Doctors, Faith & Medicine

What the Bible says about Doctors & Medicine?
by Dale Brown

It is the conviction of many religious people that to use medicine or to rely on medical science one is failing in their faith toward God. As a result some endure much undue suffering, and at times die from ailments that might otherwise be cured through the most basic of treatments.
The awesome nature of the living being has been observed and studied since the beginning of creation. The psalmist wrote, "I will give thanks to Thee, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Thy works and my soul knows it very well" (Psm. 139:14). Physicians will acknowledge that regardless of their treatments the human body is quite resilient and will heal itself of most ailments whether treated or not. But when one experiences trauma do to a severe accident or when the immune system is compromised in some way a patient will more than likely die without medical or divine intervention. A broken limb might very well heal on it’s own but a little help from the X-ray machine will help the doctor to set the bone in the proper position.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses often carry a "no blood" card, a legal document declaring refusal to accept a blood transfusion. Christian Scientists often avoid medical treatment because of their belief in "mind over matter". Similar ideas are endorsed by well meaning but naive Christians who in effort to please God refrain from pain medication, vaccinations, and often even vitamins. Children are often the innocent victims of their parents convictions.

The chemistry of the human body is one which is in a constant and delicate balance. If the essential minerals and vitamins necessary for life are not received through normal food intake the body begins to break down. On the other hand, if there is an overload or unbalanced intake of these items the body’s internal organs go to work in effort to balance out the chemistry.
The social habits of both the religious and non-religious often set into motion events that sooner or later will manifest in some form of ailment. Long term smoking is understood by most to cause respiratory problems and those who rally around the social drink or the cookie-jar are likely to end up with diabetes. God causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. It is the simple law of reaping and sowing at work. Our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and if we don’t take care of it we can only blame ourselves.


EVERY HERB OF THE FIELD IS FOR MAN
When God created man He blessed him and told him to rule and subdue every living thing on the earth (Gen. 1:26-28). In the very first chapter of Genesis God tells us that He created every herb of the field for man (Gen. 1:29&30). Some of these plants contain medicinal qualities. From the opium poppy comes a number of pain-killers including codeine and morphine. The prophet Ezekiel wrote of trees whose leaves are for healing, or medicine in the KJV (Eze. 47:12). From the bark of the willow tree came aspirin, an analgesic. From the plant foxglove came the heart drug digitalis. From the poisonous plant nightshade (belladonna) came atropine. Though not an herb, ordinary bread mold contains the antibiotic formula, penicillin, which helps the body to fight infection. Even wine has been observed to have some degree of medicinal qualities if not abused. Paul wrote to Timothy to "use a little wine for the stomach and your frequent ailments"(1 Tim. 5:23). Proverbs 31:6 says to give strong drink to him who is perishing, which seems to suggest a rather crude yet effective means of taking ones mind off the inevitable.
　
SO WHERE IS FAITH?

And in the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa became diseased in his feet. His disease was severe, yet even in his disease he did not seek the Lord, but the physicians (2 Chr. 16:12). This passage is often cited as an indictment against physicians, but it is actually an indictment against Asa for not seeking God. He went to seek foreign gods (2 Kgs. 1:2&16) but never turned to the God of Israel.

Luke, the author of the Book of Acts and one gospel, was a physician and companion of Paul. When all is said and done, whether God uses a physician or not, ultimately it is He who should get the glory. If God does not give the ability to the doctor to diagnose the problem there is nothing he can do anyway. We should be prayerful about which doctor we go to because we might need a specialist. The story of a woman healed by Jesus who had spent all her money on doctor bills yet was not healed of a blood hemorrhage which plagued her for twelve years illustrates the point (Mk. 5:25).

"It is good for me that I was afflicted, That I may learn Thy statutes" Psm. 119:71
Affliction can have a positive result in that when we are weak we are more apt to do a bit of soul searching.

The scripture is clear that we should first of all examine ourselves (1 Cor. 11:28-32) and in an act of submission to each other confess our sins to one another and pray for one another that we would be healed (James 5:14-16). James even suggests anointing with oil as did the disciples in Mark 6:13. The oil in this case is not meant to be a medicinal application but rather a symbol of the Holy Spirit whom we are placing our faith in for the healing.

When King Hezekiah became ill, Isaiah the prophet instructed him to place a cake of figs on the boil and he would recover (2 Kgs. 20:7). Surely God could have healed him without the figs.
Faith healing is not positive thinking, though a good attitude is a healthy thing. As the psalmist wrote, a joyful heart is good medicine. God however, is able to heal us whether we think right or not. Healing resulting from a "mind over matter" technique is "us" doing the healing and not God. Doctors often get the same results with a sugar pill or placebo.

"And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us"(1 Jn. 5:14). It is God’s will that we often miss.

Sometime after Christ left this earthly plain Peter healed a lame man whom Jesus must have walked by a number of times, for the man had been left at the temple gate by his parents everyday to beg for alms (Acts 3:2-8). Why did Jesus not heal him? God’s will? The timing was not right. In this case God chose to glorify Himself through the church, thus validating the message being preached by Peter and John.

Should one end up going to the doctor he should not feel condemned, for the Bible tells us, "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Rom. 8:1)
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, ‘For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long; we were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.’ But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."(Rom. 8:35-39)

There is one disease that no man can cure; that is our last one. But on the other hand, going to be with Christ might be considered to be the ultimate healing. Paul wrote, "To live is Christ, and to die is gain". (Phil. 1:21)

If one checks out all the references in the Bible concerning pastors, there are some very serious considerations to contemplate.
One of the things I've noticed in our New Testament teachings concerning the gifts of the Spirit and the order Jesus established in the Body of Christ relating to authority in the church settings, is that the pastor had an important responsibility as overseer of the flock of the LORD. Not one that rules the flock with a rod of iron. Also, I can't find a reference in the Word that the pastor was also supposed to be the main teacher or preacher in the assembly, ie; the boss. "First Apostles, prophets, teachers, and the responsiblity of the pastor was lower on the list than the others".
In doing a word study on "pastors" on Bible Gateway, this is what I found. As you can see, the LORD gives pastors a stern warning. This is not something to take lightly as we can see.

Jeremiah 23
1Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.

2Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD.

3And I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase.

4And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.

5Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

6In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

7Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that they shall no more say, The LORD liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;

8But, The LORD liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.

9Mine heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake; I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine hath overcome, because of the LORD, and because of the words of his holiness.

10For the land is full of adulterers; for because of swearing the land mourneth; the pleasant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil, and their force is not right.

11For both prophet and priest are profane; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the LORD.

12Wherefore their way shall be unto them as slippery ways in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein: for I will bring evil upon them, even the year of their visitation, saith the LORD.

13And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.

14I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness; they are all of them unto me as Sodom, and the inhabitants thereof as Gomorrah.

15Therefore thus saith the LORD of hosts concerning the prophets; Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall: for from the prophets of Jerusalem is profaneness gone forth into all the land.

16Thus saith the LORD of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD.

17They say still unto them that despise me, The LORD hath said, Ye shall have peace; and they say unto every one that walketh after the imagination of his own heart, No evil shall come upon you.

18For who hath stood in the counsel of the LORD, and hath perceived and heard his word? who hath marked his word, and heard it?

19Behold, a whirlwind of the LORD is gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirlwind: it shall fall grievously upon the head of the wicked.

20The anger of the LORD shall not return, until he have executed, and till he have performed the thoughts of his heart: in the latter days ye shall consider it perfectly.

21I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.

22But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.

23Am I a God at hand, saith the LORD, and not a God afar off?

24Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.

25I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.

26How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart;

27Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal.

28The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the LORD.

29Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?

30Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour.

31Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that use their tongues, and say, He saith.

32Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the LORD, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the LORD.

33And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What is the burden of the LORD? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the LORD.

34And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the LORD, I will even punish that man and his house.

35Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What hath the LORD answered? and, What hath the LORD spoken?

36And the burden of the LORD shall ye mention no more: for every man's word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the LORD of hosts our God.

37Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the LORD answered thee? and, What hath the LORD spoken?

38But since ye say, The burden of the LORD; therefore thus saith the LORD; Because ye say this word, The burden of the LORD, and I have sent unto you, saying, Ye shall not say, The burden of the LORD;

39Therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of my presence:

40And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten. Jeremiah 23

What About Testimonies of People in Cults? CARM

We cannot deny that people in different and contradictory religious systems have equally strong testimonies of the truth of their beliefs. Mormons, for example, frequently appeal to a "burning in the bosom" as a way of knowing that Mormonism is true. Likewise, Jehovah's Witnesses "know" that their religion is correct. Christian Scientists, Christadelphians, and others each have countless members who sincerely believe in the validity of their religions and will testify to their truth. These groups emphasize "inner testimonies" to different degrees. But the fact remains: contradictory belief systems have members who testify to the truth of contradictory religious systems.

Christians likewise bear their testimonies concerning the truth of Christianity. We testify to the validity of monotheism (in opposition to Mormonism's polytheism),1 of salvation by grace alone (in opposition to Jehovah's Witnesses' teaching that obedience to Law requirements are necessary).2 2), of the reality of sin (in opposition to Christian Science's non-existence of actual sin)3 3), and, of course, that Jesus has saved us from our sins. Obviously, not all contradictory belief systems can be true. So, what can we conclude about these testimonies that affirm the validity of different and contradictory religious systems? We can conclude three things.

First, testimonies are subjective. They are not absolute. They are conveyed to us by people who have feelings about a religious experience or belief. In essence, it is an experience and experiences are, by nature, subjective. And feelings are often just that -- feelings, and not reality.

Second, the fact that people bear witness to contradictory belief systems means that testimonies are not proofs of the validity of any religion -- no matter how strong they might be. Someone who appeals to his testimony as proof of his religion can easily be countered by someone else stating he has an equally strong testimony of something to the contrary. Yet, both parties will still assert they are right.

And third, if we assume that at least one person (or group) is correct, then that would mean that all the other people who have a testimony of the truth are, in actuality, being deceived in some way. From this we can affirm that many people are being deceived who "know for a fact" that their religion is correct.

How would you know if you are deceived?
If it is true that people who sincerely believe in something can be deceived, how would they discover whether or not they are, in fact, being deceived? Simple. Turn to God's word.

I believe that in order to escape deception, a person would need an authoritative and reliable source of information outside his "testimony" by which he can judge spiritual truths and compare his experience. He must be willing to subject his "testimony" to something other than the grilling of his own subjective experience which he claims to be from God. Why? Because if the person used his own testimony to validate his experience then he could not determine whether or not he is deceived since that is appealing to that which is part of the deception to discover truth. It won't work.

Therefore, in order to discover if you are being deceived, you must appeal to God's word and compare your "testimony" to it. If what your testimony points to is in contradiction to God's word, then your testimony is not true.

Testing the Testimony
If someone had a testimony that a religious system was true and that system said it was okay to lie, we could easily conclude that his testimony was incorrect since it supports something that goes against God's revealed word. The person would be deceived. This is simple. However, applying this principle to people isn't easy because since they believe they are not deceived, they will find a way to adopt an interpretation consistent with their belief systems.

Some people will believe their testimonies (feelings) even if the Bible says something to the contrary. Why? Because they will subject God's word to their own testimony. This is commonly done by Mormons. For example, the Bible states that God does not even know of any other Gods (Isaiah 44:8). Yet, in Mormonism God has a goddess wife.4 So, Mormons reinterpret the verse to agree with their testimony. They will state that God knows of no other gods "of this world." They, in effect, add words to the text. We then can become locked in the horns of an interpretive dilemma which is sometimes difficult to overcome.

Nevertheless, among biblically based cult groups, it is almost unanimously agreed that a testimony comes from the Holy Spirit who, according to Scripture (1 John 2:27), resides within the true believer and bears witness of the truth (John 16:13). This testimony comes from the Holy Spirit who is supposed to testify of Jesus (John 15:26).5 This is what all cults claim in one form or another. Yet, there is one factor I've encountered that is an important part of the witness of the Spirit in a true believer.

Assurance of forgiveness of sins
"These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God," (1 John 5:13).
Because the cults serve false gods, they also have false gospels (Gal. 1:8-9). All these "other" gospels are works-oriented. That is, because the members of cults must cooperate with God in some form (obeying commandments, being baptized, etc.) in order to get or maintain the forgiveness of sins, they cannot have assurance of salvation. Yet, the Bible tells us that we can know we have eternal life.

I know that I have eternal life. I know that all my sins are forgiven right now. I know and testify that I am saved by the true and living God and that Jesus is my only Savior. My sins are forgiven and I know I have eternal life.

Of all the cult members I've spoken to, none have told me that they have assurance of eternal life. I can only conclude that they do not have the testimony that is from God. Therefore, they are wrong. They are deceived.

It becomes necessary for all of us to examine our beliefs in the light of God's word and to change our beliefs accordingly. Ultimately, we should come to that place where we have assurance of eternal life -- in agreement with God's word. Do you have this assurance?



This article is also available in: Español

1. McConkie, Bruce, Mormon Doctrine, p. 163 and James Talmage, Articles of Faith, p. 443.
2. In the Watchtower magazine of Feb. 15, 1983, p. 12, four requirements for salvation are listed. The second one states, "Many have found the second requirement more difficult. It is to obey Gods laws, yes, to conform ones life to the moral requirements set out in the Bible. This includes refraining from a debauched, immoral way of life. 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; 1 Peter 4:3, 4." Hence, JW theology denies salvation by grace through faith alone.
3. Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, 447:24.
4. Talmage, James, Articles of Faith, p. 443.
5. I recommend going to the Christian Doctrine section of CARM and reading about who Jesus really is. In cults, the definitions of who Jesus is are also contradictory.
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Justification and Sanctification: What is the difference?
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Paul's "Thorn in the Flesh? Sickness, or a Messenger of Satan?

It's of vital importance that Christians aren't blown about by every wind of doctrine. Some doctrines have become part and parcel of man's traditions in the church because they "sound" reasonable to the natural mind. But on closer examination of scripture we may find they are in error, and have been passed down by tradition so often, they become taken for granted, and merely assumed they are correct.

Take "Paul's thorn in the flesh" for example:

When taken into context, and examining the meaning of the words in these verses by Apostle Paul, it is apparent they have nothing to do with healing.

For example, the word "buffet" means to to strike, a blow, to box, slap, hit, etc;
(in those connotations).

To further explain, Paul said this "thorn in the flesh" was a messenger of Satan sent to "buffet" him, ie; to battle, contend with, box around, etc.

In other words to interfere with Paul's ministry, making it difficult for him.

A messenger of Satan is a spirit, not a sickness or disease.

Also, there is no place in scripture where a "thorn in the flesh" has to do with sickness. It is a fairly common expression used today, even by unbelievers to mean something that is irritating in some fashion.

In Paul's case, when told by the LORD His grace would be sufficient, it simply meant that Jesus would give him the power to endure, and overcome the attempts by this messenger of Satan to hinder his ministry and life.

I've heard many Christians refer to Paul's "thorn in the flesh" as some sort of sickness or infirmity, but again, there is nothing in these verses to indicate that whatsoever.

All Christians have "thorns in the flesh" sent as the trials of life intended to test us. However, again, to use these verses in conjunction with healing only, is not accurate.

When we are sick, the LORD'S grace is there to help strengthen us. In the flesh, we are all weak. Therefore, God's grace is made perfect in weakness, but these verses were never intended to mean that God's grace, in our weakness meant that we were supposed to suffer the pains of sickness and death without any sort of medical care and relief. That's where some folks have added onto, and twisted these verses to try and make them into something entirely different than what they actually mean, and then into a "tradition".
~~~~~~~~~
Paul gave the reason why the LORD allowed Satan's messenger to buffet him, to keep him from pride in his spiritual achievements.

"And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness." (2 Corinthians 12:7-9)
~~~~~~~~
Buffet:

–noun 1. a blow, as with the hand or fist.
2. a violent shock or concussion.

–verb (used with object) 3. to strike, as with the hand or fist.
4. to strike against or push repeatedly: The wind buffeted the house.
5. to contend against; battle.

–verb (used without object) 6. to struggle with blows of hand or fist.
7. to force one's way by a fight, struggle, etc.
~~~~~~~
Origin:
1175–1225; ME < OF buffe a blow +-et -et

Related forms:

buf⋅fet⋅er , noun

Synonyms:
3. slap, cuff, box, hit, sock, wallop.

Cults: Do We Have the Right to Make these Judgments?

"To pronounce another religious group to be false can seem a pompous undertaking, especially in a culture that preaches tolerance for everything from homosexuality to a mother's "right" to kill her unborn child. Tolerance is the banner that unites much of our culture and anyone who points a judging finger at someone or something is often ridiculed.

But Christians are told in the Bible to separate themselves from the sinful practices of man and to expose error. "Examine all things and to hold fast to that which is true" says God's word (1 Thess. 5:21). So we do.

What does it mean to examine if we do not judge what is right and wrong? Jesus judged the Pharisees as hypocrites. Peter judged Ananias and Saphira as liars (Acts 5:3-4). Paul judged the Galatians as fools (Gal. 3:1).

The reason something can be said to be right or wrong is because the Bible has laid out before us a moral and doctrinal standard that is clear. It is wrong to lie. So, we are able to say to someone who lies, "What you are doing is wrong." That is making a judgment.

Likewise, with the cults, as Christians we are commanded to be able to give answers to everyone (1 Pet. 3:15) and to contend for the faith that was delivered by the apostles (Jude 4). If we do not fight for the faith, the faith will be lost. If we do not expose the errors of the cults then the cults will move unchecked in the world and lead even more into eternal destruction.

To make a judgment means that we must recognize that there are absolutes. In a world that worships relativism, absolutes are not welcome and the cults that espouse their demonic doctrines beg tolerance.

CARM stands for the truth of God's word, not a compromising collection of beliefs that changes as people's whims change. The cults are cults because they deny the true God, add works to salvation, and corrupt a multitude of biblical truths. Their end and the end of all who follow them is damnation. To do anything other than warn people about them would be unloving."



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What makes a church or group non-Christian?
Cult Comparison Chart
Justification and Sanctification: What is the difference?
Do we have the right to make these judgments?
What is the truth?
A Test: Do you have the True Jesus?
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Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry © Matthew J. Slick, 1995 - 2010

Cults! An Outline Analysis of them

This is from the CARM-Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry
It's a broad outline concerning the general characteristics of a cult. There may be some things listed here that are not true of one cult, but may be operational in another. Cults are not all the same. Most in fact have diversities in doctrine and beliefs. However, there will usually be more than just a few that fits into the general definition of being a cult.
~~~~~~~~~

"Cults are everywhere. Some are mainstream and widely accepted. Others are isolationist and hide from examination at great expense. They are growing and flourishing. Some cause great suffering while others appear very helpful and beneficial. Which ever group it is, the ultimate end is their destruction when the Lord returns to claim His own.

What is a cult?
Generally, it is a group that is unorthodox, esoteric, and has a devotion to a person, object, or a set of new ideas.
New Teaching - has a new theology and doctrine.
Only True Teaching - often considers traditional religious systems to be apostate and it alone possesses the complete truth.
Strong Leadership - often an individual or small but powerful leadership group holds control of the group’s teachings and practices.
Asset Acquirement - often requires tithing and/or property transfer to the religious system.
Isolationist - to facilitate control over the members physically, intellectually, financially, and emotionally.
Controlling - exercises control over the members. Sometimes this is through fear, threatening loss of salvation if you leave the group. Sometimes through indoctrination.
Indoctrination - possesses methods to reinforce the cult’s beliefs and standards where opposing views are ridiculed and often misrepresented.
Apocalyptic - to give the members a future focus and philosophical purpose in avoiding the apocalypse or being delivered through it.
Experience - various practices including meditation, repetition of words and/or phrases, and ‘spiritual’ enlightenment with God are used as confirmation of their truth.
Depravation - sleep and food deprivation which weakens the will of the subject.
This is uncommon, though practiced by more severe cults.
Persecution - predictions of being persecuted, often combined with claiming any opposing views demonstrated against them as a form of persecution.
Many have non-verifiable belief systems;
For example, they would teach something that cannot be verified.
A space ship behind Hale-Bop comet
Or, that God, an alien, or angel appeared to the leader and gave him a revelation.
The members are seeded angels from another world, etc.
Often, the philosophy makes sense only if you adopt the full set of values and definitions that it teaches.
With this kind of belief, truth becomes unverifiable, internalized, and easily manipulated through the philosophical systems of its inventor.
The Leader of a Cult
Often charismatic and is considered very special for varying reasons:
The leader has received special revelation from God.
The leader claims to be the incarnation of a deity, angel, or special messenger.
The leader claims to be appointed by God for a mission.
The leader claims to have special abilities.
The leader is often above reproach and is not to be denied or contradicted.
Cult ethos
Usually seeks to do good works, otherwise no one would join them.
They are usually moral and possess a good standard of ethical teaching.
Many times the Bible is used or additional "scriptures" are penned.
The Bible, when used, is always distorted with private interpretations.
Many Cults recruit Jesus as one of their own and redefine him accordingly.
Cult groups vary greatly.
From the ascetic to the promiscuous.
From esoteric knowledge to very simple teachings.
From the rich and powerful to the poor and weak.
Who is vulnerable to joining a cult?
Everyone is vulnerable.
Rich, poor, educated, non-educated, old, young, previously religious, atheistic, etc.
General Profile of cult member (some or all of the following):
Disenchanted with conventional religious establishments.
Intellectually confused over religious and/or philosophical issues.
Sometimes disenchanted with society as a whole.
Has a need for encouragement and support.
Emotionally needful.
Needs a sense of purpose.
Financially needy.
Recruitment techniques
They find a need and fill it. One of the ways they do this is called...

"Love Bombing" - Constant positive affection in word and deed.
Sometimes there is a lot of physical contact like hugging, pats on the back, and touching.
Cult group members will lend emotional support to someone in need.
Help them in various ways...whatever is needed.
The person then becomes indebted to the cult.
Compliment them, reassure them, and make them the center of attention.
Many Cults use the influence of the Bible and/or mention Jesus as being one of their own; thereby adding validity to their system.
Scripture twisting
Those that use the Bible take verses out of context.
Then mix their misinterpreted verses with their aberrant philosophy.
Gradualism
Slow altering of thinking processes and belief system through repeated teaching.
People usually accept cult doctrines one point at a time.
New beliefs are reinforced by other cult members.
Why would someone join?
The cult satisfies various needs:
Psychological - Someone could have a weak personality, easily lead.
Emotional - Someone could have recently suffered an emotional trauma.
Intellectual - Someone has questions that this group answers.
The cult gives them approval, acceptance, purpose, and a sense of belonging.
The cult is appealing for some reason. It could be . . .
Moral rigidity and purity.
Financial security.
Promises of exaltation, redemption, higher consciousness, or a host of other rewards.
How are they kept in the cult?
Dependence
People often want to stay because the cult meets their psychological, intellectual, and spiritual needs.
Isolation
Outside contacts are reduced and more and more of the life of the member is built around the cult.
It then becomes very easy to control and shape the member.
Cognitive Reconstruction (Brainwashing):
Once the person is indoctrinated, their thinking processes are reconstructed to be consistent with the cult and to be submissive to its leaders.
This facilitates control by the cult leader(s).
Substitution
The Cult and cult leaders often take the place of mother, father, priest, teacher, and healer.
Often the member takes on the characteristics of a dependent child seeking to win the approval of the leader and or group.
Indebtedness
The member becomes indebted to the group emotionally, financially, etc.
Guilt
The person is told that to leave is to betray the leader, God, the group, etc.
The person is told that to leave would mean to reject the love and help the group has given.
Threat
Threat of destruction by God for turning from the truth.
Sometimes physical threat is used, though not often.
Threat of missing the apocalypse, or being judged on judgment day, etc.
How do you get them out?
The best thing is to try not to let them get trapped in the first place.
If you are a Christian, then pray.
But, to get a person out of a cult takes:
Time, energy, and support.
Teach them the truth.
Give them a true replacement for their aberrant belief system.
Show the cult group's philosophic inconsistencies.
Study the group and learn its history seeking clues and information.
Try and get them physically away from the cult group.
Give them the support they need emotionally.
Alleviate the threat that if they leave the group they are doomed or in danger.
Generally, don't attack the leader of the group...that comes later.
Converts often feel a loyalty and respect for the founder of the group.
Confront them when needed.
Hopefully, this basic outline will give you information to see how Cults work and how to avoid them. If you have someone who is lost in a cult, you need to pray and ask the Lord to remove them and give you the insight and tools needed. It can be a long and arduous task and very often ends in failure. This is not an easy ministry."

A Reasonable Parent Would Have Sought Medical Care for Neil Begley, doctor says

By Nicole Dungca, The Oregonian
January 22, 2010, 11:14AMView full sizeRANDY RASMUSSEN/THE OREGONIANWayne Mackeson, Jeffrey Beagley's defense attorney, addresses the jury during the trial of Beagley and his wife, Marci.


The Beagley trial
Benjamin Brink /The OregonianMarci and Jeff Beagley


ARCHIVE: Previous stories about faith healing in Oregon.Jeffrey and Marci Beagley, members of the Followers of Christ church, are charged with criminally negligent homicide for allegedly failing to provide adequate medical care for their 16-year-old son, Neil, who died in June 2008 of complications from a urinary tract blockage. The trial began on Tuesday.

The main characters in the courtroom today, including the Beagleys, are:
» Judge Steven Maurer
» Prosecutor Greg Horner
» Prosecutor Steven Mygrant
» Defense attorney Wayne Mackeson represents Jeff Beagley
» Defense attorney Steve Lindsey represents Marci Beagley
» Doctor Edward Guillery, a pediatric nephrologist


11:11 a.m. Both defense lawyers had no questions for Guillery and the state had no further witnesses.

Because defense was not expecting to start calling witnesses until Monday morning, the court will adjourn for the day.

11:09 a.m. Would Neil have survived if they had sought treatment the week before he died?

“Yes,” Guillery said. Even if they had sought treatment the day before he died, that would be the case, he continued.

Horner took up that In that day before his death, with an effort to seek medical care, would he be alive?

“Absolutely,” Guillery said. Though his condition would have been worse, medical personnel in the city have been trained to deal with that situation.

“Could Neil have survived even the day of his death had he received medical care?”

“Yes,” Guillery said.


11:04 a.m. Horner asked more about what long-term care Neil would have gotten. Guillery said he would likely be stabilized in the intensive care unit before staying in the hospital for several days. They would likely seek the treatment of dialysis, and eventually a kidney transplant.

He explained dialysis, particularly peritoneal dialysis, which is often used by pediatricians, and also said a kidney transplant “would be the best thing for (Neil).”



11:01 a.m. Horner asked more about what kind of treatment Neil would have likely gotten if he had gotten medical treatment in the week before his death.

Guillery said he would get an exam, and after several steps, he would likely be referred to a local nephrologist like himself, he said. He would have also be referred to an intensive care unit.

They would have administered dialysis immediately, Guillery said. This referral to a type of dialysis matches the opinion of yesterday’s medical expert, a local pediatric urologist.


10:48 a.m. Horner asked if a reasonable parent would have sought medical care for Neil in those last two weeks.

“Certainly” in those two weeks, and the days before his death, Guillery said.

The longevity of the symptoms and his decline were factors for that opinion, he said.

The testimony followed a lengthy back and forth between Maurer and Mackeson over the defense’s objection about Guillery’s use of statements from family members taken from the police. The jury had been ordered out of the room for the discussion.

10:31 a.m. Guillery also relied on statements from family members concerning Neil’s conditions in the last few months, and days, of his death. They showed a child with a “pattern of inexorable decline” in the last week of his death, Guillery said.

Were the symptoms presented in a way that would have raised concerns about the possibility of death?

“Yes, I think a parent would have that concern,” Guillery said. “If they had been recording the diet this way and seeing these symptoms, a reasonable parent would have that concern.”

10:24 a.m. Jurors were brought back in, and Horner came back to the food journal.

"What was in that journal that caught your attention that you think is important?"

"The fact that there was one is what really caught my attention. Parents bring in food journals .. for much younger children, and they usually reflect a significant concern that something is wrong," Guillery said.

The journal suggests that "something has been going on for a while," he said.

The contents were also striking to Guillery.

"He was getting a peculiar diet that suggests to me that there was really a problem," Guillery said. Sixteen-year-olds should be eating entire bags of groceries, he said.

The vomiting without fever or diarrhea or other flu-like symptoms was quite unusual, he said.

10:15 a.m. Maurer ultimately ruled that Guillery’s opinion on what a reasonable parent would do will be allowed in questioning.

Maurer had responded to Mackeson by saying Guillery’s opinion on that issue would help show a “community standard” that is integral to the judgment of the case.

Mackeson continued to argue that the question would not be helpful, since the jury is the one who must decide what is or is not reasonable on standards that stem from a community, not necessarily an expert looking at the facts of the case who presents a “professional standard” for the parents.

Maurer and Mackeson went back and forth with several arguments, comparing the Beagley case to medical malpractice trials and a trial involving an automobile accident.

10:02 a.m. Mackeson objected to a question from Horner that concerned the actions of a reasonable parent in the Beagleys' position. The jury was led out of the courtroom because of the objection.

The question is a doctor’s comment on the state of mind of the defendant, Mackeson said. Mackeson called it a “legal question” and unhelpful for the jury.

Horner argued that the trial is about a “reasonable person’s” judgment. What Guillery would ultimately comment on, Horner said, is whether they were doing something appropriate or reasonable. Guillery, as a medical expert who deals with many parents, would be a good source for what a “reasonable parent” would do, Horner said.

9:59 a.m. Guillery referenced the food journal again, agreeing with a question from Horner that asked if the Beagleys’ attempt to feed Neil glucerna, a formula for adults who have diabetes, was “inappropriate.”

9:58 a.m. Guillery was “disturbed” by the food intake journal that recorded how much Neil ate: “Most striking to me is the diary of the food intake, which as a doctor who is also in general pediatrics, is a disturbing thing to see,” he said.

He was also struck by the reports showing comments from family members prior to the death, as well as the printouts detectives found in the room where Neil died. They concerned internet searches about peptic ulcer disease and treating heartburn.

They were a sign of an awareness of a “significant medical problem,” Guillery said.

9:51 a.m. “Are you aware of any children dying from this condition?” prosecutor Greg Horner said.

“No, I’m not,” Guillery responded, before further explaining: “I’ve never encountered a child who has died from this beyond that early newborn period.”

“Have you ever heard of any situation that you’re aware of, of any child dying from this condition that was completely untreated?” Horner asked.

Guillery said he had never seen that situation, or heard a report of that.

Horner zeroed in on Neil’s case: why did Neil die, as opposed to these other children with this condition?

“Because he received no medical care during his life,” Guillery said.


9:44 a.m. Guillery testified that he has seen many children with Neil’s condition of posterior urethral valves. He is one of four pediatric nephrologists in Oregon, he said.

“We know that when boys have this condition, it very commonly leads to an inexorable decline of their kidney function,” Guillery said.

A minority of those children are identified after birth, and he sees those children for an extended period of time, he said.

The children who have this condition diagnosed later in life have often been brought to a pediatrician because of problems with bed-wetting or urinary accidents during the day, he said.

9:42 a.m. Guillery agreed with the medical examiner’s cause of death, which was involved complications with urinary tract outlet obstruction.

“It’s entirely obvious,” Guillery said. “There can be no doubt, based on my impressions.”

9:30 a.m. Doctor Edward Guillery, a pediatric nephrologist, was the first witness to be called to the stand today. He follows yesterday’s testimony from a pediatric urologist and the medical examiner who conducted Neil Beagley’s autopsy. Both medical experts said Neil Beagley’s condition had been beyond anything they had seen before.

Guillery's specialty, nephrology, is the field of medicine that studies kidney disease."