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None of These Diseases: The Bible's Health Secrets for the 21st Century
With over one million copies sold, None of These Diseases has become a classic. Recently revised and updated, the book takes the current generation back to the Bible for medical lifestyle prescriptions. Now, for the first time, the book is available in audio version. Read by coauthor Dr. David Stern, both a physician and clergyman, the cassettes promise to be a great pass-along ministry.
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1963
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
June 29, 2017
This book promises that the Bible is 4000 years ahead of science. He's right in some sense because God instructs His people to stay clean and wash themselves around sick people long before germ theory was a thing but every other argument McMillen makes is not grounded in truth and is deceptive. I felt the focus of the book should have been on the instructions that God gave the Israelites, but he spent too much time making weak arguments to support his own opinions rather than looking directly at scripture. I'll give the author the benefit of the doubt because this book was written in the 60s but it was incredibly frustrating to read his chapters on mental illness. He tries to offer Christianity as a cure all and while in a sense this is true, he is offering a false hope. While Christ can and will heal people, these diseases are not caused by a lack of faith alone where prayer and more bible study will fix it. There's real physical stuff going on in people's minds and bodies.
He also makes a few comments throughout the book that seem to contradict the Bible. For example, he calls the unnecessary parts of the body (in his chapter on circumcision) a "fault" which conflicts with the verses on God's perfection.
He also makes a few comments throughout the book that seem to contradict the Bible. For example, he calls the unnecessary parts of the body (in his chapter on circumcision) a "fault" which conflicts with the verses on God's perfection.
June 24, 2011
I recall reading this around 1964 or 1965 - powerful arguments for preventing MOST of what ails most human beings, with textual references for quite a few of them spelling out that general idea.
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July 25, 2015It's encourageing when you finish each chapter, but each chapter starts off with an explanation of the disease and how it effects people (which made me sad), but then he goes into bible principles and promises. It's when you get to the promises that it gets encourageing. Totally not a quick read. But if someone wants to know how bible comands and promises effect health, this is a good book for that.
January 1, 2010
Interesting medical correlation to God's Old Testament laws.
May 27, 2016
Penyampaiannya sederhana, mudah dipahami, dan pas baca serasa..."Apaa?! Ternyata begitu~?" dan..."Eh iya yah, bener juga!"
Tinggal 'mraktekinnya ini... (((>..<))) Fight!
Tinggal 'mraktekinnya ini... (((>..<))) Fight!
December 17, 2020
The book takes the idea that if we follow the Old Testament Law that there are health benefits. While there may be some earthly wisdom in looking at these Old Testament Laws, ultimately the verse from which the book title comes (Exodus 15:26) discusses a relationship between God and his people which is different than being one's own god. While the book seems to point to medical science as affirming the wisdom of this or that practice, Ex. 15:26 points to the providence of God being involved in daily and life long trajectories of our lives.
July 1, 2024
A “CLASSIC” PRESENTATION OF THE BIBLE’S PATTERN FOR HEALTHY LIVING
The Foreword to the revised/1984 edition of this book explains, “Describing the biblical way to health and well-being, this book has provided insight … to its thousands of readers, many of whom discovered for the first time the extraordinary benefits that they could obtain simply by heeding God’s Word… The editorial work on this new edition was ably accomplished by Dr. McMillen’s grandson, David Stern, who is currently completing his studies at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia.”
The Preface to this book explains, “This book is the fruit ripened by a thousand sighs for our many patients who left the office or hospital with receiving adequate help… We seldom had time to do more than prescribe a few pills for their most pressing symptoms; but when time permitted, we prescribed something far more effective than any medications. In this book, we summarize the prescription; we say ‘summarize’ because the original prescription was written several thousand years ago. After God led the Israelites out of Egypt, He promised His people that if they would obey His statutes, He would put ‘none of these diseases’ [Ex 15:26] upon them… Could this promise remain pertinent even in the twentieth century? Yes! Medical science is still discovering how obedience to the ancient prescriptions saved the primitive Hebrews from the scourges of epidemic plagues… Obedience to biblical precepts is still the most effective way to prevent many of the afflictions of mankind.” (Pg. 15)
Dr. McMillen outlines, “‘None of these diseases…’! What a promise! Had not the Egyptians and Israelites been afflicted with epidemics for ages?... Yet, here the Lord made a fantastic promise to free the Israelites from epidemics of the Egyptian diseases. God proceeded to give Moses a number of commandments which form part of our Bible today… The divine instructions were not only devoid of harmful practices but had many detailed positive recommendations.” (Pg. 20)
He notes, “Intestinal diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever continued to take many lives… Such waste of human lives would have been prevented if [we] had only taken seriously God’s provision for freeing man of diseases. With a single sentence the Bible pointed the way to deliverance from the deadly epidemics of typhoid, cholera, and dysentery: ‘Designate a place outside the camp where you can go to relieve yourself. As part of your equipment have something to dig with, and when you relieve yourself, dig a hole and cover up your excrement.’ [Dt 23:12-13]” (Pg. 23)
He states, “long before man knew the cause of the affliction or the method of the transformation of venereal diseases, God knew all about them and gave to man the only feasible plan for preventing these universal killers. God clearly stated that sex was intended to be enjoyed only within the confines of marriage (see Ex 20:14)… This plan of two, and two alone, is so different from human inclinations and so effective in the prevention of … venereal diseases, that again we must recognize another medical evidence that an all-knowing and caring God guided the hands of the men who penned the words of Scripture.” (Pg. 67)
He observes, “As God required circumcision of the Jew, so today He requires circumcision of His people. The circumcision of the Old Covenant removed the foreskin that provided a medium for canceer-causing smegma; the circumcision of the New Testament removes the emotions (anger, malice, greed, and so forth) that provide a medium for disease-causing stress. Such circumcision frees man from these unlovely emotions… that produce undue stress, a cause of many, and an aggravation of almost all, diseases. While physical circumcision of man’s filthy foreskins prevents cancer, spiritual circumcision of our evil natures prevents a greater number of important diseases. Bodily circumcision is not required today, because it was instituted by God as a sign of a much greater circumcision…” (Pg. 95-96)
He says, “Centuries before modern psychiatry discovered that certain emotions were important factors in the development of many diseases, the Apostle Paul condemned these emotions: ‘The activities of the lower nature are obvious. Here is a list: sexual immorality… hatred, quarrelling, jealousy, bad temper, rivalry, factions, party-spirit, envy, drunkenness, orgies and things like that…’ [Gal 5:19-21]… God did not intend for man to be controlled by these emotions…” (Pg. 106)
He observes about problems from arteriosclerotic arteries, “Obtaining this knowledge took thousands of researchers and millions of dollars, so you may be amazed to find out that our ultramodern research supports what God spoke to Moses about thirty-five hundred years ago: ‘The Lord said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites: Do not eat any of the fat of cattle, sheep or goats… Anyone who eats the fat of an animal from which an offering by fire may be made to the Lord must be cut off from his people..’ [Lev 7:22-25]… God specifically forbade eating the most fatty portions of the otherwise lean animals found in Palestine. Thus, God provided for the protection of His people against arteriosclerosis.” (Pg. 144)
And of course, he advises against smoking and excessive drinking.
He concludes, “Worshiping the Creator of the universe, we become transformed. God enables us to crucify the inner troublemaker so that Christ may rule in the throne room of our wills. Only then do we begin to experience real living, renewed vitality, inner peace, impassioned spirituality, exuberant joy, and the fulness of God’s promise, ‘none of these diseases.’” (Pg. 211-212)
The long-term popularity of this book shows its continuing use; and this updated edition brings it “current” with more recent medical research.
The Foreword to the revised/1984 edition of this book explains, “Describing the biblical way to health and well-being, this book has provided insight … to its thousands of readers, many of whom discovered for the first time the extraordinary benefits that they could obtain simply by heeding God’s Word… The editorial work on this new edition was ably accomplished by Dr. McMillen’s grandson, David Stern, who is currently completing his studies at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia.”
The Preface to this book explains, “This book is the fruit ripened by a thousand sighs for our many patients who left the office or hospital with receiving adequate help… We seldom had time to do more than prescribe a few pills for their most pressing symptoms; but when time permitted, we prescribed something far more effective than any medications. In this book, we summarize the prescription; we say ‘summarize’ because the original prescription was written several thousand years ago. After God led the Israelites out of Egypt, He promised His people that if they would obey His statutes, He would put ‘none of these diseases’ [Ex 15:26] upon them… Could this promise remain pertinent even in the twentieth century? Yes! Medical science is still discovering how obedience to the ancient prescriptions saved the primitive Hebrews from the scourges of epidemic plagues… Obedience to biblical precepts is still the most effective way to prevent many of the afflictions of mankind.” (Pg. 15)
Dr. McMillen outlines, “‘None of these diseases…’! What a promise! Had not the Egyptians and Israelites been afflicted with epidemics for ages?... Yet, here the Lord made a fantastic promise to free the Israelites from epidemics of the Egyptian diseases. God proceeded to give Moses a number of commandments which form part of our Bible today… The divine instructions were not only devoid of harmful practices but had many detailed positive recommendations.” (Pg. 20)
He notes, “Intestinal diseases such as cholera, dysentery, and typhoid fever continued to take many lives… Such waste of human lives would have been prevented if [we] had only taken seriously God’s provision for freeing man of diseases. With a single sentence the Bible pointed the way to deliverance from the deadly epidemics of typhoid, cholera, and dysentery: ‘Designate a place outside the camp where you can go to relieve yourself. As part of your equipment have something to dig with, and when you relieve yourself, dig a hole and cover up your excrement.’ [Dt 23:12-13]” (Pg. 23)
He states, “long before man knew the cause of the affliction or the method of the transformation of venereal diseases, God knew all about them and gave to man the only feasible plan for preventing these universal killers. God clearly stated that sex was intended to be enjoyed only within the confines of marriage (see Ex 20:14)… This plan of two, and two alone, is so different from human inclinations and so effective in the prevention of … venereal diseases, that again we must recognize another medical evidence that an all-knowing and caring God guided the hands of the men who penned the words of Scripture.” (Pg. 67)
He observes, “As God required circumcision of the Jew, so today He requires circumcision of His people. The circumcision of the Old Covenant removed the foreskin that provided a medium for canceer-causing smegma; the circumcision of the New Testament removes the emotions (anger, malice, greed, and so forth) that provide a medium for disease-causing stress. Such circumcision frees man from these unlovely emotions… that produce undue stress, a cause of many, and an aggravation of almost all, diseases. While physical circumcision of man’s filthy foreskins prevents cancer, spiritual circumcision of our evil natures prevents a greater number of important diseases. Bodily circumcision is not required today, because it was instituted by God as a sign of a much greater circumcision…” (Pg. 95-96)
He says, “Centuries before modern psychiatry discovered that certain emotions were important factors in the development of many diseases, the Apostle Paul condemned these emotions: ‘The activities of the lower nature are obvious. Here is a list: sexual immorality… hatred, quarrelling, jealousy, bad temper, rivalry, factions, party-spirit, envy, drunkenness, orgies and things like that…’ [Gal 5:19-21]… God did not intend for man to be controlled by these emotions…” (Pg. 106)
He observes about problems from arteriosclerotic arteries, “Obtaining this knowledge took thousands of researchers and millions of dollars, so you may be amazed to find out that our ultramodern research supports what God spoke to Moses about thirty-five hundred years ago: ‘The Lord said to Moses, “Say to the Israelites: Do not eat any of the fat of cattle, sheep or goats… Anyone who eats the fat of an animal from which an offering by fire may be made to the Lord must be cut off from his people..’ [Lev 7:22-25]… God specifically forbade eating the most fatty portions of the otherwise lean animals found in Palestine. Thus, God provided for the protection of His people against arteriosclerosis.” (Pg. 144)
And of course, he advises against smoking and excessive drinking.
He concludes, “Worshiping the Creator of the universe, we become transformed. God enables us to crucify the inner troublemaker so that Christ may rule in the throne room of our wills. Only then do we begin to experience real living, renewed vitality, inner peace, impassioned spirituality, exuberant joy, and the fulness of God’s promise, ‘none of these diseases.’” (Pg. 211-212)
The long-term popularity of this book shows its continuing use; and this updated edition brings it “current” with more recent medical research.
March 4, 2018
The first few chapters are on Biblical behavior: sanitation, sewer, washing, healthy eating, avoid smoke and alcohol and avoid fornication. The remainder of the book is on psychosomatics: love, forgiveness, confession, faith, patience, maturity and so on. This is not a book on dietary law or any other examination of Biblical particulars.
Written in a simple conversational non-scholarly style.
Written in a simple conversational non-scholarly style.
February 1, 2021
Great book, showing how God's instructions for the Israelites were leaps and bounds ahead of medical discoveries. The scientific reasons for many of these instructions were not understood until the 19th and 20th centuries! Very cool read.
April 18, 2011
Very informative and interesting. Was a college read.
April 20, 2012
This book was required reading for my Microbiology 206 class, but it was surprisingly good and very interesting.
May 4, 2021
„Pentru a preveni albirea părului, ungeţi-l cu sângele unui viţel negru care a fost fiert în ulei, sau cu grăsimea unui şarpe cu clopoţei” (S. E. Massengill, A Sketch of Medicine and Pharmacy – Bristol, Tenn., S. E. Massengill Company, 1943 pag.16). Această reţetă vine de la faimosul Papyrus Ebers, o carte de medicină scrisă în Egipt la cca. 1552 î. Cr. Deoarece Egiptul ocupa o poziţie dominantă în lumea veche medicală, acest Papyrus este de mare importanţă ca document al ştiinţei medicale din acele zile.
Cartea cuprinde de asemenea şi prescripţii pentru cei care au pierdut părul: „Atunci când cade părul, un remediu este să se aplice un amestec de şase grăsimi şi anume: de cal, hipopotam, crocodil, pisică, şarpe şi ţap. Pentru ca să-l întăriţi, ungeţi-l cu dintele unui măgar, zdrobit în miere” (Ibid.).” Un preparat special pentru pieptănătura reginei Schesch, consta din părţi egale de călcâi de câine de vânătoare abisinian, flori de curmal şi copite de asin, fierte în ulei. Preparatul acesta deosebit era folosit ca să crească părul reginei.
Pentru a salva victimele muşcate de şerpi veninoşi, medicii din acele zile le dădeau să bea „apa magică”, apă ce a fost vărsată deasupra unui idol special (Scope – Summer 1955 pag. 13). La răni adânci, ei aplicau sânge de vierme şi gunoi de asin. Deoarece bălegarul de asin era încărcat cu spori de bacil tetanic, nu era de mirare că tributul plătit de răniţi era mare.
Cartea cuprinde de asemenea şi prescripţii pentru cei care au pierdut părul: „Atunci când cade părul, un remediu este să se aplice un amestec de şase grăsimi şi anume: de cal, hipopotam, crocodil, pisică, şarpe şi ţap. Pentru ca să-l întăriţi, ungeţi-l cu dintele unui măgar, zdrobit în miere” (Ibid.).” Un preparat special pentru pieptănătura reginei Schesch, consta din părţi egale de călcâi de câine de vânătoare abisinian, flori de curmal şi copite de asin, fierte în ulei. Preparatul acesta deosebit era folosit ca să crească părul reginei.
Pentru a salva victimele muşcate de şerpi veninoşi, medicii din acele zile le dădeau să bea „apa magică”, apă ce a fost vărsată deasupra unui idol special (Scope – Summer 1955 pag. 13). La răni adânci, ei aplicau sânge de vierme şi gunoi de asin. Deoarece bălegarul de asin era încărcat cu spori de bacil tetanic, nu era de mirare că tributul plătit de răniţi era mare.
May 27, 2021
"McMillen stellt die These auf, dass sämtliche Krankheiten der Geschichte durch die aufmerksame Lektüre der Bibel und die darin enthaltenen Empfehlungen verhindert werden könnten. Würde der Mensch auf die Schrift Gottes vertrauen, gäbe es "none of these diseases". In 28 Kapiteln halten McMillen und Co-Autor David Stern die Antwort auf alle Probleme des 21. Jhdts parat: The Holy Bible"
"Now with his flesh wasted away and his eyes sunken, he looked more like a prisoner from Auschwitz" Mit diesen Worten beschreibt McMillen einen seiner Patienten: ein starker Raucher dem seine Abhängigkeit scheinbar anzusehen ist. Der Vergleich zwischen Holocaust-Opfer und Nikotinsüchtigem offenbart nicht nur die zutiefst entwürdigende Sicht des Autors auf seine Patienten, sie zeugt auch von fehlender Menschenkenntnis.
"Now with his flesh wasted away and his eyes sunken, he looked more like a prisoner from Auschwitz" Mit diesen Worten beschreibt McMillen einen seiner Patienten: ein starker Raucher dem seine Abhängigkeit scheinbar anzusehen ist. Der Vergleich zwischen Holocaust-Opfer und Nikotinsüchtigem offenbart nicht nur die zutiefst entwürdigende Sicht des Autors auf seine Patienten, sie zeugt auch von fehlender Menschenkenntnis.
December 29, 2019
A quick and decent read, if old fashioned. Dr. McMillen's book is an introductory thesis on the idea that much of what "science" has determined is true about medicine was actually presented in the Old Testament. And while McMillen isn't wrong, I don't think he presents enough scripture to effectively make the case. As a believer, everything he writes makes sense and follows, one thing to the next. If I were not a believer, it would be 200 pages of annecdata with random references to various version of the bible. Nevertheless, a solid reminder to take up your cross daily, and, outside of extremities in mental pathology, to rest in the peace of the Holy Spirit.
June 4, 2023
There is a revised edition, but I read the 1968 printing which had belonged to my mother. Since1968, medical science has certainly moved on. From what we know now, a few of Dr. McMillan's assumptions about the causes of some diseases would no longer be considered valid. But Dr. McMillian's ideas that people should stop focusing so much on themselves, consider the needs of others and to trust God is, in my opinion, very sound advice.
June 4, 2019
Liked it a lot, except for the crazy non-KJV verses (which I didn't read)..... never even heard of some of those other versions but it didn't look "Bible" at all. I must mention that I unknowingly ordered the updated book with additions from the authors grandson, so..... the new Bible versions used may be from him. Very interesting, eye-opening read.
November 12, 2022
Despite the bizarre chapter titles, there is actually some logical information in this book that looks into the famous phrase "none of these diseases" from Exodus 15:26, a promise that God gave to Moses and the Israelites when they left Egypt.
Written by a medical doctor, we learn the deeper meaning of some of the medical situations in the Bible.
Written by a medical doctor, we learn the deeper meaning of some of the medical situations in the Bible.
March 14, 2025
The information regarding emotional, spiritual, and physical health was very good. Very interesting. I found it fascinating that they had found many of these connections back in the 60s. However, the author's writing style was a bit snarky, and he overused anecdotes in my opinion. His scriptural application was not always in context, either.
November 12, 2018
Provides evidence that proofs there's wisdom in the scriptures
June 26, 2019
Learned how emotions effect us physically. The route of diseases.
Read
July 28, 2019Excellent overview of the Biblical view of health
November 27, 2021
This is an excellent and fun book to read. I enjoyed it immensely.
Not what you would expect.
Not what you would expect.
March 26, 2023
The main thesis of the book is that if we practice the dietary laws in the Old Testament and the commands throughout the Bible we will have better physical and psychological health.
August 7, 2023
Very good.
Want to read
February 3, 2024Read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 23, 2024
This book is extremely informative. I feel like I learned a lot.
October 26, 2016
Medicine is highly developed nowadays. With its rapid technological advancements, one would think that books such as these would no longer be effective. Dr. McMillen, however, uses sound, solid, and most importantly, timeless advice toward people with strong research backing him up. This advice is steeped in the Bible. Unsurprisingly, the book aged well.
I was already impressed, even at the book's beginning, because he alluded to the competence of Leviticus. I once thought that it was a novel idea from myself: it turns out that Dr. McMillen also noted that Leviticus is the earliest treatise on epidemiology, and he made that conclusion twenty years before I was born.
I'm probably an old soul, because I agree with the author's insight regarding sex. He wrote:
In addition, I also agree with the author regarding punitive discipline toward the child. Finally, Chapter 24 is brilliant in that it is as sobering as it is instructive. Romans 12:3 perfectly encapsulates the entire chapter, and it states:
The book isn't a literary masterpiece, but it's a great reminder that medicine can't solve all of the world's problems. It can't even solve all of mine. There's always prayer and faith for the problems that, to us, are otherworldly.
I was already impressed, even at the book's beginning, because he alluded to the competence of Leviticus. I once thought that it was a novel idea from myself: it turns out that Dr. McMillen also noted that Leviticus is the earliest treatise on epidemiology, and he made that conclusion twenty years before I was born.
I'm probably an old soul, because I agree with the author's insight regarding sex. He wrote:
[A] Successful marriage and sexual adjustment are based more on gradually established confidence, liking, and mutual respect rather than on any premarital trial and error process.
In addition, I also agree with the author regarding punitive discipline toward the child. Finally, Chapter 24 is brilliant in that it is as sobering as it is instructive. Romans 12:3 perfectly encapsulates the entire chapter, and it states:
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
The book isn't a literary masterpiece, but it's a great reminder that medicine can't solve all of the world's problems. It can't even solve all of mine. There's always prayer and faith for the problems that, to us, are otherworldly.
January 28, 2016
I only give five stars to books I wish I could pass on. This is one of those books both I and my wife have read and would like our kids to read as well. Interestingly enough, the information is still so relevant that, fifty years later, its latest edition is still selling on Amazon.com. There aren’t many other self-help books out there that can boast the same.
The beginning of this book gives clear examples of the uncanny effectiveness of some of Moses’ laws at avoiding diseases and other catastrophes that abounded in the ancient world. The author gives a strong case for both behavioral and physical modification as dictated by Divine revelation to the authors of the Bible. The book then moves into chapters on avoiding stress, social disorders, and the struggle with our sinful nature within us—all given with a physician’s insight and a dose of scripture.
The beginning of this book gives clear examples of the uncanny effectiveness of some of Moses’ laws at avoiding diseases and other catastrophes that abounded in the ancient world. The author gives a strong case for both behavioral and physical modification as dictated by Divine revelation to the authors of the Bible. The book then moves into chapters on avoiding stress, social disorders, and the struggle with our sinful nature within us—all given with a physician’s insight and a dose of scripture.
September 7, 2015
This book was loaned to me by an older lady in my Balance of Body and Soul church group.
The chapters begin with modern diseases such as adrenal fatigue, high blood pressure, cervical cancer and talk about the devastating symptoms that result from having these illnesses. Then the author shows how these illnesses could possibly be avoided by following God's commandments in Scripture.
From sanitation to sexual purity, from anger to worry, the author shows how God's ways can actually prolong your health when you walk in obedience.
The chapters begin with modern diseases such as adrenal fatigue, high blood pressure, cervical cancer and talk about the devastating symptoms that result from having these illnesses. Then the author shows how these illnesses could possibly be avoided by following God's commandments in Scripture.
From sanitation to sexual purity, from anger to worry, the author shows how God's ways can actually prolong your health when you walk in obedience.
April 28, 2020
Enlightening, with real stories to introduce each chapter and concept; especially so in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Written by a Christian medical doctor, both Biblical and scientific references are interwoven into these short, insightful chapters that discuss human ailments and diseases. ‘Much to ponder —
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