Touch Therapies and the Church 

Compatibility: the Great Lie 
Healing Touch Spiritual Ministry Program

The Spiritual Ministry Program is now an affiliate of the Colorado Center For Healing Touch, standing on its own as an interpretation of energy healing concepts in Judeo-Christian language. Linda Smith, founder, writes, "the program was born 3 1/2 years ago to answer the unique needs of those who wish to learn hands-on healing for church and spiritual ministry settings". The program appeals especially to parish nurses and nurses - wishing to understand the laying on of hands and other healing touch techniques. The program also appeals to ministers from all denominations as well as chaplains and the lay community who seek to explore the spiritual healing ministry. The aim of the program is to help bring back healing into our faith communities and ministry/service settings everywhere.

The content of the courses in the program parallel those of the regular Healing Touch program but are framed in Judeo-Christian language. The history of healing in Jewish and Christian traditions is presented, giving the foundation for healing touch as an act of service to others within one's faith. Each course is taught with the spiritual focus. Biblical explanations are used to assist students in understanding the nature of healing. Personal spiritual development is emphasized so that the healer can continue to receive more energy and guidance from the unlimited Source of all Energy. The program is reaching leaders within the churches, and Linda has recently presented at the Pontifical Institute Of Priests Of Pastoral Theology For Health care In Rome.

Alternative Medicine and the Church.

The impact of questionable alternative medical practices on the church is alarming. Some practices are generally harmless from a spiritual perspective, since they do not invoke a non-Christian belief system to explain their operation. Other practices, however, can be physically and/or spiritually dangerous. Physical danger occurs, for example, when unproven or spurious practices are the therapy of choice for a serious disease. An example of spiritual danger can be found in various forms of energy-based healing, which is a recurring theme in alternative medicine. Some Christians involved in these practices argue that such “energies” are really the Holy Spirit or the “breath” of God; however, these practices are rooted in worldviews that are decidedly opposed to Christian theism, such as Jin shin do, Reiki, Shiatsu, and Therapeutic Touch.

There are also, surprisingly, a number of Christian books that seem to be fascinated with longevity. This is a recurring theme in many alternative medicine circles and in works by authors such as Deepak Chopra, but it seems out of place in books by Christians. There is nothing wrong with wanting to live a long, healthy life, but a fixation on extending the current physical state is odd in light of the Christian belief that we are creatures who will be resurrected and live forever.

What Can Christian Apologists Do about Dangerous Forms of Alternative Medicine?
 The topic is controversial, but one thing Christian apologists should not do is remain silent. As Walter Martin often said, “Controversy for the sake of controversy is sin. Controversy for the sake of truth is a divine command.”

1.) The church needs to be awakened to the dangers of spiritual error in the area of health care. The apostle Paul offers excellent advice: “Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good” (1 Thess. 5:21 NASB).

2.) Christians need to apply this principle to matters of health as fervently as they apply it to matters of theology.

3.) Apologists need to take a stand and the church needs to be educated concerning problematic forms of alternative medicine; but, as apologists we must always keep in mind the directive to defend the faith “with gentleness and respect” (1 Pet. 3:15 NIV). 4.) This means we need to acknowledge the very real human factors of pain and suffering and respond accordingly. If someone is dying of cancer and is desperate for an effective treatment, for example, we must not condemn that person for considering a dangerous alternative medical practice; instead, we must present carefully reasoned insights compassionately, prayerfully, and above all, lovingly.