Obesity in the Body of Christ

[NotforSale]

Attached is an excellent article about Obesity in Christianity. Here are a couple of paragraphs from the article;

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), obesity is now the number one health threat facing Americans — and the church is certainly not immune.

A new study recently published by Purdue University Professor Ken Ferraro examined the relationships between religion and both body mass index (BMI) and obesity. The study found that church members tend to be more overweight than the general population, and Baptists, including Southern Baptists, have the distinction of being the most overweight religious group in the study.

Unfortunately, our own statistics lend support to Ferraro's findings. Each year at the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, GuideStone Financial Resources and LifeWay's LeaderCare ministry sponsor a Wellness Center where convention messengers can take advantage of a free health screening. An Executive Summary Report of Wellness Center statistics for the 2005 convention showed that more than 75 percent of the 1,472 participants who completed the screening were found to be significantly overweight. Compare this to the national estimate that approximately 65 percent of adults are considered overweight, and you see a problem that the church must address.

This paragraph is very interesting, linking the death rates of Obesity, second only to Tabacco-related deaths;

As obesity rates rise in the U.S., so do rates of diseases associated with obesity. In a press release by the CDC, director Jeffrey P. Koplan said, "Overweight and physical inactivity account for more than three hundred thousand premature deaths each year in the U.S., second only to tobacco-related deaths. Obesity," he continued, "is an epidemic and should be taken as seriously as any infectious disease epidemic. Obesity and overweight are linked to the nation's number one killer — heart disease — as well as diabetes and other chronic conditions."

http://www.sbclife.org/Articles/2007/01/SLA8.asp

[mfblume]

It is an epidemic and is the one thing many many many apostolics also simply disregard in ensuring they deal with it.

[Adam]

When everything else is forbidden, food can be a real comfort.

[Aquila]

South Beach....

I was on this diet and lost a total of 70 lbs. And 18 lbs. of that was in the first two weeks.

http://www.southbeachdiet.com/sbd/publicsite/index.aspx

http://www.southbeach-diet-plan.com/

[mfblume]

When everything else is forbidden, food can be a real comfort.

Precisely! Addiction will come through one way or another, and avoidance of things that go against some people's standards does not mean addiction has truly been dealt with.

[NotforSale]

When everything else is forbidden, food can be a real comfort.

I saying I made up; "He who indulges in nothing, will overindulge in something."

[NotforSale]

It is an epidemic and is the one thing many many many apostolics also simply disregard in ensuring they deal with it.

Mike, that's one thing I don't understand; disregard for an obvious problem. I believe this has created much doubt about our real intensions in Faith.

We are known for our pulpit-pounding on many issues of sin, but tread lightly around the issue of obesity. The size of our Clergy is one reason.

I do feel though, that this might be a blessing in disguise. This shows how radical or strong Religion loses focus and becomes blind concerning their own demise.

[NotforSale]

South Beach....

I was on this diet and lost a total of 70 lbs. And 18 lbs. of that was in the first two weeks.

http://www.southbeachdiet.com/sbd/publicsite/index.aspx

http://www.southbeach-diet-plan.com/

Awesome, Chris!

Keep it off!! Many who lose weight, gain it back if they don't have a maintenance program that follows.

[mfblume]

Mike, that's one thing I don't understand; disregard for an obvious problem. I believe this has created much doubt about our real intensions in Faith.

We are known for our pulpit-pounding on many issues of sin, but tread lightly around the issue of obesity. The size of our Clergy is one reason.

I do feel though, that this might be a blessing in disguise. This shows how radical or strong Religion loses focus and becomes blind concerning their own demise.
Good thought.

And gluttony is even directly mentioned in the bible. Now, not all obese people are gluttons.
Some have health issues and Thyroid problems. But many are.

[NorCal]

Sounds like they need to run the isles more!!!

Wish we could see that study broken down into religious sects.

[CC1]

Finally! A thread on a subject I am an expert on.

I was the guy who tried desperately to gain weight in High School and college. Drank milkshakes, etc. My first semester at Bible college when I was 17 I could still wear a boys size 20 suit!

When I got married in 1980 I weighed about 145 lbs and had a 28 1/2" waist. Now almost 31 years later I weight 202 lbs and have a 38" waist. Arghhhh!!!!!

12 years ago when I had a 34" waist I went o a simple diet and exercise program. Completely lost my gut (20 lbs) and 2" in my waist down to 32". That lasted a year until a job move had me alone in a city for weeks at a time getting ready to move there. Comfort food entered my life again and even though I had promised myself I would never get fat again I did. I didn't just fall off the wagon, I leapt off.

I have been miserable for about a year now so I am about to start a serious dieting program, the simple one I did before. I had a thin 70 or so page book written by an MD that basicly said to not worry about calories but limit your fat intake to 40 grams per day six days a week then eat whatever you want one day a week. In addition there are simple exercises you do 20 minutes per day 6 days a week that work on your stomach muscles. No equipment needed as most were types of crunches and situps. Worked a miracle in 3 months 12 years ago so I am counting on it to do the same again!

The only down side is that if I am no longer fat I won't be able to tweak fat pentecostal women. I feel like I can get away with it now because I am fat also. If I lose the weight then I am just being mean and taking potshots. LOL

[Hoovie]

Good luck CC1! that sounds exciting. When do you 'kick off" the program/life change??


Seems I have to lose about ten lbs every Spring. I like the South Beach Diet.

[tv1a]

Billy Cole is one that comes to mind.
It is an epidemic and is the one thing many many many apostolics also simply disregard in ensuring they deal with it.

[coadie]

Good thought.

And gluttony is even directly mentioned in the bible. Now, not all obese people are gluttons.
Some have health issues and Thyroid problems. But many are.

Not all gluttons are obese.

They want to ban guns to stop killing. Next they should ban silverware. It is the silverware what done it.

The only cultural flaw I see in this is once or twice a week people get out of church, still excited and have a large meal late.

[Praxeas]

The News reported today researchers believe there is a gene in humans passed on from our ancestors that helps people pack on fat for the lean months when food is scarce.

Anyways, why do baptist have a lot of fat people? What is the coorolation between being fat and being baptist?

[Adam]

The News reported today researchers believe there is a gene in humans passed on from our ancestors that helps people pack on fat for the lean months when food is scarce.

Well, there is the Genotype Diet. I've been on it before. It is a very good diet.

http://www.genotypediet.com/

[mfblume]

Many great people of God have passed away due to lack of good health and complications from obesity. What a shame. This epidemic needs to stop.

[Sam]

The News reported today researchers believe there is a gene in humans passed on from our ancestors that helps people pack on fat for the lean months when food is scarce.

Anyways, why do baptist have a lot of fat people? What is the coorolation between being fat and being baptist?

Apostolic/Pentecostals have their share of fat people too.

[NorCal]

"For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." 1 Tim 4:8

I think even then they did some exercise. That was a big thing in the Greek culture.

[NotforSale]

Finally! A thread on a subject I am an expert on.

I was the guy who tried desperately to gain weight in High School and college. Drank milkshakes, etc. My first semester at Bible college when I was 17 I could still wear a boys size 20 suit!

When I got married in 1980 I weighed about 145 lbs and had a 28 1/2" waist. Now almost 31 years later I weight 202 lbs and have a 38" waist. Arghhhh!!!!!

12 years ago when I had a 34" waist I went o a simple diet and exercise program. Completely lost my gut (20 lbs) and 2" in my waist down to 32". That lasted a year until a job move had me alone in a city for weeks at a time getting ready to move there. Comfort food entered my life again and even though I had promised myself I would never get fat again I did. I didn't just fall off the wagon, I leapt off.

I have been miserable for about a year now so I am about to start a serious dieting program, the simple one I did before. I had a thin 70 or so page book written by an MD that basicly said to not worry about calories but limit your fat intake to 40 grams per day six days a week then eat whatever you want one day a week. In addition there are simple exercises you do 20 minutes per day 6 days a week that work on your stomach muscles. No equipment needed as most were types of crunches and situps. Worked a miracle in 3 months 12 years ago so I am counting on it to do the same again!

The only down side is that if I am no longer fat I won't be able to tweak fat pentecostal women. I feel like I can get away with it now because I am fat also. If I lose the weight then I am just being mean and taking potshots. LOL

CC1, good luck!! 22 years ago I had packed on some extra weight and saw a danger sign in my future if I didn't make some serious changes in my diet and activity level.

I've kept the weight off, and I would have to honestly say that exercise is the key to keeping if off. When you exercise, you're more likely to monitor what you eat.

I've seen so many people put the weight back on because they focused too much on the food aspect of losing extra pounds. It is also obvious, Americans are far less active than previous generations (media indulgence/video games/TV/Internet/Travel) and the following in parentheses are reasons why.

And, exercise also contributes to good cardio vascular health, muscle tone, and overall mental health.

[NotforSale]

"For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." 1 Tim 4:8

I think even then they did some exercise. That was a big thing in the Greek culture.

This Scripture was promoted during a time in history when people had little trouble with being active.

Americans are way too dormant, and this has caused severe depression, anxiety, and obesity.

Balance is the key to all things in life. :thumbsup

[NotforSale]

The News reported today researchers believe there is a gene in humans passed on from our ancestors that helps people pack on fat for the lean months when food is scarce.

Anyways, why do baptist have a lot of fat people? What is the coorolation between being fat and being baptist?

I'd be curious about the results if they did the study amongst Apostolics. I'm sure we would be about the same as the Baptists.

Apparently the study went beyond the Baptists, but much of this particular article is focused on this Denomination.

[mfblume]

"For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." 1 Tim 4:8

I think even then they did some exercise. That was a big thing in the Greek culture.

lol. Exercise here is not what you think.

It is talking about salvation by works.

[NorCal]

lol. Exercise here is not what you think.

It is talking about salvation by works.

If you put these things before the brothers,[a] you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have(N) followed. 7Have nothing to do with irreverent,(O) silly myths. Rather(P) train yourself for godliness; 8for while(Q) bodily training is of some value, godliness(R) is of value in every way, as(S) it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9The saying is(T) trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10For to this end we toil and strive,[b] because we have our hope set on the living God,(U) who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

I don't think it was talking about salvation by works.

γυμνασία = discipline
Bodily Discipline
σωματικὴ γυμνασία

You could take it either way. I think of it as the phrase that Abraham said "God will provide himself a lamb." We know that God did provide a lamb that day, but he also provided HIMSELF as THE LAMB for all mankind.

So in essence the verse is saying, no matter what you do in this life, Godliness is profitable unto all things.

[kclee4jc]

When everything else is forbidden, food can be a real comfort.

Exactly! These ignorant apostolic preachers have to go and preach against all the fun stuff in life. Preaching holiness and a life of purity really sets them up for problems with obesity. Great point..

[NotforSale]

If you put these things before the brothers,[a] you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have(N) followed. 7Have nothing to do with irreverent,(O) silly myths. Rather(P) train yourself for godliness; 8for while(Q) bodily training is of some value, godliness(R) is of value in every way, as(S) it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9The saying is(T) trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10For to this end we toil and strive,[b] because we have our hope set on the living God,(U) who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

I don't think it was talking about salvation by works.

γυμνασία = discipline
Bodily Discipline
σωματικὴ γυμνασία

You could take it either way. I think of it as the phrase that Abraham said "God will provide himself a lamb." We know that God did provide a lamb that day, but he also provided HIMSELF as THE LAMB for all mankind.

So in essence the verse is saying, no matter what you do in this life, Godliness is profitable unto all things.

I tend to agree that this verse about exercise is talking about the physical. I also feel that certain aspects of Scripture fall short of scientific data. In the day that this was written, they didn't have the ability to test and determine the true value of exercise. They may have only viewed exercise from the perspective of a Game or a Coliseum.

Today, they have found that almost every known disease to the human body can be medicated with exercise, and some diseases can even be cured by a consistent training program. From depression to cancer, exercise is one of man's greatest tools for a good life.

I ride about 6000 miles a year on my bicycle, hike, walk, and lift weights, and these have helped me endure many obstacles, including running my own business for over 25 years. Staying fit has helped me to maintain a spiritual focus, while also portraying a good example in the Church I pastor.

[Praxeas]

Apostolic/Pentecostals have their share of fat people too.
Yes that was already said before and it was attributed to not being allowed to do anything?

But the article used Baptists as an example and I want to know what the reason is

[Praxeas]

I'd be curious about the results if they did the study amongst Apostolics. I'm sure we would be about the same as the Baptists.

Apparently the study went beyond the Baptists, but much of this particular article is focused on this Denomination.
But does it say why? That is what I want to know. Is it the same reason in all denominations?

[NorCal]

I tend to agree that this verse about exercise is talking about the physical. I also feel that certain aspects of Scripture fall short of scientific data. In the day that this was written, they didn't have the ability to test and determine the true value of exercise. They may have only viewed exercise from the perspective of a Game or a Coliseum.

Today, they have found that almost every known disease to the human body can be medicated with exercise, and some diseases can even be cured by a consistent training program. From depression to cancer, exercise is one of man's greatest tools for a good life.

I ride about 6000 miles a year on my bicycle, hike, walk, and lift weights, and these have helped me endure many obstacles, including running my own business for over 25 years. Staying fit has helped me to maintain a spiritual focus, while also portraying a good example in the Church I pastor.

I neither stated you should, or shouldn't. If you read the verse it does not state that it is a sin. Just that it profiteth little. So having a disciplined body (physical and works) is profitable, but Godliness is profitable unto ALL things.

Guess what, if you are waking door to door witnessing about Christ, there is you exercise. But those that spend hours every day in the "gym" or doing good works at the local homeless shelter are only profiting a little.

[Subdued]

http://webcast.berkeley.edu/event_details.php?webcastid=21216

Here is a good start.

[NotforSale]

I neither stated you should, or shouldn't. If you read the verse it does not state that it is a sin. Just that it profiteth little. So having a disciplined body (physical and works) is profitable, but Godliness is profitable unto ALL things.

Guess what, if you are waking door to door witnessing about Christ, there is you exercise. But those that spend hours every day in the "gym" or doing good works at the local homeless shelter are only profiting a little.

So, do you walk door to door for exercise???? Give me a break!! :lol

I've spoken with countless people during our group rides, and many have given their life to God. You obviously have no idea what it means to come together with others who are trying to stay physically healthy.

Remember, when you exercise with others, you build relationship. Going door to door doesn't work anymore, and people don't trust the Religious who knock on their door.

[NotforSale]

But does it say why? That is what I want to know. Is it the same reason in all denominations?

Come on Prax, it's not rocket science to see that Apostolics are overweight.

[mfblume]

If you put these things before the brothers,[a] you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have(N) followed. 7Have nothing to do with irreverent,(O) silly myths. Rather(P) train yourself for godliness; 8for while(Q) bodily training is of some value, godliness(R) is of value in every way, as(S) it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9The saying is(T) trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10For to this end we toil and strive,[b] because we have our hope set on the living God,(U) who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

I don't think it was talking about salvation by works.

γυμνασία = discipline
Bodily Discipline
σωματικὴ γυμνασία

You could take it either way. I think of it as the phrase that Abraham said "God will provide himself a lamb." We know that God did provide a lamb that day, but he also provided HIMSELF as THE LAMB for all mankind.

So in essence the verse is saying, no matter what you do in this life, Godliness is profitable unto all things.

God did not intend us to think He would provide himself AS a sacrifice in the words to Arbaham. I think that is an example of some common errors of interpretation. We try to find oneness in too many things. lol.

Exercise:

GILL:
There ought to be an exercise of the body, or a presenting of that in religious worship before God; there should be an outward attendance on the word and ordinances; but then, without internal godliness, this will be of little advantage: it is indeed showing an outward regard to public worship, and may be a means of keeping persons out of bad company, and from doing evil things; but if this is trusted to, and depended on, it will be of no avail to everlasting life; see Luk_13:26


Barnes:

“Bodily exercise” here refers, doubtless, to the mortifications of the body by abstinence and penance which the ancient devotees, and particularly the Essenes, made so important as a part of their religion. The apostle does not mean to say that bodily exercise is in itself improper, or that no advantage can be derived from it in the preservation of health, but he refers to it solely as a means of religion; as supposed to promote holiness of heart and of life. By these bodily austerities it was supposed that the corrupt passions would be subdued, the wanderings of an unholy fancy lettered down, and the soul brought into conformity to God. In opposition to this supposition, the apostle has here stated a great principle which experience has shown to be universally correct, that such austerities do little to promote holiness, but much to promote superstition. There must be a deeper work on the soul than any which can be accomplished by the mere mortification of the body; see the notes on Col_2:23, and compare 1Co_9:25-27.


I think Paul was speaking of asceticism.

[Hoovie]

So, do you walk door to door for exercise???? Give me a break!! :lol

I've spoken with countless people during our group rides, and many have given their life to God. You obviously have no idea what it means to come together with others who are trying to stay physically healthy.

Remember, when you exercise with others, you build relationship. Going door to door doesn't work anymore, and people don't trust the Religious who knock on their door.

Generally speaking I think this is true. I know I don't trust them when they knock on my door - whether they be fly-by-night steak salesmen or someone peddling religion.

[NotforSale]

Generally speaking I think this is true. I know I don't trust them when they knock on my door - whether they be fly-by-night steak salesmen or someone peddling religion.

Yeah, all my dog does is BARK her head off, while we're telling her to, "SHUT UP"!! :dogpat

Door knocking is a very poor way to spread anything, including the Gospel. People are burned out on being bothered when they are at home, trying to relax after working all day.

Trust is something gained through time, and this requires patience and long term exposure to someone's personal life.

[NotforSale]

God did not intend us to think He would provide himself AS a sacrifice in the words to Arbaham. I think that is an example of some common errors of interpretation. We try to find oneness in too many things. lol.

Exercise:

GILL:
There ought to be an exercise of the body, or a presenting of that in religious worship before God; there should be an outward attendance on the word and ordinances; but then, without internal godliness, this will be of little advantage: it is indeed showing an outward regard to public worship, and may be a means of keeping persons out of bad company, and from doing evil things; but if this is trusted to, and depended on, it will be of no avail to everlasting life; see Luk_13:26


Barnes:

“Bodily exercise” here refers, doubtless, to the mortifications of the body by abstinence and penance which the ancient devotees, and particularly the Essenes, made so important as a part of their religion. The apostle does not mean to say that bodily exercise is in itself improper, or that no advantage can be derived from it in the preservation of health, but he refers to it solely as a means of religion; as supposed to promote holiness of heart and of life. By these bodily austerities it was supposed that the corrupt passions would be subdued, the wanderings of an unholy fancy lettered down, and the soul brought into conformity to God. In opposition to this supposition, the apostle has here stated a great principle which experience has shown to be universally correct, that such austerities do little to promote holiness, but much to promote superstition. There must be a deeper work on the soul than any which can be accomplished by the mere mortification of the body; see the notes on Col_2:23, and compare 1Co_9:25-27.


I think Paul was speaking of asceticism.

Interesting...:hmmm

[Praxeas]

But does it say why? That is what I want to know. Is it the same reason in all denominations?

Come on Prax, it's not rocket science to see that Apostolics are overweight.
Please re-read what posted. I didn't say there aren't Apostolics that are overweight

I asked WHY and is the reason baptists are overweight the same for all denominations?