Is Obesity a Sin?

[Aquila]

Originally Posted by 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".

Yes, obesity is a sin.

[NotforSale]

Originally Posted by Aquila

Yes, obesity is a sin.

I thought I would look up the definition of sin. I think this word in definition is pretty accurate in describing anything we might do that may harm ourselves, or others. The Bible is also very clear that we are to care for our Temple, not abuse it with anything in excess.

–noun
1. transgression of divine law: the sin of Adam.
2. any act regarded as such a transgression, esp. a willful or deliberate violation of some religious or moral principle.
3. any reprehensible or regrettable action, behavior, lapse, etc.; great fault or offense: It's a sin to waste time.

We all sin, and self analysis is important for everyone. I can sin if I don't discuss this issue with the right spirit.

Aquila, did you watch the Video a few posts back? The Health ramifications of this problem in our Country are staggering. I hope we can somehow break out of this denial in the Church, as this does reflect our desire about caring for ourselves and our children.

A new study has shown, Cigarette smoking is less damaging to the body than being obese. If we continue to ignore these types of studies or stories like the one done on CBS, those on the outside looking in and our children will laugh off our adherence to uphold other commitments of abstinence.

[notofworks]

Originally Posted by Aquila

Yes, obesity is a sin.

Do you mind if all those people show up and start calling you names like they did me?

[Nitehawk013]

I have a hard time thinking God will entertain our requests for healing in a prayer line after we find out we have adult diabetes or loads of heart problems brought on by years of abusing ourselves when the factis....WE KNOW BETTER!

Now, He may show grace and mercy and bail some of us out by giving a healing, but overall...I think we get what we deserve. We reap what we sow.

[missourimary]

What if, rather than preaching against obesity, we taught that supersized Cokes were a sin, or Quarter Pounders with Cheese? Or pizza or chocolate?

Food and weight aren't easy to preach against. There is no harm in an occasional Coke or Quarter Pounder. They are not addictive (not really... but almost), and by watching intake of other foods we can have one without hurting our overall health.

I was able to sit through a group of classes several years ago where my pastor taught about basic living. He included diet (as in there are five basic food groups, and potato chips and catsup are NOT veggies) as part of the course. Several people later admitted this was the most helpful part of the class for them or their families.

Basic lessons on self control and moderation might also be in order... but those could apply to alcohol and movies and internet and (on and on)... too. That's scary to some people, and that may be why this method is avoided. However, this method would keep people from crash diets (also harmful) as well as giving opportunity to also discuss and speak out against anorexic and bulemic tendencies, which can also be a problem in churches today.

[NotforSale]

Originally Posted by missourimary

What if, rather than preaching against obesity, we taught that supersized Cokes were a sin, or Quarter Pounders with Cheese? Or pizza or chocolate?

Food and weight aren't easy to preach against. There is no harm in an occasional Coke or Quarter Pounder. They are not addictive (not really... but almost), and by watching intake of other foods we can have one without hurting our overall health.

I was able to sit through a group of classes several years ago where my pastor taught about basic living. He included diet (as in there are five basic food groups, and potato chips and catsup are NOT veggies) as part of the course. Several people later admitted this was the most helpful part of the class for them or their families.

Basic lessons on self control and moderation might also be in order... but those could apply to alcohol and movies and internet and (on and on)... too. That's scary to some people, and that may be why this method is avoided. However, this method would keep people from crash diets (also harmful) as well as giving opportunity to also discuss and speak out against anorexic and bulemic tendencies, which can also be a problem in churches today.

I don't know if you had a chance to watch the Video, but there were some interesting approaches to helping our society face and deal with this dilema.

They brought out how increased taxes on Cigarettes has helped this Country almost do an about face on Tabacco use. Taxing the known foods that are causing this problem (Sugared drinks, Fast Food joints, Vendors of processed foods) might help curve this slide into a National Health Crisis.

What is interesting, the cheapest foods are the worst for you. So, lets try and change that. Fresh fruits, Vegetables, Lean meats, and Organic type foods, lets bring these into the affordable price range and reward Americans for the right choice.

Stop the "giving away" of meals that almost cost nothing at Fast Food places, where cokes, fries, and a burger are killing us, and increase the taxes on this food that is sending so many to the hospital.

We had better do something before this goes any further.

I've thought about teaching some classes at our church about diet and exercise, which I think is a great idea. An educated people is a powerful people. This has also worked in the area of Tabacco use. Years of stringent advertising guidlines and commercials about how cigarettes kill have helped many to quit, or never even smoke.

[ForeverBlessed]

Originally Posted by NotforSale

I don't know if you had a chance to watch the Video, but there were some interesting approaches to helping our society face and deal with this dilema.

They brought out how increased taxes on Cigarettes has helped this Country almost do an about face on Tabacco use. Taxing the known foods that are causing this problem (Sugared drinks, Fast Food joints, Vendors of processed foods) might help curve this slide into a National Health Crisis.

What is interesting, the cheapest foods are the worst for you. So, lets try and change that. Fresh fruits, Vegetables, Lean meats, and Organic type foods, lets bring these into the affordable price range and reward Americans for the right choice.

Stop the "giving away" of meals that almost cost nothing at Fast Food places, where cokes, fries, and a burger are killing us, and increase the taxes on this food that is sending so many to the hospital.

We had better do something before this goes any further.

I've thought about teaching some classes at our church about diet and exercise, which I think is a great idea. An educated people is a powerful people. This has also worked in the area of Tabacco use. Years of stringent advertising guidlines and commercials about how cigarettes kill have helped many to quit, or never even smoke.

taxing anything takes away freedom. We are a free country. It is a matter of choice. It is not my business that someone smokes, abuses their bodies with sex, alcohol or whatever their vice is... am I concerned? yes, but more concerned as the abuse is a spiritual problem. However, it is their right and freedom... freedom to choose. Everyone is entitled to freedom to spend their money where and how they want to spend it if they earn it. If we choose bad roads to follow, it will lead to early death, but it is our right to choose.

We do NOT need government any bigger taxing foods, drinks and restaurants. This country does not need more regulations.

Anyway, you can't judge other people, especially questioning salvation because of the fact they carry extra weight or are obese. I do not believe condemning people for their failures work at all, and I don't care what the issue is. The fastest way to turn someone off is to have a skinny person harp on overweight issues... want to see a person with weight issues gain weight?? harp on their eating habits. I really don't know a fat person around who wants to really be that way. Many times they feel helpless and unable to succeed at losing.

Nothing annoys me more than to see people post on weight issues when they have never spent one day facing the stuggle. Generalizing the problem and lumping every over weight person in one group is annoying too....

I am an overweight woman but am healthy and has not been sick or to the doctor in over two years... and the last time I was at my family doctor was for preventative visit... my blood pressure runs low, my blood sugar is normal, my cholesterol is good. I exercise and I eat healthy. I am not a glutton, usually the only time I can honestly say that I don't eat right is from Thanksgiving till Christmas. I enjoy baking, and cooking.....it's fun.

I am not sinning because I am heavy... I gained weight as it snuck up on me over 10 years or so... lot easier to put it on and maintain than to lose it. We eat a lot of fruits, vegi's and whole grains...and I buy organic when I can... we eat really healthy foods... it is a rare, rare time to have hot dogs or processed foods in my fridge.

I have three daughters all raised with the same foods served to them, two were thin... one is heavier and has weight issues. Genetics does factor into this...I have apologize a zillion times for cursing her with the slow metabolism like my family, she even looks like my family... I just bought her a gym membership so she could go to the gym with me....oh, yeah, this overweight woman goes to the gym and has for years.

Does America in general eat the wrong foods... yes Food is a big part of entertainment where people enjoy cooking and eating out in restaurants. Taxing everything is NOT the answer....education is.

I think there does need to be more focus on healthy foods through education and promotion in health organizations.

I went to get a dental procedure done recently and they took my blood pressure before doing it... the nurse swings around and excited says "wow, great pressure, awesome!" I looked at her annoyed and told her it was high for me... I am stessed and nervous because of the procedure... it was 120/80Just because someone is overweight does not mean they are struggling with high blood pressure or other ailments. I get annoyed with every nurse that does that to me...

I can't stand people who think because someone is overweight they are gluttons, sickly with health issues, and now think they are sinners. now I am throughly annoyed... I think I will go to bed.

[NotforSale]

Originally Posted by ForeverBlessed

taxing anything takes away freedom. We are a free country. It is a matter of choice. It is not my business that someone smokes, abuses their bodies with sex, alcohol or whatever their vice is... am I concerned? yes, but more concerned as the abuse is a spiritual problem. However, it is their right and freedom... freedom to choose. Everyone is entitled to freedom to spend their money where and how they want to spend it if they earn it. If we choose bad roads to follow, it will lead to early death, but it is our right to choose.

We do NOT need government any bigger taxing foods, drinks and restaurants. This country does not need more regulations.

Anyway, you can't judge other people, especially questioning salvation because of the fact they carry extra weight or are obese. I do not believe condemning people for their failures work at all, and I don't care what the issue is. The fastest way to turn someone off is to have a skinny person harp on overweight issues... want to see a person with weight issues gain weight?? harp on their eating habits. I really don't know a fat person around who wants to really be that way. Many times they feel helpless and unable to succeed at losing.

Nothing annoys me more than to see people post on weight issues when they have never spent one day facing the stuggle. Generalizing the problem and lumping every over weight person in one group is annoying too....

I am an overweight woman but am healthy and has not been sick or to the doctor in over two years... and the last time I was at my family doctor was for preventative visit... my blood pressure runs low, my blood sugar is normal, my cholesterol is good. I exercise and I eat healthy. I am not a glutton, usually the only time I can honestly say that I don't eat right is from Thanksgiving till Christmas. I enjoy baking, and cooking.....it's fun.

I am not sinning because I am heavy... I gained weight as it snuck up on me over 10 years or so... lot easier to put it on and maintain than to lose it. We eat a lot of fruits, vegi's and whole grains...and I buy organic when I can... we eat really healthy foods... it is a rare, rare time to have hot dogs or processed foods in my fridge.

I have three daughters all raised with the same foods served to them, two were thin... one is heavier and has weight issues. Genetics does factor into this...I have apologize a zillion times for cursing her with the slow metabolism like my family, she even looks like my family... I just bought her a gym membership so she could go to the gym with me....oh, yeah, this overweight woman goes to the gym and has for years.

Does America in general eat the wrong foods... yes Food is a big part of entertainment where people enjoy cooking and eating out in restaurants. Taxing everything is NOT the answer....education is.

I think there does need to be more focus on healthy foods through education and promotion in health organizations.

I went to get a dental procedure done recently and they took my blood pressure before doing it... the nurse swings around and excited says "wow, great pressure, awesome!" I looked at her annoyed and told her it was high for me... I am stessed and nervous because of the procedure... it was 120/80Just because someone is overweight does not mean they are struggling with high blood pressure or other ailments. I get annoyed with every nurse that does that to me...

I can't stand people who think because someone is overweight they are gluttons, sickly with health issues, and now think they are sinners. now I am throughly annoyed... I think I will go to bed.

I sense your frustration, and apologize if this thread comes across as being overboard or critical in the wrong way.

I would kindly ask you to please to watch the program (Video) I posted. I think they did a fair job of covering this issue, without holding back the facts.

I have struggled with my weight in the past, and needed to make some serious life changes.

If anyone bashes overweight folks here, I don't agree with that approach. I hope somehow I've encouraged you to take a step in the right direction.

God Bless...NFS

[ForeverBlessed]

Originally Posted by NotforSale

I sense your frustration, and apologize if this thread comes across as being overboard or critical in the wrong way.

I would kindly ask you to please to watch the program (Video) I posted. I think they did a fair job of covering this issue, without holding back the facts.

I have struggled with my weight in the past, and needed to make some serious life changes.

If anyone bashes overweight folks here, I don't agree with that approach. I hope somehow I've encouraged you to take a step in the right direction.

God Bless...NFS

I just get annoyed at others judging others. Everyone has issues in their life somewhere... none are perfect...yet.

I have been eating extremely healthy foods for over a year now... I exercise and try to stay healthy. I am in the right direction...because I just want to be healthy.

see.. if you have a person suffering from COPD, you know that they probably smoked at some point in their life.... however, they can have the disease and not be a smoker.

You can have someone who is single and pregnant who doesn't have sex outside of marriage anymore....but they are still pregnant.... or someone can have a sexually transmitted disease, but no longer be sexually promiscuous.

someone could have cirrosis of the liver, but no longer drink, or never was a problem.

Just because someone is overweight does not mean they are unhealthy or that they are current overeaters... they could have been in the past, and they could have changed their habits... but still dealing with excess weight.

I have lost over 50lbs in the last several years... but then I started maintaining the current weight. So... when I am judged because of my weight, it annoys me.... especially when someone wants to say it is linked to my salvation.

[missourimary]

I didn't watch the video, sorry. Sounds interesting, though.

Taxes are helping people quit tobacco, too, BTW.

Most interesting thought to me: how can a fresh tomato cost $2/lb when a can of tomatoes (ie metal processing, slicing, dicing, preservatives, labelling) cost $.65 for 15 oz (1 oz less than a lb that sells fresh for $2)? There is NO WAY that processing a tomato reduces its overall price by $1.35/lb!!! OK, so add water, but you still have a cost reduction by putting it through so many processes. No way.