My Own Thoughts

During the past few years, I have become more aware of how diverse a group Christians are.  Scripture makes it clear that it is through faith in   Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection that we are brought into a right relationship with God the Father.  But there are many gray areas in the Bible, and we need to carefully examine the Scriptures and seek God's will for us in various areas.  Our beliefs about how women should wear their hair, how we should dress, what type of music we should listen to, whether people today should speak in tongues, and when and if the church will be raptured., for example, will not affect our eternal destiny, but they can, if not handled carefully and with respect for other  believers, cause division in the Body of Christ. 

   Why do I bring this up?  In Training Our Daughters to Be Keepers at Home, Mrs. Ward has included several items about which I have opinions different from hers. I would like to mention these, not to stir up dissention, but simply to share my thoughts with you.

First, Mrs. Ward gently, but firmly, states her belief that women are not to wear pants.  Her reasons are good, and worthy of your consideration.  But I believe this is an issue about which every woman must decide between herself, her husband, and the Lord.  Frankly, I can't see myself doing housework or gardening in a dress. But I do believe a woman should look like a woman, no matter what she's wearing.

Second, during the seventh year, you are to read and discuss Better Health with Foot Reflexology.  This method, also known as zone therapy or compression massage, involves applying massage to a person's feet at specific points in order to bring about the desired healing.  This theory has its roots in Chinese medicine.  Foot reflexology is always to be done in conjunction with traditional medicine (stated in the book); therefore, in my mind, you cannot be certain as to what brought about the desired healing or effect.  Although there can be no harm in foot massage (as a method of relaxation it's great!), I find the entire theory behind reflexology to be absurd.  But please, judge for yourself.

Lastly, just a caution about herbal medicine.  No one can dispute the role that plants have played in the development of many medications (aspirin, for one).  But I am concerned about the lack of regulation surrounding herbal products, as well as the apparent lack of understanding by the average consumer that herbs are indeed drugs.  The amount of active ingredient in a product can vary from brand to brand, even though the listings on the container are identical.  Some herbs are dangerous to people with certain conditions, but this information is not printed on labels.  And other herbs are harmful in general, yet I have seen them listed in the catalog of a well-known company which sells herbal preparations.  Again, I urge caution and research before attempting to self-medicate.  Please - check with an herbalist or consult a good book before taking herbal remedies.  Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld has written a book called Dr. Rosenfeld's Guide to Alternative Medicine, which is very balanced in this area.  Look for it in your local library.  Another excellent resource is Prescription for Nutritional Healing.

Please be aware that these are only my opinions.  If you don't agree, that's fine, but please be gracious enough to allow me my opinion.  Take the time to investigate for yourself, as I continue to do.  And above all, seek the Lord.  If he gives you peace about something, and it doesn't contradict Scripture, then do as He says.  

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