I try to read chunks of the Bible everyday. Today I read about Paul’s trip through Athens and thought about my recent return to the USA after spending 30 years living in another country. I noticed some similarities.

“Paul felt deeply frustrated about the abundance of idols in Athens.”

I get deeply frustrated by the abundance of toxins people take for granted in their food, water, air, and their attempts to ‘fix’ their problems with drugs (aka pharmaceutical products). I get deeply frustrated when I hear of innocent children and good people suffering unnecessarily because they base their actions on deception.

“Paul would wander around the marketplace, speaking with anyone he happened to meet.“ I try to engage anyone I can to look a little more deeply into some of these things! My family will verify. I like to engage in debate on all sides of the spectrum. My viewpoint is that Jesus is our Creative Designer and the Source of all healing. Living in harmony with His design brings freedom and balance.

Paul noted that the Athenians had a strong and diverse religious ethos. I notice that amongst health proponents there is a strong and diverse religious ethos.

Amongst supporters and participants in the Western medical model, there seems to be an outward form of allegiance to Christianity. Conversely, many, if not most Christians, seem to endorse the Western medical model.

In doing so, supporters and participants in the Western medical model often make some underlying assumptions about many things based on a value system that they are surrounded with from an early age. Unfortunately, I have learned that some of these assumptions are dangerous.

1. All “Scientific” information is based on truth and can be trusted. I wouldn’t lie about important stuff, so of course others don’t lie either.
2. All products sold in the USA are safe. We have government agencies that ensure the safety of everything and all government agencies tell the truth.
3. I can trust my doctor. S/He’s a really nice person. His/Her training and knowledge is far beyond mine, and s/he would never advise me to do something if it weren’t good for me.
4. We live in the healthiest, most modern of all countries, and our health is better than ever because of so many great technological advances.
5. Processed food and fast food isn’t that bad. In my busy life, it is essential.
6. Childhood wouldn’t be good without sugary treats, candy, soda, pizza and happy meals. It would be cruel to deprive children of these things. When I participate in giving these things to children it shows I love them.
7. Tylenol, Motrin, ibuprofen, Tums, etc are all essential, sometimes.
8. Sometimes people need medicine to cope with loss, insomnia, or extreme anxiety. It’s all safe, as long as you take it only when needed.
9. Cancer just happens. There’s not much you can do to avoid it, and cancer research is so advanced, the doctors really know what they are doing and can help you.
10. Alzheimer’s – ditto for above
11. Diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. see #9.
12. Eating organic is a fad that makes some people lots of money because it’s so expensive.
13. Health foods are all a big gimmick.
14. I don’t eat that much sugar.
15. My current weight is not a problem.
16. Exercise is over-rated – it just makes you sweaty, then sore the next day. I’ll be fine because I walk and move a lot.
17. Television ads can be trusted. No one is manipulating me. In fact, the TV ads for new drugs are really educational.
18. Tap water is tested – so it is safe.
19. Air fresheners, laundry scent, all things that smell nice, are nice.
20. Something is going to get me, so it really doesn’t matter what I eat or how many poisons it contains.

Unfortunately, deception is rampant in the world, including the great US of A. I’m probably more sensitive to all I see because I have recently returned after spending 30 years living in a foreign country, with only limited exposure during brief vacations.

Americans love the ideas of truth and freedom. Unfortunately there is a lot of truth that is suppressed and believing lies always limits your freedom. Accepting what people say is an admirable quality, but blind faith in people who do not share your values for Truth and Justice is never wise.  What will you do to examine the foundational truth in our modern culture?

Paul pointed out the illogical premises of the Athenian culture. Are there any logical fallacies you base your life and wellbeing on?

God Himself has given to humans everything we need – life, breath, food, shelter, etc. God has made us in all our diversity from one original person allowing each culture to have its own timetable to develop, giving each its own place to live and thrive in its distinct ways. His purpose in all this was that people of every culture and religion would search for this ultimate God, grope for Him in the darkness, as it were, hoping to find Him. Yet, in truth, God is not far from any of us. For you know the saying, “We live in God; we move in God; we exist in God.” And still another said, “We are indeed God’s children.” Acts 17

Author: Becky Hastings, wife, mother, grandmother, passionate follower of Jesus Christ and truth seeker, especially in the areas of health and children. Navigating our present day world can be challenging, God’s timeless truths in the Bible are my guide.