Health Reform-Is It a Mistake? by O. B. Kuhn

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 20, 1913

Health Reform—Is It a Mistake?

By O. B. Kuhn

O. B. KUHN

IN the matter of health reform, many have made a mistake,—not a mistake in accepting the principles of healthful living, but in placing them wholly upon a religious basis rather than upon a physiological basis. Health reform should be accepted from a moral and religious viewpoint, but placed upon a physiological basis. Health will then be guarded as sacredly as the character.

By putting the principles of health reform upon a moral and religious basis alone, some have gone to extremes, disregarding the actual needs of the body. Also some have been unstable in their physical habits when doubt and unbelief and discouragement in things spiritual overtook them, and their religious experience wavered.

When health reform is placed upon a physiological basis, there is less tendency to go to extremes, as the human mechanism will be studied, the needs of the system discerned, and the controlling laws recognized. If one is religiously inclined, and desires to live for God, he will also study the relation of the physical to the intellectual and spiritual natures. The better the physical being, the better and greater the possibilities for intellectual work and development; while with poor health come lessened possibilities for mental and moral exercise and growth.

The prophet Daniel “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s meat, nor with the wine which he drank.” He asked for a vegetable diet with water to drink, basing his request upon physiological requirements. See 1 Cor. 10: 19-33. His good health and physical vigor made possible a great intellect, and at the end of three years he had ten times as much wisdom and understanding as the great men of the king’s realm. He had good success in business, and no fault could be found in him concerning his administration of the affairs of the kingdom. His intellectual ability won and maintained for him the highest positions in statesmanship.

His physical and intellectual achievements made possible great spiritual development. He walked so close to God and had such communion with him that he had understanding in all visions and

dreams. He received the miraculous protection of the Lord, and enjoyed not only the association of the highest angels, but of the Son of God himself. So great was he in the sight of heaven and so highly esteemed there that it was said to him, “O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong.” Dan. 10:19. Men confessed that he possessed “an excellent spirit.” Dan. 5:12.

Many who have received much knowledge on health principles, and who have passed through the “nut-butter age” and other like periods, holding extreme views on matters of health reform, have become disgusted and discouraged because of previous strained conceptions. But the glorious principles remain unchanged, and all who will adjust themselves to the beautiful and absolute laws of life and health will be greatly benefited in every way.

Let us learn that the great principle of healthful living is obeyed in the choice of the best obtainable to meet the needs and conditions peculiar to each individual, and that we can rightly value health only by recognizing the possibilities of personal development, improving opportunities to minister to others, and by perfecting a spiritual and sincere worship of God. Let us stand by the principles of health reform, placing our ideas on a common sense, physiological basis. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”