Now the WT Society is Telling Witnesses- Don't Worry too Much About Health

by flipper 30 Replies latest jw friends

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  Tatiana

  Thanks, Mr. Flip....I want a scan of this one to post elsewhere.
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  flipper

  TATIANA- Maybe someone here can post the link to the artcicle if they have it for you. I just received a copy of the magazine in the mail from my friend a couple days ago
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  blondie

  Actually the WTS has addressed this issue periodically as it is a pervasive problem among jws, having the latest "quack" procedure and talking about it constantly at the meetings and out in field circus.

  *** w06 3/1 pp. 25-26 "Keep Your Senses Completely" ***

  Dealing With Health Problems

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  How distressing it is when we or a loved one faces serious health problems! (Isaiah 38:1-3) While we seek to find effective treatment, it is vital that we adhere to Scriptural principles. For example, Christians are careful to obey the Bible’s command to abstain from blood, and they avoid any diagnostic or therapeutic procedure that involves spiritism. (Acts 15:28, 29; Galatians 5:19-21) For those without medical training, however, evaluating treatment options can be perplexing and intimidating. What can help us to keep our senses completely?

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  "The shrewd one considers his steps" by doing research in the Bible and Christian publications. (Proverbs 14:15) In parts of the earth where doctors and hospitals are few, traditional medicine, which makes use of herbal remedies, may be the only treatment available. If we are considering such treatment, we can find helpful information in the April 15, 1987, issue of TheWatchtower, pages 26-9. It alerts us to potential dangers. For example, we may need to find out the following: Is the traditional healer known to practice spiritism? Is the treatment based on the belief that sickness and death are caused either by offended gods (or ancestral spirits) or by enemies who employ witchcraft? Are sacrifices, incantations, or other spiritistic rituals employed in the preparation or use of the medicine? (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) Such research will help us to heed the inspired counsel: "Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine." (1 Thessalonians 5:21) It will help us to keep our balance.

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  Reasonableness is needed in all areas of life, including the care of our physical health. (Philippians 4:5) Giving balanced attention to our health shows appreciation for the precious gift of life. When we face health problems, these rightly demand our attention. However, perfect health will not be attainable until God’s time arrives for "the curing of the nations." (Revelation 22:1, 2) We must guard against becoming so preoccupied with physical health that our more important spiritual needs get pushed aside.—Matthew 5:3; Philippians 1:10.

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  We also need to show balance and reasonableness when discussing health and medical matters with others. These topics should not dominate our conversations when we gather for spiritual fellowship at Christian meetings and assemblies. Furthermore, medical decisions often involve Bible principles, a person’s conscience, and his relationship with Jehovah. Therefore, it would be unloving to impose our views on a fellow believer or pressure him to ignore the dictates of his conscience. While mature ones in the congregation may be consulted for assistance, each Christian must "carry his own load" of responsibility for making decisions, and "each of us will render an account for himself to God."—Galatians 6:5; Romans 14:12, 22, 23.

  *** w94 12/15 pp. 19-22 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?

  Health—At

  WhatCost?

  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

  ForcesAreInvolved?

  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 AppliedKinesiology 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.

  [Footnotes]

  Many people still consult shamans, witch doctors, or similar healers. A shaman is "a priest who uses magic for the purpose of curing the sick, divining the hidden, and controlling events." A witch doctor, or shaman, might combine herbs with spiritistic practices (invoking mysterious forces). A careful, loyal Christian would shun such involvement in spiritism, even if it seemed to offer a cure.—2 Corinthians 2:11; Revelation 2:24; 21:8; 22:15.

  This is a general description, but the testing process may vary. For example, a subject may be asked to press his thumb and forefinger together, and the practitioner tries to pull them apart.

  She writes: "How do these seemingly miraculous events take place? . . . The process I use is called laying-onofhands,faithhealing or spiritualhealing. It is not at all a mysterious process, but very straightforward . . . Everyone has an energy field or aura that surrounds and interpenetrates the physical body. This energy field is intimately associated with health. . . . High Sense Perception is a type of ‘seeing’ in which you perceive a picture in your mind without the use of your normal vision. It is not imagination. It is sometimes referred to as clairvoyance."
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  justhuman

  Yeah, WT has SOLUTION for all of our problems. And the solution is the New World Order that soon to be come. So forget your health problems by preaching. This is the solution,either you suffer from depression, metal problems, pshycological, or physical problems.

  WT is becoming more and more an extreme cult that wants to control every aspect of the lifes of the pour JW's
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  Mary

  I posted a scan on another thread talking about the issue, but I'll re-post it here. I didn't do the first page as there was nothing earth-shattering on there:

  

  

  

  
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  sir82

  Yep, and here's the other thread with various comments:

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/6/166397/1.ashx
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  Honesty

  I wonder which Talking Head in the Writing Department dreamed up that load of BS.
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  LongHairGal

  This isn't really new. Some years back I remember them saying that we shouldn't get too wrapped up in health because we aren't going to achieve perfection in this system, etc. , etc. I think this was in response to all the trends of alternative medicine.

  At the time I wondered if it were wise advice they were giving because some people were desperate to try anything to relieve their misery. Anybody who suffers from a malady or has chronic pain knows they will do just about anything for relief. Was the religion worried about the possibility that some were becoming involved with things that bordered on spiritism? OR, were they more concerned that people would be spending their time and money chasing after cures instead of putting this money in the box.

  Now I suspect the real reason is the second one. They would rather have suffering suckers sitting in the seats contributing money to the religion. How callous of them.

  LHG
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  WTWizard

  I will continue recommending things that work, but with the caveat that one should use independent sources to verify it. What works for one person will not do diddly for the next, depending on what the underlying problem is. And, very often what will work is cutting out boasting sessions and field circus altogether and disregarding that Young People Ask--Answers That Do Not Work and Keep Yourselves In God's Tyranny books.

  As for that goji juice, I will not advertise it explicitly on this forum. However, it has certain benefits that you can look up on Google to find how effective the stuff actually is. If you are currently using it and it works or you like the taste enough to pay the price, they by all means continue using it. Either way, I would rather spend $40 or 50 on a bottle of Acai juice than wasting it on the Worldwide Pedophile Defense Fund. That fund has no value, and that can be proven. (How many people have ever gotten healthier, even a little, by donating to the Worldwide Pedophile Defense Fund?)
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  Mary

  Honesty asked: I wonder which Talking Head in the Writing Department dreamed up that load of BS.

  Why-----The Holy Spirit directed them of course! How can you even question something like that?? Tsk, tsk, tsk......