Why do many JWs neglect their health conditions? (page 3)

WTWizard

Most of them do not have health insurance because they donate the money into the Worldwide Pedophile Defense Fund and have crap jobs. And they cannot afford health care.

However, the major reason is that it gets in the way. Why waste time taking care of a medical problem, whether with allopathic or natural cures, when the time is "better spent out in field circus"? They feel that there is no need to take the day away from field circus to go see the doctor or therapist, plus go and fill a prescription or get some herbs and other natural remedies (which may work as well). And they feel their conditions will be removed in the very near future.

Not only that, but the witless lifestyle (no sleep, poor diets in general, high stress) is apt to cause health problems to happen in the first place.

S3RAPH1M

The last congregation I was in had more than a handful of obese people.

free2think

you are my age -- unless the standard is completely different in the UK, i can only say you are lying :shrug:

And i have had serious health problems since i was born. Just because we are the same age doesn't mean what i am saying isn't the truth Solace.

Edit: And you didn't get my point which was not that I neglected my health, but that I was agreeing with other posters, that there is encouragement to wait on jehober and the new system and do more in the org.

blondie

Up until 1975 some jws neglected their health thinking the end was close. I agree now that many jws are overly concerned about their health pursuing many unproven health procedures and spending a lot of money. I can remember a iffy cancer clinic in Mexico and a sister in Colorado that waved her hands over the "patient's" body determining their electrical aura.

*** w94 12/15 p. 20 A Health Test for You? ***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.

*** g 1/07 p. 11 When Sickness Is No More! ***

A Balanced View of Health

The Bible promotes respect for life. Jehovah’s Witnesses display such respect by striving to take care of their health. They avoid harmful practices, such as drug abuse and the use of tobacco. God expects his worshippers to be moderate in their drinking and eating habits. (Proverbs 23:20; Titus 2:2, 3) Such practical steps along with sufficient rest and exercise can delay or prevent many physical maladies. Those suffering illness may need the help of trustworthy health specialists.

The Bible promotes reasonableness and "soundness of mind." (Titus 2:12; Philippians 4:5) Many today lack balance and become obsessed in their search for cures, even at the expense of their spirituality. Some resort to questionable therapies that can cause harm. Others waste money and time on treatments and remedies that are ineffective or even harmful.

hot mama

I think that one reason is because they still say the end is so close that before a health condtion gets beyond repair the "NEW SYSTEM" will be here so why bother.I think that that line of thought has prevented JW'S from doing many things they deep down want to do and that's a crime in itself. I know it happened to me but I'm making gradual changes to right that wrong.

Amber Rose

A lot of JW's are highly skeptical of Dr.'s. I frequently heard remarks such as, Dr's don't know anything, they just want your money. And they are part of "Satan's system" and they have a "worldly education" as opposed to being educated by Jehovah.

Layla33

I think that part of the problem, and I am only speaking of the US, is that many JWs take menial jobs and low paying jobs that do not offer health benefits. Last time I checked, there were over 30 million Americans of every class that don't have health insurance coverage, so it stands to reason that this has a correlation.

Also I have known many JWs that were into the holistic approach, which in some causes was not the only answer. I am very holistic, but not to the point of neglecting issues or getting regular check ups and following doctor's advice. I knew a woman who was diagnosed with breast cancer, but the elders were all in some vitamin regiment deal where they were trying to get everyone to buy in on it. The PO was supposedly one of the annointed and he was very big in hawking these vitamins and amino acids to people. Well this lady refused to do chemo and radiation and just took all these vitamins - she was dead within seven months of her diagnonsis.

razorMind

A lot of JW's are highly skeptical of Dr.'s. I frequently heard remarks such as, Dr's don't know anything, they just want your money. And they are part of "Satan's system" and they have a "worldly education" as opposed to being educated by Jehovah.

Now this is the sentiment amongst most of the JW's I know and grew up with. I also see the ones who have the above-quoted sentiment, but have just about every single herbal book made by mankind. And just about every single herbal remedy, too. Most of the "herbal" JW's I know like this, are still EXTREMELY unhealthy--they can quote word for word almost every single new study about how this or that herb is good for XYZ, but never make a single change healthwise, never see any sort of medical OR herbal health provider---other than purchasing yet another book about it or buying the herbal product. Yeah, non-JW's do this too, but it's amazing how many JW's I know do this. My sister and I went to a DC the summer before last. Previously, we hadn't been in over 10 years. We were both standing in awe at the walking refrigerators clogging the hallways. The sisters, particularly. All massively obese, exhausted, tired and slow. It was actually quite eerie.

razorMind

My mom (still a JW) is always quoting some new study on the powers of some natural food or product. She's always collecting 'healthy' recipes from all different sources. She meticulously marks certain ones and checks off lists. She has been doing this for years, but I have yet to see her actually buy ingredients for, or actually prepare, any of the hundreds of healthy recipes she collects.

To my knowledge, she has not had a 'female' exam in almost 30 years. She will, occasionally, visit a doctor for her eyes or teeth. She has an 'average' daily diet and is still at a very trim, healthy weight. In spite of it all, compared with most female JWs her age I've seen, she's actually healthy.

Scarred for life

most can't afford healthcare.....jobs are usually contract.
Private insurance runs around $800-900 for a family who at best makes $1400
Several are patients of the state's mental health program....for anti-depressants and anti-anxiety.
Our local hospital has just started a underpriviled woman's program....most of the sisters have enrolled.
Most of their children are on Medicaid or CHIPS.
A college education would have prevented much of this situation.

All of this would definitely apply to my aunts, uncle and numerous cousins that are JWs.

Why do many JWs neglect their health conditions?

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