by Adrián Diel
For several years, my wife has asserted that Jesus was a a physical therapist, due to the types of healing He performed. The Bible lists a vast number of miracles related to the restoration of gait and posture. For example, it tells of the woman who was healed after 18 years (Luke 13:10–13), the disabled man at the pool called Bethesda whose ability to walk was restored after 38 years of immobility (John 5), the healing of the man with the withered hand (Mark 3), and the disabled man who was lowered through the roof by his friends (Mark 2), among others.
Regardless of the type of healing miracles performed by the Savior, all of them were covered by a mantle of mercy, empathy, and love. These characteristics applied to those in His fold and everyone who believed in Him. As Ellen G. White stated in Testimonies for the Church, volume 9: “Constantly He went about doing good.”1 People came to the Lord with all kinds of ailments, not only physical but also emotional. The apostle John assures us that Jesus also has the power to remove sin from the heart (1 John 3:5).
One of the clearest examples of this was His healing of the paralyzed man who was lowered through the roof by his friends. His first words to the man were, “‘your sins are forgiven you’” (Mark 2:3–5, NKJV).2 In addition to providing physical healing, Jesus freed this person from an enormous emotional burden.
Matthew 15 states, “Then great multitudes came to Him, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others; and they laid them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them. So the multitude marveled when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing” (vss. 30, 31). These types of miracles are related to what we know today as “rehabilitation.”
Reading about the work of Jesus while on earth helps us understand the variety and quantity of pathologies that existed at that time. Although many factors—including diet—were different, there was less chemical contamination, more unprocessed foods, and a more natural lifestyle. If we contrast that previous way of life with ours today, a great enigma arises: Where do diseases come from? Despite medical and technological advances, why have we failed to eradicate or prevent these diseases? Where do diseases that appear spontaneously or for which no cause is known (referred to as “idiopathic”) arise from? Why do people get sick despite having a healthy diet, exercising daily, drinking water, and carrying out all the activities Western medicine considers necessary for a long and healthy life?3
Some time ago, I had a 40-year-old patient who suffered an ischemic stroke. He was athletic, ate a vegetarian diet, slept eight hours each night, had no relevant medical history, and a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI) of 22.4. His control lab tests were within the optimal values, according to his age and physical condition. At first, it seemed like an isolated incident, but I realized that I had seen several similar cases throughout my career. I had many questions: What were the causes of this? What was missing from my patients’ lifestyle? Why were these events occurring in apparently healthy people?
After carrying out an in-depth analysis of these cases, I noticed that they all had something in common: Before the stroke was triggered, my patients had suffered an event of high emotional impact, such as the death of a close family member, serious legal or economic problems, or divorce, among other factors.
In his research paper, “Work Stress, a Risk Factor for Stroke” [original in Spanish], César Alfredo Martinez Plaza contrasted the direct relationship between work-related stress, regardless of profession, with the appearance of a stroke.4/sup>
Likewise, Manolete Moscoso, in his research titled “From the Mind to the Cell: Impact of Stress in Psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology” [original in Spanish], describes the negative impact of chronic stress on the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems, as well as its role in the onset of several diseases. In addition, Moscoso shows how chronic stress produces a biochemical imbalance that leads to the development of various inflammatory and metabolic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.5
Another study, carried out by Bruce S. McEwen, also affirms that stress alters the body’s homeostatic balance. The cumulative effects of chronic stress result in the transformation of the body’s physiological stress response mediators, including cortisol, adrenaline, insulin, vasopressin, endorphins, and cytokines. Chronic stress may harmfully increase these mediators’ production or result in insufficient release throughout the body.6
Consider what the Holy Scriptures and Ellen White’s writings tell us about the origin of the different ailments and diseases that have afflicted human beings since the beginning of sin on our planet. She described the factors that enable the onset of an illness. One of the best known is found in Testimonies for the Church, volume 5: “Nine tenths of the diseases [from which people suffer] have their foundation [in the mind].”7 She outlined several predisposing factors for the origin of illness, such as difficulties at home, remorse, belief in erroneous doctrines, and distorted views regarding the character of God.8 These insights perfectly correlate with what David wrote in Psalm 32:3: “When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long.” Remorse for his sin was making David sick. Another clear example of this can be found in Proverbs 17:22, which states, “A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.”
If we compare Proverbs 17:22 with what science has discovered to date, we could associate that “broken spirit” with an emotional condition (depression, anxiety, persistent sadness, etc.) that somehow produces a physical condition. In a present-day example, studies show that there has been a relatively frequent development of bone metastasis secondary to lung cancer.9 Research indicates that the main cause of lung cancer is smoking,10 which in turn is closely linked to depression—a mental illness or disorder11 that, according to the World Health Organization, is characterized by deep sadness.12 In other words, depression is the most important intrinsic factor when it comes to starting the consumption of nicotine,13 which, when ingested through smoking, vaping, and chewing tobacco, causes lung cancer and other diseases.14 If we drew this on a timeline, it would look like this: Depression leads to tobacco use, including cigarette smoking and vaping, which leads to lung cancer (as well as other diseases). Lung cancer leads to bone metastasis, which leads to death.
While “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23), it is difficult to believe that the loving God we know would behave in such an unjust manner, punishing the sinner with death. It would be the equivalent of saying, If you don’t do what I say, I will kill you. In this type of postulation, where would free will have a place? Death occurs in many cases because of human decisions, the alteration of natural laws, or a lack of self-love.15 The consequences of sin on the human body are countless; it alters the body’s proper functioning. What would happen if, for instance, we put water in a vehicle made to run on gasoline? Indeed, that mistake would ruin the engine. In this case, is the car’s creator responsible for this malfunction, or does the fault lie with the user? Is the vehicle’s destruction due to misuse by the driver or because the designer of the car decided to punish the user?
Why do we engage in activities that harm us? Why do we ignore what the Bible instructs about taking care of our bodies?
First, let us remember that we are born in sin (Psalm 51:5). We must also understand that the enemy is disguised in lavish and flashy charm to make sinful activities, customs, drinks, foods, and practices seem attractive and fun.16 However, these things ultimately harm us, lead us to certain destruction, and separate us from God’s plan for our lives.
Ellen White exposed the origin of diseases as being the result of sinful behavior, disobeying the laws of life and health, and mental disorders.17 At times, an altered mental state will inevitably make the body sick. The brain is an organ that, like any other, must be nourished, cared for, and trained. When it becomes sick, this affects the entire organism. If the brain becomes sick and the issue is not addressed immediately, in time, this will inevitably make the body sick—and vice versa. We are complete beings (spirit, soul, and body intertwined).18
Although technological advances have occurred by leaps and bounds, science to date has not been able to demonstrate the origin of several diseases. Such is the case for autoimmune diseases (which occur when an individual’s immune system damages his or her body) and even depression. Although research has discovered a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors that predispose people to depression, its specific onset and the reason for its imbalances remain unknown.19 Furthermore, the possible factors vary among people suffering from such conditions.
As we evaluate this information, why is it that, despite all the scientific advances and the centuries of research carried out by different scholars, science has yet to be able to discover the exact origin of many human diseases? What are the factors that make this type of research difficult? From the human point of view, there are endless explanations to these questions, some with scientific support, others mere speculation. We might infer that this “origin” for many of them is located somewhere in the human body, but it is impossible to measure, evaluate, or examine this theory with our current diagnostic tools.20
More than a century after Ellen White stated that diseases often result from unresolved emotional conflict, stress, or trauma, current research has begun to support her claims.21 Furthermore, studies maintain that if these issues are not resolved in time, or the proper treatments are not carried out, such factors will trigger acute and chronic physical illnesses. These new viewpoints, some in line with traditional medicine, others completely opposed, required more than 100 years to demonstrate and affirm what the God had revealed about the origins of disease.
Adventists are bearers of innumerable truths, and every follower of Christ should be aware of and obedient to these truths. The advice given long ago through the Bible and Ellen White’s writings, and more recently from modern scientific research, should be shared with the world, not only for our own care, but for the care of others as well.22
SOME CURRENT DATA
In December 2019, the COVID-19 virus began to spread dramatically worldwide. The aggressive virus that devastated many lives is estimated to have been the cause of more than seven million deaths.23 According to the research carried out by The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), some common predisposing factors for severe COVID infection include cancer, kidney, or liver disease; diabetes; depression; HIV infection, a sedentary lifestyle; obesity; smoking; and substance abuse.24 Many of these factors are associated with a lifestyle that is dissonant with what the Lord asks from us regarding care of our bodies.
Our Creator made us in His image and like- ness, but sin intervened, permanently distorting that image. Not getting sick is almost impossible in a world flooded with sin, but when we become ill, let us remember the words of Ellen White—nine out of 10 diseases have their origin in the mind. If we think about which emotions are distressing us and wearing down our mental energy, we will be able to eradicate the root of many problems. One of the most effective strategies is to take the time to perceive how our bodies are affected by stressful situations. We can pinpoint the specific parts of the body (abdomen, stomach, lumbar area, cervix, or head, for example) that change or produce pain because of stress, negative emotions, etc. This knowledge will help us address and reduce the effects of conflict, stress, and trauma on the body.
As the well-known advice goes, “Prevention is better than cure.” Whatever the situation, the Lord has given us the tools, examples, and necessary foundation to address both our own ailments and those of other people. The difficulty lies in discovering the specific cause and appropriate treatment of a condition before it becomes a chronic disease.
The first measure we should take to address this type of illness is prayer, asking for divine help to manage the situation that distresses us. Then, we should ask a trained professional for help, and evaluate how our life compares to the model set forth by our Creator. Furthermore, just as we would with other people, we should treat our body with love, compassion, and care, nourishing it, training it, and educating ourselves about optimal physical and mental health.
If we know someone who is sick or struggling with their mental state, we can, in a kind way, share information with them about how to resolve anxiety, and recommend that they seek professional advice if they feel overwhelmed.
PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL BENEFITS OF GENEROSITY
Generosity is a wonderful quality that not only benefits those who receive it, but also those who practice it. When we are generous with our time, affection, and attention, we not only improve the lives of others but also strengthen our own physical, emotional, and psychological health.
A clear biblical example of compassionate generosity is God’s interaction with Elijah when he was struggling with depression (1 Kings 19:3–18). Instead of telling him to pray more, to have faith, or to “tough it out,” God sent an angel to comfort him while he rested. Many times, this kind of generosity is the most effective form of aid for sick people, perhaps through helping with a household chore or running errands for them, keeping them company, praying silently for them, or simply listening without attempting to intervene. Sickness, including depression, often involves an internal process that people must experience on their own time, except when the severity of the case warrants intervention or there is a possibility of greater damage due to inaction.
CONCLUSION
For those who love God, all things work together for good (Romans 8:28). It can be difficult to understand at the moment that an ailment or illness can bring any good. If, however, we correct the habits and initial problems that trigger a disease, we can improve our quality of life and strengthen our character to achieve the wonderful life that God wants us to be able to experience.
Adrián Diel (Master's degree in health systems management, University of Buenos Aires, Argentina) is Director of Elite Care Rehabilitation Center in Entre Rios, Argentina. He also has a graduate degree in kinesiology and is a critical care and neurorehabilitation specialist and college professor at the University of Buenos Aires, Universidad Barcelo, and Montemorelos University. E-mail:
Recommended Citation
Adrián Diel, "Why do we get sick?," Dialogue 36:3 (2024): 5-9
Notes and References
1. Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press, 1948), 9:31.
2. Scripture references in this article are quoted from the New King JamesVersion of the Bible. Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
3. Mauricio Blanco-Molina, María Dolores Castro-Rojas, and Raúl Ortega-Moreno, “Envejecimiento saludable: un primer acercamiento a la revisión de indicadores subjetivos de salud en zonas urbanas y rurales [Healthy Aging: An Initial Review of Subjective Health Indicators in Urban and Rural Areas in Costa Rica],” Revista de psicología y ciencias afines40:2 (2023): 281–298: https://www.redalyc.org/journal/180/18074619018/html/.
4. César Alfredo Martínez Plaza, “Estrés laboral, factor de riesgo de accidente cerebrovascular,” Gestión práctica de riesgos laborales, 50 (2008): 14–22: https://dialnet.unirioja.es/servlet/ articulo?codigo=2908005.
5. Manolete S. Moscoso, “De la mente a la célula: impacto del estrés en psiconeuroinmunoendocrinología [From the Mind to the Cell: The Impact of Stress on Psiconeuroimmunoendocrinology],” Liberabit Revista Peruana de Psicología15:2 (2009): 143–152: http://www.scielo.org.pe/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid =S1729-48272009000200008.
6. Bruce S. McEwen, “Protective and Damaging Effects of Stress Mediators: Central Role of the Brain,” Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 8:4 (December 2006): 367–381: https://www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181832/.
7. White, Testimonies for the Church, 5:443.
8. Ibid
9. Garbayo et al., “Enfermedad ósea metastásica. Diagnóstico y tratamiento [Metastatic Bone Disease. Diagnosis and Treatment],” Anales del sistema sanitario de Navarra27 Supl. 3 (2004): 137–153: http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1137- 66272004000600014&lng=es&nrm=iso.
10. Juan W. Zinser, “Tabaquismo y cáncer de pulmón [Smoking and Lung Cancer],” Salud pública Mex[Internet] 61:3 (May–June 2019): 303–307. https://doi.org/10.21149/10088.
11. Ana Moreno Coutiño and María Elena Medina-Mora Icaza, “Tabaquismo y Depresión [Smoking and Depression],” Salud mental31:5 (September/October 2008): 409–415: https:// w w w.scielo.org.mx /scielo.php?script =sci_ ar t tex t&pid =S0185-33252008000500009; American Lung Association, “Behavioral Health and Tobacco Use Rates” (updated May 31, 2023): https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/smoking-facts/impact- of-tobacco-use/behavioral-health-tobacco-use.
12. World Health Organization, “Depressive Disorder (Depression)” (March 31, 2023): https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/ detail/depression.
13. Elisardo Becoña and María Carmen Míguez, “Consumo de tabaco y psicopatología asociada [Tobacco Use and Associated Psychopathology],” Psicooncología1:1 (2004): 99–112: https://core. ac.uk/reader/38820200.
14. American Cancer Society, “Health Risks of Smoking Tobacco” (n.d.): https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/tobacco/health- risks-of-tobacco/health-risks-of-smoking-tobacco.html.
15. Ellen G. White, Mind, Character, and Personality(Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald, 1958): 2:569, 570.
16. ____________, Christ Triumphant(Hagerstown, Md.: Review and Herald, 1991, 21.
17. ____________, Testimonies for the Church, volume 5, page 444; and , Mind, Character, and Personality, volume 1, page 59.
18. ____________, Counsels for the Church(Mountain View, Calif.: Pacific Press, 1957), 101.
19. Jordi Fernández Castro and Silvia Edo Izquierdo, “¿Cómo influye el control percibido en el impacto que tienen las emociones sobre la salud? [How Does Perceived Control Influence the Impact That Emotions Have on Health?]” Anales de psicología[Annals of Psychology] 10:2 (1994): 127–133: https://revistas.um.es/analesps/ article/view/29551.
20. Josefina Goberna Tricas, “La Enfermedad a lo largo de la historia: Un punto de mira entre la biología y la simbología,” Index de Enfermería13:47 (2004): 49–53: http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo. php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1132-12962004000300011&lng=es &nrm=iso. (No English version available.)
21. Merlin D. Burt.“Ellen G. White and Mental Health” (2011), Andrews University, http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12424/215067.
22. Denis Fortin, Understanding Ellen White: Chapter 8: https://m. egwwritings.org/en/book/13959.631.
23. World Health Organization, “Number of COVID-19 Deaths Reported to WHO (Cumulative Total)”: 7,074,400 (last updated November 3, 2024): https://data.who.int/dashboards/covid19/deaths.
24 S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Underlying Medical Conditions Associated With Higher Risk for Severe COVID- 19: Information for Healthcare Professionals” (updated April 12, 2024): https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical- care/underlyingconditions.html.