Was reading the Bible yesterday - a passage from Mark (9:14-32). It recounts the story of a man whose son is possessed by an Evil Spirit. The symptoms of his possession are: (v 17-18) "... rob[bed] him of speech... throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid." To me, this is actually a very accurate description of a condition I had as a little kid - epilepsy.
Many, many, many cultures regard conditions such as Epilepsy as a possession by an evil spirit. In the following passage, Jesus heals the child because the child's father had faith enough to ask for healing.
But to what degree should we rely alone on faith for healing? We hear these insane stories of sick people being healed at evangelical events. We hear stories of parents of sick kids refusing medical treatment for their children and instead prefer to kneel by their bedsides praying for a miracle.
Read: Mark 8:12, when Jesus was asked by Pharisees for a sign from heaven - "He (Jesus) sighed deeply and said, "Why does this generation ask for a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it."" I read into this passage that God has given us everything that we need for a basis of faith. These two passages may be unrelated, but I personally feel that they are linked in some strange, abstract way.
My answer to people who believe only in faith healing - God created science and medicine for us to help ourselves. God gave us tools to help ourselves. We should not willingly go out and hurt ourselves by being too proud to accept what God has created.
I may have everything backwards. If htere are some inconsistencies in my argument feel free to tell me (and explain)! I was just intrigued by this passage and felt like I have to point it out. :)
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