Is Obesity a Sin?
 

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".

:treadmill::situps::walking:

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

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

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

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

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

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

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

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.

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

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.

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

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

And welcome to AFF.

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

The Dr. did not think I was overweight. I'm 198 lbs. I had a few problems and they wanted me to start taking pills. I told them no thank you, not at this time. What else could I do to help control my problem. Their answer, watch what you eat. I did. In three months I was tested again and so far so good.

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

Is Gluttony a sin??? Yes, because it is something that takes over your time and ability to focus on what is healthy (physically and spiritually). Is being obese a sin? Perhaps. If food it something you are gluttonous about then it is bad. Like you, it kills me that preachers scream about the body being a temple so people don't tattoo and paint it up, but yet they fill it with things that are FAR more unhealthy than tattoos and makeup.

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

Well, that's not the only reason why we don't wear make-up. But yeah.

Sigh. Another one of those "fat preachers are hypocrites" thread.

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

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. :gift

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

Excellent post!

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

Just a side note: Don't assume that everyone who is obese is that way because they overeat or don't exercise. There are some serious health issues that cause people to be overweight as well, no matter how little they eat or how much they exercise. (Cushings disease, Adrenal insufficiency, etc)

If this turns into another bash the overweight minister thread, I will petition the rest of admin team to allow me to close it. Once this week was enough....... for those who ended up getting the other thread locked -please don't ruin another thread that started out in the right way.

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

What is obese? Do we go by the gov't guideline? By their guideline I am a sinner. If I was to qualify as saint in this regard I'd be a stick and would weigh what I weighed as a freshman in high school when I wore 28" waist jeans. Am I a sinner then? Maybe. If so then it is because of grace that I say grace at every meal. :)

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

Make sure you include exercise in your routine. Eating the right foods, alone, is not enough. At least 3-4 days a week of 30 minutes or more of cardio work (heart rate above 120). I live in the Northwest so I have to resort to my indoor bicycle to keep myself intact (in shape) in the winter. I'll also do some light weight training to tone my upper body.

Your heart is a muscle and must be exercised otherwise it becomes "flabby". The more you exercise you will also lower your heart rate. This is good. The resting heart rate of an exeptional athlete can be as low as the mid 30's (30 BPM). This is extreme. Mine is around 55, which is considered very good.

Buy a blood pressure device for home. This is great for checking yourself.

I'm 48 years old and have exercised faithfully for the last 21 years. Being in the Marine Corps, they kind of put it in you to PT (Physical training). You never forget.

Because of this, I watch what I eat, my weight is under control, and my blood pressure is excellent. No pills for me, either. This also helps me in my overall well being as a Pastor. The saints appreciate when they see I take care of myself. They will also ask for advice when seeking for change in thier own life.

God Bless: christmasfire

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

"Bodily exercise profiteth little." What was the scripture? Another Scriptural fallacy! Doh! Wait, I have to understand that in context? :)

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

I've often wondered about this.

I was raised to believe that smoking was a sin that would send one to hell.

However, as I grew older, and began to reason some things out for myself, I realized that that argument was faulty, unless we could classify overeating as a sin, as well.

I realize that smoking is an entirely needless habit, but so is eating fast food.

I agree with others that obesity is not necessarily caused by overeating, there are people with thyroid problems, etc.

But, if a person is obese because they over eat, and they put their bodies at risk willingly with the wrong foods and/or wrong amounts of food, what's the difference in that or smoking a cigarette?

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

There's not a huge difference. Most will agree. We should keep our bodies healthy. Of course one's standard of "healthy" will vary. But in general, we should strive to be healthy. Cigarette smoking is pretty intentional and is not paired or coupled with something we do of necessity... like eat.

Eating fast food is okay now and then... then you get into poor people who can't afford much for eating. Or students who have little money and have to practically live on fast food, which basically are conveniences in our world today. Hmmm... I think everyone could leave this discussion confidence that we should care for ourselves and tend to our health with diligence.

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

I agree with you, smoking is entirely intentional, and has no nutritional value, whatsoever.

And, I'm not one of those people who consider every overweight person lost, or a hypocrite, lol.

And, I also realize that in America, it's extremely difficult to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet - it's disheartening sometimes to try to shop for healthy things in the local supermarket, even the so called healthy products contain massive amounts of sugar, sodium, artificial preservatives, etc.

Couple that with the largely sedentary lifestyle of most Americans, and it's rare to find people that are perfectly healthy.

But, I do think that maybe we've done folks a small disservice by not stressing the importance of physical health in the grand scheme of "living life, and that more abundantly".

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

[QUOTE=Refugee;662193]
But, I do think that maybe we've done folks a small disservice by not stressing the importance of physical health in the grand scheme of "living life, and that more abundantly".[/QUOTE]

Completely Agree.

haha But I can see it now. Some churches that have no balance, inviting Richard Simmons out to tell us how to be "godly" lol

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

:santathumb

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

Hi Tina,

I realize there are many who have an illness or a disability that keeps them from balance in this area. This post, by no means, is intended to hurt them or make them feel inferior.

Keep in mind though, we can easily see how America has fallen in this area. In the Asian community, until recently, they were the healthiest people on earth. Good diet, staying active, and keeping thier weight down was the reason. Rice and fish were mainstays. These foods have been proven to be excellent for the body.

Now that western culture has entered thier countries, they have seen a staggering increase in the diseases related to American living. Cancer and heart disease were virtually unheard of in some countries, until we came in with our fast food craze and eat anything mentallity.

There is a religious organization in America that is considered the healthiest than any other; The Seventh Day Adventist. This is because they adhere to strict diet conviction. Thier stats prove a tremendous payoff for eating right and exercising, while giving us good example to follow.

I hope we can learn the blessing of this. God Bless you.

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

[QUOTE=2020Vision;662203]I think some folks think "Sweatin' to the Oldies" means running the aisles to "I'll Fly Away"!

Which, at least many Apostolic churches still allow dancing and running the aisles, at least folks are getting some exercise!

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

I don't disagree with what you're saying here. But I believe that the increase in illnesses in developing countries has been traced more to environmental degradation than diet.

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

I agree somewhat, with lack of clean water being one of them.

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

True. The eviroment has changed drastically and things like Chernobyl proved what can happen by man's inventions going sour.

It has been proven though, when the diet of these countries changed, so did thier health.

Garbage in, garbage out. It wouldn't surprise me if our food itself has things in it that we know nothing about. This also the result of enviromental change.

Obesity though, is the result of too much of one thing and not enough of the other; this is a fact. And this imbalance has led to soring medical costs and a pharmacutical industry that's rubbing thier hands together with glee.

The real sad thing is that we lose and we suffer for this, unless we stand up and do something about it.

Thanks, NFS

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

What's funny, I'm a pastor and I struggle with this verse, too. When I tell the saints to exercise, "But Pastor, it profiteth LITTLE". I mean, uh, well, uh yeah, I know, but, you know (not trying to sound like Obama here)................

I just say, "A little means a whole lot to the Lord".

How do you like that "context"????

:slaphappy

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

I totally agree with you about the obesity factor and the impact the environment has on our food. The latter is one benefit of organic foods.

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

That will preach!!!!!!!!!! :jolly

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

You are correct. I forget to say exercise. My wife has BP problems so she keeps a check on me also.
As a minister, one of the things my org. encourages is for us to have yearly checkups.
I wish everyone would do it.

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

Yes, fat people are going to hell.

BTW, some of you need to do a study on gluttony so you can understand the definition.

Hint: It's not the mere act of overeating.

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

And, where did you read that anyone said fat people are going to hell?

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

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.

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

Michael, you know as well as I do that since gluttony is a sin, and gluttonous people are fat, then fat people are going to hell!! Elementary, Watson!:gotcha

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

To my knowledge that is the only reason that you don't wear makeup...I think it is crock honestly. If one has the conviction against it that is fine, but it should not be a corporate thing, IMO.

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

I agree, my mother was one of them.

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

[QUOTE=Refugee;662209]This is funny and true, but from what I have seen is that running a lap does little help bodily health. It does actually raise one heart rate rather quickly and if they are no in great shape it can acutally do damage. If they ran several laps starting slowly then increasing pace until an all out sprint they would benefit much, much more and not be out of breath at the end, or at least not be "AS" out of breath.

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

True. It's meaning is broader than food alone. Since you brought it up why don't you share your findings with us.

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

I've studied gluttony and it has more to do with over-indulgence of appetities. It also comes from a time when the rich would show off their wealth by eating until they were sick. It's about appetites.

I think the point is being made though, gluttony aside, that we should take care of the temple, which includes just making better decisions with how we eat. I don't think anyone agrees that "fat people are going to hell", not the least of reason being that obesity has many reasons. I can eat the same diet as you but gain more weight. Doesn't mean my eating is out of control. I agree with the premise to the extent that we should take more care of our temples in all things. It certainly is not as black and white as puffing on a cigar.

Re: Is Obesity a Sin?
 

Well, you're certainly entitled to your opinion. Since it's to your knowledge, you certainly have not sat down with the topic before. But I'll let you leave it as a "crock". Have fun with your pancake batter.