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