Basic Questions on Alternative Medicine: What is Good and What is Not?
Overview
People sometimes turn to alternative therapies after a negative or unsatisfying experience with the modern health-care system. This booklet examines various therapies and treatments and evaluates each from a professional and biblical perspective. It serves as a map to help steer people through the maze of alternative medicine so they can make confident choices about health care.
Contents
- homeopathy
- biofeedback
- yoga
- acupuncture
- holistic medicine
- applied kinesiology
- chelation therapy
- meditation
- osteopathy
- chiropractic
Top Highlights
“Biblical meditation challenges people to reflect daily on God’s Word in a thoughtful and life-changing way. It expects them to conform to God’s purpose and guidance. Contrary to TM and other forms of meditation, Christian meditation is not emptying one’s mind or focusing on one’s inner self; rather, it is filling one’s mind with truth while focusing on the God of all truth.” (Page 57)
“The biblical view of responsibility for health is God-centered rather than self-centered. Our bodies are gifts (or better, loans) from God for which we are responsible to care—they have been purchased by the blood of Christ. They are not our own to do with as we please. Instead, by faith, we should pursue good health to glorify God, serve others (Rom. 14:7–8; 1 Cor. 6:19–20; 2 Cor. 5:15; Phil. 1:20–26), and participate in everything that God has given us to enjoy (1 Tim. 6:17). Only in this context will believers be able to experience the abundant life Christ has offered (John 10:10).” (Page 14)
“Many things contribute to good health: a proper diet, exercise, sleep, stress reduction, and good relationships with other people and God.” (Page 12)
“Instead, illness and poor health are generally the natural consequences of living in a fallen world” (Page 13)
“Christians should reject, on theological grounds, therapies based on life energy.” (Page 18)
Contributors
- Linda K. Bevington
- Paige C. Cunningham
- William R. Cutrer
- Timothy J. Demy
- John F. Kilner
- Donal P. O'Mathuna
- Gary P. Stewart
Praise for the Print Edition
...these extraordinary questions are tackled with due seriousness (they make everyone think) and yet also with accessibility (no one who thinks will be excluded). It is hard to imagine a more important set of questions or a more timely publication.
—Nigel M. de S. Cameron, Trinity International University
Product Details
- Title: Basic Questions on Alternative Medicine: What is Good and What is Not?
- Publisher: Kregel
- Publication Date: 1998
- Pages: 96
About the Contributors
Linda K. Bevington, M.A., is the Project Manager for the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity, Bannockburn, Illinois.
Paige C. Cunningham, J.D., has written numerous articles on abortion and the law; she is coauthor of the amicus brief that Justice O'Connor cited in her discussion of viability in Webster v. Reproductive Health Services.
William R. Cutrer, M.D., served for many years as an obstetrician/gynecologist specializing in the treatment of infertility. He is currently serving as the Dallas/Fort Worth Area Director for The Christian Medical and Dental Society.
Timothy J. Demy, Th.M., Th.D., is a military chaplain and coauthor and author of numerous books and articles. He is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society.
John F. Kilner, Ph.D., is Director of the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity, Bannockburn, Illinois. He is also Professor of Bioethics and Contemporary Culture at Trinity International University, Deerfield, Illinois.
Donal P. O'Mathuna, Ph.D., is Associate Professor or Medical Ethics and Chemistry at Mount Carmel College of Nursing, Columbus, Ohio.
Gary P. Stewart, Th.M., D.Min., is a military chaplain and coauthor of numerous books and articles. He is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society.
Sample Pages from the Print Edition
Reviews
1 rating
Glenn Crouch
6/17/2019
This short, reference-like book is not a bad way for a Christian to start his/her approach to Alternative Medicine and Therapies. The authors avoid the "all bad" approach, and I think they try to give a fair introduction to the various therapies that are on offer. I would point at that any analysis is brief, and I think the implementation of some of these therapies is probably more diverse that is credited. Also I would note that the book primarily seems aimed at the US market - and thus what is licensed / regulated / legal / covered / etc will differ as I know it does here in Australia. It is also 20+ years old, and things have no doubt changed in the industry as well... As noted, this is not a bad little reference book, or as a place to start to learn more about this area. I would've appreciated a more thorough "further reading" - especially one that covered each specific therapy.