Health And Wholeness: Toward A Biblical Worldview

Michael Sokupa, Phd, Thd

Abstract

Introduction

I appreciate the thought that has gone into the selection of the theme for this forum. It is not only a relevant topic, but a necessary one as we seek a biblical foundation for all our teachings and practice. The early pioneers of the Seventh-day Adventist church focused on developing doctrines through rigorous Bible study. This Biblical foundation for doctrines was a consistent pattern that shaped most of what we have today as the fundamental beliefs. The health message was however given in a series of visions to Ellen G. White. Her major health vision was given in 1863. Therefore, seeking a biblical foundation for health and wholeness should not exclude this important milestone in the Seventh-day Adventist church. Embarking on this journey goes beyond an academic pursuit, it needs to translate into the practical application of Biblical principles in the daily life of a Christian.

 There are questions that need a serious inquiry into Scripture by investigating the multiple genres of Scripture. The narratives, poetry, historical, prophetic, gospels, epistolary apocalypse, etc., all have to be explored to understand this topic comprehensively. There are a number of "holistic” health approaches that emerge out of a number of world-religions, including African Traditional Religions. These have sought to harness health to this idea of connectedness. The idea of wholeness is so broad in its scope that it is almost impossible to define without excluding anything important. This forum brings various models that will hopefully blend to create a mosaic that draws from Scripture as a source, to create a beautiful tapestry that will serve a world-wide church such as we are.

The idea of setting the foundation for health and wholeness in Scripture allows other disciplines to build on that foundation. There is Biblical theology, systematic theology, practical theology, missiology, etc., that need to interact with this theme from their perspective to enrich its applicability. There is an important field of health and medicine that engages this topic as well. This enriches the discussion even further. We need to stimulate discussion in this multi-disciplinary context, hoping that this will create an environment where we present a harmonious health message that draws primarily from Scripture and from the writings of Ellen G. White, and from all these fields of expertise within our church. I am truly privileged to have been invited to be part of this discussion, as we listen to each other may the experience we have at this forum be of benefit to the diverse communities that form part of the Seventh-day Adventist church world-wide. We need to stimulate discussion in this multi-disciplinary context, hoping that this will create an environment where we present a harmonious health message that draws primarily from Scripture and from the writings of Ellen G. White, and from all these fields of expertise within our church. I am truly privileged to have been invited to be part of this discussion, as we listen to each other may the experience we have at this forum be of benefit to the diverse communities that form part of the Seventh-day Adventist church world-wide.