Seventh-Day Adventism and Healthy Living
Seventh-Day Adventism and Healthy Living
November 14, 2010
Professor A. Medley
RELT 270 – Adventist Heritage and Mission
Michele K. Lebon
According to Merriam Webster, health is defined as “the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit; especially: freedom from physical disease or pain.” The Seventh - day Adventist church is an evangelical Christian/ Protestant denomination whose origins trace back to the early US states in New England in the middle of the 19th century. Today, there are over 15 billion baptized members worldwide. For centuries Seventh-Day Adventists have implanted a unique style of healthful living into their religious doctrines and practices.
The Seventh - day Adventist health reform has deep roots in history and in one of its founders, Ellen G. Harmon White. Ellen White was an instrumental member of the origin of SDA doctrines, more specifically, the policies on healthy living. On June 5th 1863, White received her first comprehensive and detailed health related vision. This vision revealed to her the importance for not only SDA’s but everyone to attend to our health and to arouse those who are not aware to do the same. She also saw that people should not remain silent on this topic. This vision was the catalyst for the health reformation of the SDA Church.
Since it was established in the 1860’s, Seventh-Day Adventism has focused their health view on a wholistic level. Martin Doblemeier, creator and director of “The Adventists,” stated that “Adventists are a fascinating mix of conservative religion and state-of-the art health care and healthy living.” The SDA’s belief health system is not unique to proven health promotion; however it is unique in that it is religiously enforced. They believe that the church has a mission, not just to preach the Gospel spiritually, but also to administer to other people’s needs. Living a healthy lifestyle and teaching others to take care of themselves and improve their quality of life is one of
November 14, 2010
Professor A. Medley
RELT 270 – Adventist Heritage and Mission
Michele K. Lebon
According to Merriam Webster, health is defined as “the condition of being sound in body, mind, or spirit; especially: freedom from physical disease or pain.” The Seventh - day Adventist church is an evangelical Christian/ Protestant denomination whose origins trace back to the early US states in New England in the middle of the 19th century. Today, there are over 15 billion baptized members worldwide. For centuries Seventh-Day Adventists have implanted a unique style of healthful living into their religious doctrines and practices.
The Seventh - day Adventist health reform has deep roots in history and in one of its founders, Ellen G. Harmon White. Ellen White was an instrumental member of the origin of SDA doctrines, more specifically, the policies on healthy living. On June 5th 1863, White received her first comprehensive and detailed health related vision. This vision revealed to her the importance for not only SDA’s but everyone to attend to our health and to arouse those who are not aware to do the same. She also saw that people should not remain silent on this topic. This vision was the catalyst for the health reformation of the SDA Church.
Since it was established in the 1860’s, Seventh-Day Adventism has focused their health view on a wholistic level. Martin Doblemeier, creator and director of “The Adventists,” stated that “Adventists are a fascinating mix of conservative religion and state-of-the art health care and healthy living.” The SDA’s belief health system is not unique to proven health promotion; however it is unique in that it is religiously enforced. They believe that the church has a mission, not just to preach the Gospel spiritually, but also to administer to other people’s needs. Living a healthy lifestyle and teaching others to take care of themselves and improve their quality of life is one of
References: Fonnebo, V. (1994). The healthy Seventh-day Adventist lifestyle: what is the Norwegian experience?. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 59, 1124S-1129S. health. 2010. In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved November 09, 2010, from http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/health Knight, G.R. (2004). A brief history of Seventh-Day Adventists. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Publishing Association. Mills, P.K., Beeson, W.L., Phillips, R.L., & Fraser, G.E. (1994). Cancer incidence among California Seventh-Day Adventists, 1976-1982. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 59, 1136S-1142S. Phillips, R.L. (1975). Role of life-style and dietary habits in risk of cancer among Seventh-Day Adventist. Cancer Research, 35, 3513-3522. White, E. (1938). Counsels on diet and foods. Berrien Springs, MI: The Ellen G. White Estate. White, E. (1990). The ministry of healing. Nampa, Idaho: The Review and Herald Pacific Press. Juday, D. (Producer), & Martin Doblmeier. (Director). (2010). The Adventists [DVD]. United States: Journey Films.