Why Christians Get Sick

by George Malkmus

<!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {"Table Normal"; ""; 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; "Times New Roman","serif";} <![endif]--> CAN PEOPLE BE FREE FROM PHYSICAL ILLNESS? ARE CANCER AND OTHER LIFE-THREATENING DISEASES AVOIDABLE? WHAT CAN A PERSON DO TO AVOID SICKNESS---FROM ALLERGIES TO ASTHMA TO ALZHEIMER'S? Rev. George Malkmus had similar questions on his mind when, at age 42, he was diagnosed with colon cancer. "How could this be?" he asked the Lord. "How can a Christian get cancer?" Not willing to accept this cancer as "God's will" for his life, he began an intensive bibilical and scientific study to find out why---and to possibly find an alternative to the usually unsuccessful treatments of the medical profession. What Rev. Malkmus discovered not only brought healing to his own body, but also answered many questions asked by believers all over the world, including why Christians get sick. In this candid, easy-to-understand book, Rev. Malkmus shares his knowledge and insight with you as you Apply this eye-opening knowledge, Christian or not, and become free from most every physical problem known to man!

Genres: Health, Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1988

Reviews

[J.E.B. Spredemann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why Christians Get Sick is an excellent book that I think all Christians should read. I don't agree 100% with everything George Malkmus teaches, but most of what he advises is dead on.

The proof is in the pudding, as they say, and his life (and many others) has been a testament to this. When diagnosed with cancer, he shunned the 'modern medicine' route of cutting and burning and chose to try something less painful (and more successful, by the way). Genesis 1:29 was the foundation of his diet and the results were amazing.

I've personally implemented some of the principles in the past and I know they work. Unfortunately, change is not easy. But, if you choose to follow his advice, you'll be amazed at how much better you feel.

I definitely believe that a lot of our health problems are self-inflicted. Not all, but most. Remember the law of sowing and reaping. Obviously, God gave us the story of Job and we know that he didn't 'deserve' his illness.

Now, I know that in very advanced stages of cancer there is a point where nothing (but a miracle from God) can heal you. Also, after going through chemo and radiation, it is very difficult for the body to heal itself since the immune system may now be damaged beyond repair.

This book can potentially change your life and if you are dealing with illness, do read it! If you choose to make the change, you won't be sorry.

[Jeannie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I give this book a 3 star rating.

This book was just okay. The general premise is a good one: Christians are often solely focused on their spiritual health, they neglect to care for their bodies--the temple of the Holy Spirit. The execution is where I have a problem.

Firstly, the tone is overall negative. Rev. Malkmus points out many foods, habits, drinks, atmospheres, and emotions to avoid while providing minimal advice as to what is proper. Granted, he wrote another book describing his diet, and the title of this book is Why Christians Get Sick, but I would have preferred a bit more positive direction.

Secondly, this book is almost painfully entry-level. Rev. Malkmus uses blanket statements to dismiss or discuss ideas, and doesn't explore the other side of the argument. For instance, he states cocoa is a food to avoid because of the theobromine in it which has the same negative affects on the body as caffeine. Okay. Acknowledged. But what about the health benefits of dark chocolate? This happens with statements about tea (green tea is good for you and can be decaffeinated simply and healthfully) and red wine (yes...grape juice has those same benefits). Perhaps this negligence is due more to the age of the book than anything else. Also, the author has an extensive bibliography in the back of the book, but no reference within the book (or even a chapter reference) to allow the reader to study the subject more in-depthly. He also really likes exclamation points. Seriously, dude...stop yelling at me and just say your point! I already bought the book, and I intend to read it all the way through. Let your words convince me of your accuracy, not the fact you can type "Shift + 1." That might be a personal pet peeve, though.

Lastly, I felt he neglected something important in regards to health. Yes, God created people healthy and whole. If we can unlock the key to the natural laws of health and follow them, we will be healthier. However, something bad happened between God creating man and now--sin entered the world. We are on enemy territory! Our bodies can be corrupted by sin, and, yes, a better diet and more active lifestyle will make everyone's health better and potentially allow for healthier children, but it cannot solve everything. People will still get sick. People will still get cancer. People will still be born with hereditary defects. Yes. Diet and exercise will help...but it is not a cure-all.

Basically, this book serves as a jump-off point. I think the points he makes on nutrition were the least profound portion of the book for me. I thought his thoughts on focusing more on the body and recognizing it as worthy of attention were the greatest part of this book. Perhaps I am ahead of this book or the book is behind the times. It isn't bad. But, it just isn't great. If you have never thought about this sort of stuff before, I would recommend this book. However, I felt it was largely incomplete by the lack of positive direction. Consequently, I would be interested in reading his book about his diet and perhaps recommending that one before this book.

[Hippiemom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be incomplete. The author did a nice job explaining how what we take into our bodies affects our health. The Biblical and personal references were well written. I found the book to be entirely too brief on God’s Natural Laws for Health. There are source materials available at the back of the book. However, a few examples and a few recipes would have made this a more complete read. As is, I feel the book fell short in encouraging people to begin a change in their eating habits...which is something the author strongly advocates.

[Jaime · Rating 1 out of 5]

https://www.quackwatch.org/11Ind/malk...

[MHA Bookclub]

Shelf 2

[Cynthia · Rating 3 out of 5]

George Malkmus was a Baptist pastor who got colon cancer at 42, and whose mother had died of the same malady. He wondered how it was possible that so many Christians got sick and studied to the Bible to see what it had to tell him about health and healing. When he applied what he found out (for example, that our bodies are the Temples of the Soul and that as Christians we should be committed to taking care of that precious Temple with proper nutrition, avoiding poisons (eg., pharmaceuticals, chemo, radiation), getting vigorous exercise, etc.) we would heal and flourish.

As a Seventh-day Adventist Christian who has already been exposed to "the Health Message" of my faith community, I did not learn too much of anything new. I was interested, however, that he pretty much agreed with the Adventist Health Message (formed in the 1800s-early 1900s by Adventist pioneers such as Ellen White and Dr. H. Kellogg), particularly in the area of nutrition. I know that there are many of George Malkmus's followers who would be adverse to learning the Message through an Adventist source, so it is confirming to know that God's message is out there for even more people to access.

The book is an easy read, perhaps consciously so, the better to attract skeptical folks without a lot of education. My "inner grammar cops" recoiled at the typos and triple exclamation marks, but in general, it was a pleasant experience, so I stuffed down the negative impressions.

Rev. Malkmus has pretty much retired from speaking since turning 81 in February, 2015.

[William Lawrence · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite his divisive language, it's nice to see someone of faith bring health into the discussion. All people from all beliefs have neglected health for far too long. Malkmus provides interesting anecdotes as evidence, but even so it falls short on scientific evidence and medical sources; maybe his audience is accepting of that though. The biggest surprise and let down of this book, which led to my two star rating, is the omission of the related animal issues. He completely side-steps humane and moral issues associated with the traditional American Christian diet which he claims (and which is) making everyone sick.

[Joel Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read. Many things said in the book I've witnessed to be true. Yes, as with all books there are some things that may be less than 100%.

To make it more acceptable to skeptics it probably should have been better referenced.

It is however truly amazing how little changes in diet, attitude and physical activity can in fact many times exceed the effectiveness of medical treatment.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Despite its somewhat casual format and anecdotal evidence, the author has the guts to say some things that need to be said: what we breathe, drink, and eat have a lot to do with our health, and so does exercise and emotion. it sounds so obvious, but do we actually live this way or just talk this way?
The book includes a compelling life story of the author's complete reversal of health problems.

[Craftyladypju]

I learned that through the proper nutrition/exercise/and positive living many if not all disease can be reversed, and possitive health results.

[Donald Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some questionable things brought forth in this book, but the majority seems to be right one.

[Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

read SOMETIME in 1998