krueger@writeon.physics.arizona.edu (Theodore Krueger) (06/15/91)
I recently read an article in a local Christian newspaper written
by the author of a new book entitled _Toxic Faith_. I thought that
I might bring up the subject, comment on it and ask for other
opinions. The author, Stephen Arterburn, is the founder of New
Life Treatment Centers, a string of nine Christian treatment
centers dealing with addiction, treatment and so forth.
His premise is that some members of the Body of Christ react quite
unfavorably toward other members who fail in attempts to believe
that God will supply some need in their lives (whether that be
financial, medical, spiritual or whatever). The author recounts
numerous cases of Christians pulling away from others whose
"faith has failed."
In general, Mr. Arterburn states, "All of us know someone with
toxic faith. They would rather quote scripture than talk to us.
They hide behind preaching rather than learning to relate. These
well-meaning Christians use God as an excuse to be irresponsible.
They wait for God to do what God is waiting for them to do." In
specific, he states, "There is no question in my mind that God
has the power to heal and chooses to heal some people."
As a Charismatic Christian, in many cases I find that some
Christians, especially some of those in counseling service,
have a tendency to base their counsel and their Christianity
on dogma and experience without much regard to what the Word
of God has to say about a subject. First of all, let me say
that it is unconscionable for one Christian to pull away from
another based upon some "faith failure." We have all failed
God, and probably will continue to do so. But let me ask a
question: If God clearly said one thing, and our personal
experience disagrees with that, who is wrong, us or God?
The Bible clearly states several times of Jesus, "and He
healed them all" (Matt 12:15, Matt 14:14, Matt 8:16, Luke 6:19
plus others). The only instances where Jesus did not heal
someone were of the "there He could do no mighty works ...
because of their unbelief" variety. It is clear not only
that God has the ability to heal, but from these scriptures
it is also clear that He has the desire to heal. If something
goes wrong, it is not because God is lacking in power or desire.
In fact, it is clear to me that Jesus, on the cross, did
everything that He was ever going to do concerning our
salvation. ("It is finished.") Likewise, on the cross, He
did everything that He was ever going to do concerning our
healing. Since God is no "respector of persons," why would
He provide healing for some but not others. I think that
the answer is that He provides healing for all, Some just
do not receive. In some cases, the reason is simple: If
you do not believe that God will heal you, you won't get
healed. (Just as if you do not believe that God will save
you, you won't be saved.) In other cases, the reason why
some do not receive healing is not so obvious. If forced
to choose between: 1) God was not being truthful when He
said "I am Jehova Raffa" (The Lord your healer, in combination
with the acts of Jesus noted above) and : 2) some other
reason that we do not understand (but is not connected with
God's will); I will choose the latter every time.
Finally, I find it curious that Mr. Arterburn uses only one
scripture (among many personal experiences) which seems to
disagree with his basic premise. The scripture is Collosians
2:8 "see to it that no one takes you captive through hollow
and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition
and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ."
It seems to me that the annecdotal occurrances he relies upon
fall into the "depends on human tradition" and that the
point of view which Arterburn attacks (that it is always God's
will to heal) is supported by scripture references concerning
Christ's life.
God bless you all
Ted
--
Be Excellent To Each Other