidelines?
By Way of Review
Who is responsible for sickness and who will relieve us of the effects of sin?
Although it is normal for us to be concerned about our health, what should we avoid?
Why does our choice of therapy matter to Jehovah?
With regard to our health, how can we benefit from adhering to Bible principles?
CLOSING COMMENTS
The most important point I saw in this article was the lack of CLEAR guidelines. Does the average jw walk away knowing how to identify specific health treatments as spiritistic or are the apt to think that anything they don't understand is to be avoided.
How many jws reject all treatments that have anything to do with blood or seem to because their is no clear direction in the WTS literature? How many jws understand what they can accept, nothing is detailed. But that works in the WTS advantage. How many out of fear of disfellowshipping run to the elders or the Hospital Liaison Committee to be told what they can do?
Except for the article in 1994, I found no real specific descriptions of what is spiritistic. Yet I know jws that are lured into many unethical treatments by people who are not qualified; iridiology, kinesthiology, shark fin, various herbal and vitamin combinations with claims of cures. How little different this is in the WT older magazines that endorse such things as the grape cure and Radio Biola.
Remember though that jws are not the only customers of these questionable "cures." Carefully examine and consider your medical treatments even now.
Love, Blondie
(REST OF REFERENCE IN COMMENTS)
But what of the muscle testing described in the letter at the start of this article? This sort of “kinesiology”
has been used in an attempt to find out whether certain foods, herbs, or vitamins might help or harm a person. As
often practiced, the individual holds out his arm, and a practitioner presses down to test muscle strength. Next
the subject puts a nutrient or other substance in his mouth, on his abdomen, or in his hand. Then the arm muscles
are retested. It is claimed that if he needs that nutrient, his arm will test stronger; if it is bad for him, the
muscles will be weaker.
However, some muscle testing goes beyond this. Consider what is termed “surrogate testing.” This might be
practiced in the case of an old person or a baby too weak to be tested. While a surrogate touches the baby, the
practitioner tests the surrogate’s arm. This has even been applied to pets; the surrogate’s arm is tested while he
is resting a hand on the collie, German shepherd, or other sick pet.
Some healers claim to measure a person’s “forces” with such devices as metal spirals or pendulums. These
supposedly move as the healer’s “energy field” interacts with that of the patient. One practitioner and writer in
this field, who had once been a research scientist, sometimes diagnoses with the use of a pendulum. She also
asserts that she can visualize “the human energy field” or colored aura said to surround individuals. She claims
to use “internal vision” to look into a body to see tumors, blood cells, or microbes, and to view the past.
Likely, many who do such muscle testing (kinesiology) would say that their practice differs from what was just
described, that no spiritism is involved, or that they do no emotional testing. Nevertheless, is what they do
still based on a belief in forces within each human that can be tested or seen only by certain people claiming
special powers?
The Watch Tower Society does not make recommendations or decisions for individuals on medical and diagnostic
practices. If certain practices have aspects that are questionable in the light of Bible principles, however,
attention may be called to these. Then each person can weigh what is involved and decide what to do.
Dear Brothers: I would like your opinion. A [certain health practitioner] seems to have good success, but a method
she uses makes me suspicious. . . . By examination she determines what is wrong. Then to find out what kind of
medicine or how much of it to use, she puts a medicine bottle next to the skin near a gland or an organ. She tries
to pull down the patient’s raised arm. The kind of medicine or the amount of it is determined by the force she
needs to pull the arm down. The theory is that electrons, like a current, travel from the medicine through the
metal cap of the bottle to a body part, strengthening it. Is this like water witching?
THIS letter from Oregon, U.S.A., concerns a practice that some use to determine nutritional needs, weigh emotional
issues, assess memories, and resolve questions about daily life. However common the practice is, are the writer’s
suspicions justified?
Health—At What Cost?
Since ancient times, people have tried to understand why they get sick and how to get well. The Israelites had an
advantage because they knew that they were sinners, and they had laws from God that helped them to avoid
contracting or spreading many diseases. (Leviticus 5:2; 11:39, 40; 13:1-4; 15:4-12; Deuteronomy 23:12-14) Still,
God’s people also sought help from qualified physicians of their day.—Isaiah 1:6; 38:21; Mark 2:17; 5:25, 26; Luke
10:34; Colossians 4:14.
What a contrast to people in ancient Babylon and Egypt! Their “doctors” had some remedies based on natural
ingredients, yet many of their “treatments” would now be labeled quackery. An Egyptian hieroglyphic text tells of
a physician treating blindness with a vile potion of pigs’ eyes, antimony, red ocher, and honey. This concoction
was poured into a sick person’s ear! An ancient testimonial claims that this treatment was “really excellent.” Its
strangeness or mystery may even have enhanced its appeal.
Babylonians and Egyptians often invoked occult powers. A priest/physician might ask a patient to breathe into the
nostrils of a sheep, believing that some force, or energy, could flow from the patient into another creature and
produce an effect. The sheep was killed, and its liver supposedly could reveal the patient’s sickness or his
future.—Isaiah 47:1, 9-13; Ezekiel 21:21.
Of course, a God-fearing physician in ancient Israel would not have employed spiritistic practices. God wisely
commanded: “There should not be found in you . . . anyone who employs divination, a practicer of magic or anyone
who looks for omens or a sorcerer . . . For everybody doing these things is something detestable to Jehovah.”
(Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Leviticus 19:26; 20:27) The same applies to God’s Christian servants today. Caution is in
order.
In recent years many people have turned to “alternative” diagnostic techniques and treatments. This is basically
an area for personal decision. (Matthew 7:1; compare Romans 14:3, 4.) It would, of course, be sad if any Christian
became so preoccupied with controversial health issues that these overshadowed the ministry, which is the one sure
way to save lives. (1 Timothy 4:16) The Bible does not say that in the new world sickness will be cured and
perfect health achieved through medical approaches, herbs, diets, or holistic regimens. Actually, full healing
will be brought about only by means of forgiveness of sin on the basis of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice.—Isaiah 33:24;
Revelation 22:1, 2.
What Forces Are Involved?
What might a Christian want to consider in making his own decision about the practice of muscle testing mentioned
in the opening letter?
Certain modes of testing the strength or response of muscles are part of conventional medicine, and few would
question their validity. For example, poliomyelitis can weaken muscles, and therapy for this may involve what is
called kinesiology—“the study of muscles and muscular movement.” Such kinesiology is also used in rehabilitative
therapy for stroke victims. Most people would understand such treatment.
But what of the muscle testing described in the letter at the start of this article? This sort of “kinesiology”
has been used in an attempt to find out whether certain foods, herbs, or vitamins might help or harm a person. As
often practiced, the individual holds out his arm, and a practitioner presses down to test muscle strength. Next
the subject puts a nutrient or other substance in his mouth, on his abdomen, or in his hand. Then the arm muscles
are retested. It is claimed that if he needs that nutrient, his arm will test stronger; if it is bad for him, the
muscles will be weaker.
Some who have tried this believe it works and that the effect is based on forces within the body. They reason that
there are many things that modern science cannot explain but that occur or can be observed. Thus, they claim that
there might be lines of energy or interaction between forces and substances, even if physicians have not yet
discovered or accepted these.
On the other hand, the book Applied Kinesiology states: “Sometimes [books] teach that chemical substances, such as
nutrition, are evaluated by holding the substance in the hand and testing the muscle. There is no evidence that
suggests any reliability in this type of testing. . . . A philosophic attitude can be so strong that operator
prejudice interferes with obtaining accurate information in the testing process.” “An examiner who is experienced
in manual muscle testing can easily make a subject’s muscle appear weak or strong at his discretion by simply
changing the . . . test very slightly.”
Beware!
However, some muscle testing goes beyond this. Consider what is termed “surrogate testing.” This might be
practiced in the case of an old person or a baby too weak to be tested. While a surrogate touches the baby, the
practitioner tests the surrogate’s arm. This has even been applied to pets; the surrogate’s arm is tested while he
is resting a hand on the collie, German shepherd, or other sick pet.
It is not for us to judge such actions, but you might ask, ‘Are bodily forces behind these effects?’ Scientists
have proved the existence of cosmic rays, microwaves, and various types of electromagnetic radiation. Yet, do all
creatures, even infants and house pets, have within them forces that can flow out and produce a testable effect on
a second person? The Babylonians thought that forces could flow out to and affect a sheep. You might ask yourself,
‘Do I believe that something similar can happen with humans or animals today? Or might the effects have another
explanation?’
Some healers claim to measure a person’s “forces” with such devices as metal spirals or pendulums. These
supposedly move as the healer’s “energy field” interacts with that of the patient. One practitioner and writer in
this field, who had once been a research scientist, sometimes diagnoses with the use of a pendulum. She also
asserts that she can visualize “the human energy field” or colored aura said to surround individuals. She claims
to use “internal vision” to look into a body to see tumors, blood cells, or microbes, and to view the past.
As noted earlier, gauging forces by means of arm strength has been used to test emotions. A widely distributed
book said: “If you desire to throw [in] a slight emotional test at the same time, ask audibly ‘Do you have a
problem?’ and retest. This will occasionally weaken the arm if the nutrition is poor.” Some use such a test “to
identify the age at which specific physical, emotional or spiritual trauma” occurred. It is also employed to make
‘yes or no’ decisions on daily matters.
Likely, many who do such muscle testing (kinesiology) would say that their practice differs from what was just
described, that no spiritism is involved, or that they do no emotional testing. Nevertheless, is what they do
still based on a belief in forces within each human that can be tested or seen only by certain people claiming
special powers?
Christians do not take such issues lightly. God counseled Israel: “New moon and sabbath, the calling of a
convention—I cannot put up with the use of uncanny power along with the solemn assembly.” (Isaiah 1:13) When that
nation became apostate, they were ‘practicing divination and looking for omens.’ (2 Kings 17:17; 2 Chronicles
33:1-6) Evidently they sought information by special rites, and then they spoke “what is uncanny.”—Zechariah 10:2.
Some muscle testing may be innocent, performed with no harm to patient or practitioner. Clearly, though, some may
have uncanny or supernatural aspects, such as internal vision, mysterious auras, and the use of a pendulum.
Christians must not practice uncanny powers. They should not even experiment with such, for they are not curious
about the deep things of Satan. (Revelation 2:24) Rather, there is good reason to exercise caution about anything
that might seem related to the practice of spiritism, which God’s Word condemns.—Galatians 5:19-21.
What a practitioner does is his responsibility, and it is not our intent to review and pass judgment on each one’s
claims or procedures. Even if you feel that some of these practices do involve uncanny power, it is clear that
many who tried them did so in all innocence, with no thought of involvement in spiritism. It may have been just a
reflection of their desperate desire for good health. Still, some who have been involved in such practices have
decided later that any potential physical benefit was not worth the spiritual risk.
Again, each individual must resolve what to do regarding such personal matters. Yet, Christians should remember
God’s counsel: “Anyone inexperienced puts faith in every word, but the shrewd one considers his steps.” (Proverbs
14:15) That applies to health claims too.
Satan is eager to distract God’s servants from true worship. The Devil would rejoice if he could do so by getting
Christians fascinated with other interests. He would be even more delighted if they became fascinated with things
that are, or seem to be, uncanny practices that might draw them into spiritism.—1 Peter 5:8.
Though Christians are not under the Mosaic Law, Jehovah God’s attitude toward occult practices has not changed. As
noted earlier, God commanded the Israelites that “anyone who employs divination, a practicer of magic or anyone
who looks for omens or a sorcerer, or one who binds others with a spell” was not to be found among them.
“Everybody doing these things is something detestable to Jehovah . . . You should prove yourself faultless with
Jehovah.”—Deuteronomy 18:10-13.
How wise it is, then, for Christians today to keep on “the complete suit of armor from God . . . because we have a
wrestling . . . against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places”!—Ephesians 6:11, 12.
...OUTLAW