Is Obesity a Sin?

[NotforSale]

With obesity considered the #1 health epidemic in America, causing irrepairable damage to the human body (our temple), how should we as Christians approach this subject? I was told as a new convert, take care of your temple (body). Be moderate. Have temperance (have self-control).

Repent of things that destroy and be a good example.

Obesity is proven to cause diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, cancer; and the list goes on.

We tell folks to quit smoking because of the dangerous side affects caused by this unhealthy habit. Are we able to take this stand if we accept the "overweight" issue by looking the other way?

I've seen many preachers "joke" away at this subject to calm the air of thier obvious lack of self-control in this area. In reality, being fat is not funny, it's unhealthy. I've watched them preach strong and hard to live holy; Live holy? I guess I'm a little confused here, as holiness covers our physical and spiritual being.

Don't mean to offend here, just stating the facts of how the lost may (are) looking at our ability to justify gluttony. In past churches I've attended, visitors were very suprised at the amount of overweight people on the pews. I'm not just talking about a few pounds either; 100 or more.

I have many good friends who are big. One of them is 400 pounds and he is only 40. He laughs now, but in the next few years laughter will turn to tears.

I do believe mercy plays a role in this somewhere. But, where do we draw the line? How far do we go? Will the church simply end up "full" of the sick because we can't push the plate away or get off the couch?

The prayer line would shrink and we would feel better if we would learn the blessing of proper diet and exercise.

If you are overweight and are reading this, please, I have compassion on your dilema. We have great abundance in this Country and many convienences that now take away the "task" where calories were once burned. There is hope, though. Find people who enjoy getting out, who have the same desire as you to shed the pounds and get in shape.

People can revolutionize thier existence by good old fashioned discipline and motivation. Not only will you feel better, people will notice you care about yourself and your Light will shine with new vigor. The doctor will be stunned when you show up to your next appointment with normal blood pressure and no more need for "PILLS".

[Cindy]

So we won't tell people to stop eating right?

[2020Vision]

Sigh - this topic AGAIN? Obesity and gluttony aren't the same, though the share a relationship.

Cindy - haha. fasting is bad for your body too. Guess that's a Biblical contradiction. It defiles the body! lol

[NotforSale]

Originally Posted by 2020Vision

Sigh - this topic AGAIN? Obesity and gluttony aren't the same, though the share a relationship.

Cindy - haha. fasting is bad for your body too. Guess that's a Biblical contradiction. It defiles the body! lol

Sorry if I brought up the "dead horse". I'm fairly new to this forum.

You're right about gluttony. It (gluttony) can involve other things besides food.

God Bless

[2020Vision]

Originally Posted by NotforSale

Sorry if I brought up the "dead horse". I'm fairly new to this forum.

You're right about gluttony. It (gluttony) can involve other things besides food.

God Bless

Pardon my "Sigh". We just recently finished a long thread on this. No worries. Welcome to the forum. I'm new as well. This one is obviously an intriguing subject by so many.

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by NotforSale

Sorry if I brought up the "dead horse". I'm fairly new to this forum.

You're right about gluttony. It (gluttony) can involve other things besides food.

God Bless

Don't worry about that, we like newbies and even when beating a dead horse.

And welcome to AFF.

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by 2020Vision

Sigh - this topic AGAIN? Obesity and gluttony aren't the same, though the share a relationship.

Cindy - haha. fasting is bad for your body too. Guess that's a Biblical contradiction. It defiles the body! lol

Hey, I was healed of anorexia, but still live with the consequences. But I know obese people struggle with shame, and all obesity is not caused solely by overeating. As much as by eating too much unhealthy foods.

[NotforSale]

Originally Posted by Cindy

Hey, I was healed of anorexia, but still live with the consequences. But I know obese people struggle with shame, and all obesity is not caused solely by overeating. As much as by eating too much unhealthy foods.

You got that right! Unhealthy food is an enormous problem. Just look at the lables on the packages of the stuff we put down our throats.

Remember the story about the guy that "Supersized" at McDonalds for a month to prove the danger of fast food? Doctor told him if he kept eating that garbage he was going to die.

It's interesting you mention "shame". I've written a book called, "The Internet Addiction", dealing with online porn addiction. Porn addiction can begin with "shame". This trap leads people to believe nobody will understand. Nobody will have mercy. I've done something too terrible to forgive.

Shame is litterally conquoered by confession to someone we can trust to help us, not condemn us. If we continue to hide, shame will beat us down to nothing, leading to total catastrophy.

All of us need to confess. This will rid us of shame, renew our hope, and lead us to great strength in Him, because, He will forgive us.

Having a problem with eating is no different. Addictions are basically the same and overcome by the same tactics; Vigorous self control, support, good church, and a wholesome hobby(s) can lead one to total victory. (I do speak from experience here. I can talk about that later.)

Also remember, addictions have the same trigger point; STRESS. Stress seeks relief and we sometimes resort to "things" that are unhealthy, even deadly. Eating is one of those things that people do for relief.

Thanks for your feedback.

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by NotforSale

You got that right! Unhealthy food is an enormous problem. Just look at the lables on the packages of the stuff we put down our throats.

Remember the story about the guy that "Supersized" at McDonalds for a month to prove the danger of fast food? Doctor told him if he kept eating that garbage he was going to die.

It's interesting you mention "shame". I've written a book called, "The Internet Addiction", dealing with online porn addiction. Porn addiction can begin with "shame". This trap leads people to believe nobody will understand. Nobody will have mercy. I've done something too terrible to forgive.

Shame is litterally conquoered by confession to someone we can trust to help us, not condemn us. If we continue to hide, shame will beat us down to nothing, leading to total catastrophy.

All of us need to confess. This will rid us of shame, renew our hope, and lead us to great strength in Him, because, He will forgive us.

Having a problem with eating is no different. Addictions are basically the same and overcome by the same tactics; Vigorous self control, support, good church, and a wholesome hobby(s) can lead one to total victory. (I do speak from experience here. I can talk about that later.)

Also remember, addictions have the same trigger point; STRESS. Stress seeks relief and we sometimes resort to "things" that are unhealthy, even deadly. Eating is one of those things that people do for relief.

Thanks for your feedback.

Excellent post!

[ronharvey]

Originally Posted by NotforSale

You got that right! Unhealthy food is an enormous problem. Just look at the lables on the packages of the stuff we put down our throats.

Remember the story about the guy that "Supersized" at McDonalds for a month to prove the danger of fast food? Doctor told him if he kept eating that garbage he was going to die.

It's interesting you mention "shame". I've written a book called, "The Internet Addiction", dealing with online porn addiction. Porn addiction can begin with "shame". This trap leads people to believe nobody will understand. Nobody will have mercy. I've done something too terrible to forgive.

Shame is litterally conquoered by confession to someone we can trust to help us, not condemn us. If we continue to hide, shame will beat us down to nothing, leading to total catastrophy.

All of us need to confess. This will rid us of shame, renew our hope, and lead us to great strength in Him, because, He will forgive us.

Having a problem with eating is no different. Addictions are basically the same and overcome by the same tactics; Vigorous self control, support, good church, and a wholesome hobby(s) can lead one to total victory. (I do speak from experience here. I can talk about that later.)

Also remember, addictions have the same trigger point; STRESS. Stress seeks relief and we sometimes resort to "things" that are unhealthy, even deadly. Eating is one of those things that people do for relief.

Thanks for your feedback.

To many times though the 'trusted' person you confess to is the one who ruins your life.

They are your friend as long as you lean on them, their addiction IS people like you.

Get better and they get bitter.

I have seen it way too many times with people.