Faith
Faith and Medicine: Wisdom from Scripture
Faith Facts
- The Bible does not prohibit wise use of medicine.
- Christian heritage has advanced healing through both prayer and medical knowledge.
- Scripture calls us to value knowledge and love our neighbor, including care for their health.
Todd White’s view equating modern medicine with witchcraft does not stand on biblical ground. His call to abandon medicine not only misrepresents faith, but endangers lives and contradicts Christian teaching.
Citing the Greek word ‘pharmakeia’ for sorcery, White denounces pharmaceuticals and encourages believers to reject modern treatments.
“Logic and reason are enemies of faith,” White said, urging congregants to throw away medicine.
Yet the Bible honors both faith and reason. Christian pioneers like Florence Nightingale shaped modern healthcare, inspired by their call from God.
God utilized doctors—even Luke, whom Paul calls “the beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14)—to serve and heal.
Jesus affirmed the importance of doctors when He said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick” (Luke 5:31).
Scripture shows practical examples of medical care, as when oil and wine were used to treat wounds (Luke 10:34), and when Isaiah instructed using figs for healing (Isaiah 38:21).
Biblical wisdom encourages prayer as well as stewardship of medical advances, blessing generations with improved health and hope.
Misinformation can cause grave harm, contrary to Christ’s command to love our neighbors (Matthew 22:39) and the biblical warning that people “are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6).
Let us thank God for medical breakthroughs, uphold biblical stewardship, and compassionately care for others with both prayer and practical help. Faith, hope, and healing are gifts from God for the good of all.