Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook: Amazon.ca: Donal O'Mathuna, Walt Larimore, Walter L. Larimore: Books

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From Publishers Weekly

Some Christians have feared the growing interest in alternative medicine, thinking that the Bible condemns techniques such as biofeedback, meditation, herbal remedies and acupuncture. This comprehensive guide should put their minds at ease. Geared for Christians with little or no experience of alternative therapies, this book examines chiropractic care, hypnosis, T'ai Chi, yoga, visualization, homeopathy and aromatherapy, among other practices. O'Math£na, a professor of bioethics and chemistry, and Larimore, a physician who hosts a nationally syndicated television program, navigate a middle ground, approving of some therapies while advising caution on others. The Hallelujah Diet (a popular vegetarian Christian diet), for example, earns high marks for its emphasis on biblical nutrition, while marijuana is not recommended, despite beneficial results in treating some diseases. Yoga is fine as a complementary practice that "can improve general well-being," but it "is antithetical to biblical Christianity" when used "as a deeply religious practice with the goal of union with the divine." Throughout, the authors discuss affinities between alternative and traditional medicine, showing, for example, that prescription drugs are sometimes derived from herbal remedies (such as aspirin from willow bark). They caution readers to give more credence to therapies that have been clinically tested in randomly controlled trials. Always, they promote the theological idea that Christians' bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Many readers will appreciate straight talk on health that is informed by both medical science and the Bible. (June)Forecast: Larimore's name recognition as host of the cable TV show Ask the Family Doctor (America's Health Network) should boost sales for this manual, which taps into a growing market in Christian health books. Expect to see knockoffs from other Christian publishers.

Book Description

An in-depth guide for Christians seeking to understand and evaluate the medical and spiritual implications of alternative practices, herbal therapies, and self-treatments available today.

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Inside This Book (Learn More)

First Sentence
Physicians practicing conventional Western medicine at times see alternatives medicine as unproven, worthless, perhaps even dangerous, steeped only in anecdotal case histories. Read the first page

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Concordance

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Customer Reviews

24 Reviews

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(1)
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2 star:		(1)
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Average Customer Review

4.5 out of 5 stars (24 customer reviews)

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Very Disappointed, Sep 25 2001

By

Sarah (Chandler, AZ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook (Paperback)

I was excited to receive this book based on the positive reviews it has earned on this forum. However, when I received it, I was disappointed and even disturbed by the authors' viewpoint. I found them to be more sympathetic toward new age modes of exercise and healing than they were to fellow Christians who are encouraging others to eat better for better health. I have seen, read, and heard testimonies of many people who have overcome major health challenges by changing their diet. This book takes the stale outdated medical viewpoint that diet and raw foods doesn't make that much of a difference.
Definitely would not recommend this book to anyone. If you're looking for a natural way for healing, watch Dr. Lorraine Day's videos, or read a book about raw foods and juicing.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Necessary addition to the Christian Library today, Feb 15 2006

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M. Friesen (Morden, MB Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)

This review is from: Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook (Paperback)

I was so happy to find how scriptural this book is. I have been looking for just such a book for our home with so many new age alternatives popping up. Christians need to be much more discerning today and this should help them understand what is out there If only they would read their Bibles as well.
Thank you to O'Mathuna and Larimore for their work.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderul, Jun 13 2003

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Julie Wilson (Reynoldsburg, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Alternative Medicine: The Christian Handbook (Paperback)

I know Dr. O'Mathuna personally as he taught one of my classes in my BSN program. He is very well articulated and this book is a wonderful summary of his vast knowledge. If you ever have the opportunity to hear him speak or meet him, it is worth the time. This book is highly recommended.

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Most recent customer reviews

2.0 out of 5 stars More than one way to consider alternative medicines.
I had to give this book 2 stars for the parts which explain what alternative therapies are and what the philosophies are behind each one. Read more

Published on April 29 2004 by Peggy J. Bayless

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
I know Dr. O'Mathuna personally and he is a wonderful person. He taught one of my classes in my BSN program. This book is just a small piece of his knowledge. Read more

Published on Jun 13 2003 by Julie Wilson