Divine Healing

[Gregorian12]

I’m a Protestant on my way home into the Catholic Church. My mother is a devout protestant believer in the health and wealth theology, and I’ve been trying to explain to her lovingly why it isn’t Scriptural. She cites the following passage to affirm her claim:

“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in health; I know that is well with your soul.” - 3 John v. 2 (RSV-CE)

What is a good way to explain the meaning of this verse of Sacred Scripture? Also, how can I explain it’s not always God’s will to heal?

-Gregorian12

 

[John_XII]

It never would be gods will, god is clearly a freaking sick basterd with the emount of innocent people he wills incurable diseses apon (in talking the big C here people, every1 knows some1 whos had it, even if u dont die straight away from cancer it takes years off your life) innocents, who have never smoked or been near the sun without sunscreen in thier life. so would u rather belive that ur worshiping a crule sicko or would u rather watch as most of the world blindly follows a faith.

 

[DavidFilmer]

That’s an unusual passage for a health & wealther to cite. John says he will pray for someone (Gaius), and then he acknowledges that he is a faithful person.

What does she think this passage proves? Naturally, she assumes that the phrase, “that all may go well with you” refers to material wealth (and does not consider the possibility that it might refer to the spiritual success of Gaius’ ministry, which John immediately goes on to extol, and which is the only topic he describes in this brief letter).

But the health & wealthers say that health and material prosperity are the God-given right of Christians - we need to only “name it and claim it.” Even if we agree to stipulate that John is talking about material prosperity, the passage does not demonstrate this idea - and in fact, it supports the Catholic position.

If Gaius deserved health and wealth by virtue of his faith, John would have simply told him so, and advised him to “name it and claim it.” Why pray for someone to have what is rightfully and assuredly theirs for the asking? John has agreed that Gaius is right with the Lord - so why isn’t Gaius already enjoying these benefits?

There’s nothing wrong with praying for someone to be healthy and prosperous. The problem is assuming that such prayers will always be answered in the way we intend - which is not suggested in any way whatsoever by John (or by any other Scripture).

But there IS a Scripture passage that describes the Health & Wealth movement:

[BIBLEDRB]2 timothy 4:3-4[/BIBLEDRB]

 

[Todd_Easton]

Also, how can I explain it’s not always God’s will to heal?

You could mention the example of St. Paul prayed several times that he himself be healed of the thorn in his flesh but was not. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) There is also the example of Jesus Christ himself who prayed several times in the Garden of Gethsemane that he himself might be spared his Passion but was not. (Matthew 26:36-44)

 

[bmonk]

As far as wealth, consider Matthew 8:19-20: [BIBLEDRB]Matt 8:19-20[/BIBLEDRB]
If Jesus himself did not rely on wealth, or consider it a sign of God’s love, why should we? Further mentions of this idea are Luke 12:15, 22-23, 29-34, as well as Lk 16:9, 13.

There is also this footnote (to Mark 10:23-27, from the New American Bible, Rev. NT: “In the Old Testament wealth and material goods are considered a sign of God’s favor (Jb 1:10; Ps 128:1–2; Is 3:10). The words of Jesus in Mk 10:23–25 provoke astonishment among the disciples because of their apparent contradiction of the Old Testament concept (Mk 10:24, 26). Since wealth, power, and merit generate false security, Jesus rejects them utterly as a claim to enter the kingdom. Achievement of salvation is beyond human capability and depends solely on the goodness of God who offers it as a gift (Mk 10:27).”

Regarding health, I agree with the passage from Paul. For something even more radical, there is Matthew 5:29-30 [BIBLEDRB]Matt 5:29-30[/BIBLEDRB]
which says that salvation is more important than having an uncrippled body. (Note: I don’t suggest this method for dealing with sin and vice. The problem is not in eye or hand, but in the heart/spirit, and how can we cut out our spirit?)

 

[kenber]

I will follow thee whithersoever thou shalt ghttp://www.filii.info/g.gifo.