The Biblical View on the Causes and Nature of Disease

1. Entity type Lemma
2. Original titleБиблейский взгляд на причины и сущность болезней
3. Language term Russian
4. lemma author Asliturk, Miriam
5. lemma category Scientific theories and disciplines > Medicine
6. Publication date 06-07-2018
7. lemma work Грилихес, Леонид [Author]. Библейский взгляд на причины и сущность болезней
8. lemma manifestations Церковь и Биоэтика: Церковно-общественный совет по биомедицинской этике при Московской Патриархии.
9. Keywords medicine - disease - Bible - Bible - interpretations
10. Url Click Here
11. Citations
    1. <p>Грилихес, Леонид (2007). Библейский взгляд на причины и сущность болезней. <em>Церковь и Биоэтика: Церковно-общественный совет по биомедицинской этике при Московской Патриархии</em>. Retrieved from: <a href="http://bioethics.orthodoxy.ru/biblioteka/khristianstvo-i-meditsina/236">http://bioethics.orthodoxy.ru/biblioteka/khristianstvo-i-meditsina/236</a> </p>
12. Lemma body

    1. The author states that two thirds of miracles mentioned in the Bible are cases of healing and most of them happen on a Saturday. The Bible views diseases as a consequence of the Fall of man. In Eden there were neither diseases nor suffering. The primordial sin made people live on Earth and made suffering an integral part of human existence. In Eden humans lived in harmony with God.

       In the Old Testament, people or nations get diseases as punishment for committed sins. This punishment is not revenge but a way to awaken the consciousness of the diseased to guide them toward the right direction that leads to God. The Bible does not forbid seeking medical help from doctors. It also shows respect toward the medical profession.

       The theme of diseases of virtuous persons has a special meaning in the Bible. Job overcomes suffering from diseases to see that his love toward God is real. Job loves God not only when he is happy but also when he is on the verge of dying. Isaiah realizes that disease represents payment for the sins of the world.

       In summary, disease in the Old Testament is: a manifestation of the imperfection of human existence; consequence of sin; appeal for repentance; testing of faith; or redemption. The New Testament sees disease and suffering as necessary steps for the improvement of the human soul. One should accept disease as the will of God with humility and patience. The New Testament specifically stresses compassion toward the diseased. One should see Christ’s suffering in the suffering of every patient. Miraculous healing, however, means that we are closer to a time, God’s order, where there will be no diseases.