Can adherence to Christian principles help suffering patients?

 

Hello again, welcome back! We have been exploring the exciting topic of scripture and how adherence to the Christian principles of daily living (prayer, praise, fellowship, receiving Biblical teaching and service) enhance a person's wellbeing (Acts 2:42,47). In prior blogs we have reported our findings in the general healthy population, but can the medically ill also improve their wellbeing through Christian living?

 

Adherence to Christian principles can indeed help suffering patients in several ways. Here are a few key points:

1. Emotional and Spiritual Support: Christian principles often emphasize the importance of community, prayer, and faith, which can provide emotional and spiritual support to patients. This support can help patients feel less isolated and more hopeful.
2. Holistic Care: Incorporating Christian ethics into healthcare can promote a holistic approach to patient care, addressing not just physical symptoms but also emotional, social, and spiritual needs.
3. Compassionate Care: Christian teachings often stress compassion and empathy, which can enhance the quality of care provided by healthcare professionals. This can lead to better patient outcomes and a more comforting experience for those who are suffering.
4. Ethical Decision-Making: Christian principles can guide ethical decision-making in healthcare, ensuring that patients are treated with dignity and respect. This can be particularly important in end-of-life care and other sensitive situations.

We examined this question in a cross-sectional survey of patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (https://teleiosresearch.com/religious-adherence-glaucoma/). We evaluated self-reported religious adherence to specific basic activities and knowledge of faith and personal comfort. This specific analysis was limited to self-professed Christians. 

 

The survey included 248 patients from one clinical practice in Charleston, SC, and showed that those who were adherent to activities intended to create religious maturity (drawing encouragement from other church members, reading Scripture, or encouraging others to have faith) and had at least a basic knowledge about their faith, demonstrated greater comfort related to their illness and treatment. Specifically, comfort was manifested as a positive attitude towards their disease, a better ability to cope with their symptoms, and a belief that God was concerned about their diagnosis and helped with their treatment.  

 

When the findings were further analyzed by assessing those subjects who were most 'adherent' compared to those who were least adherent, an even greater separation between groups was observed with respect to comfort. This finding may indicate that the more serious a person is about the practice of their religion, the greater sense of wellbeing they may derive from it.  

 

This study suggested that Christian practice may assist patients in better coping with their disease and that it may possibly increase the quality of their lives. Overall, integrating Christian principles into patient care can contribute to a more supportive and compassionate healthcare environment. 

 

Thanks for visiting. I hope you will return next week for further discussion about the practical use of the Bible in daily life. 

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email – info@teleiosresearch.com

Website – http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

 

Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.

 

Serving others may benefit your wellbeing!

Today, let’s examine ways in which the Bible helps us with our daily life and wellbeing. Last week, we explored how adherence to basic Christian principles of daily living, such as prayer, praise, fellowship, receiving Biblical teaching, and outreach (Acts 2:42,47) can be a tool we use to enhance personal wellbeing. Now let’s focus on one aspect of these principles, personal service. Serving others can have a profound impact on both the giver and the receiver. 

 

Teleios recently evaluated the effect of personal service on wellbeing at Grace Community Church (https://teleiosresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/CV-TELEIOS-GCC-II-CMHJ-2013.pdf). We surveyed 309 adults in two services on one Sunday.

 

The survey showed that individuals who routinely participated in a community or church-based service program, compared to those who did not, had better wellbeing scores in contentment, peace, joy, purpose and community acceptance. Wow!  Who wouldn’t want that? Additionally, people who served had a better global wellbeing score (average of seven questions together) than those who did not serve.

 

Interestingly, the study showed the benefit of service might occur with as little as just one hour a week helping others!  The benefit was even greater when people served up to 6 hours per week. In addition, the perceived benefit of the service did not depend on the type of service, whether in the church or in non-church-sponsored community service. 

 

That leads us to ask why personal service would help wellbeing. Personal service can significantly enhance your wellbeing in several ways:

1. Emotional Satisfaction: Helping others can lead to a sense of accomplishment and joy. Knowing you’ve made a positive impact can boost your mood and overall happiness.
2. Stress Reduction: Engaging in acts of kindness can lower stress levels. It shifts your focus away from your own worries and helps you gain perspective on your own life.
3. Social Connections: Serving others often involves interacting with people, which can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Building these connections can provide a strong support network.
4. Increased Self-Esteem: When you help others, it can improve your self-worth and confidence. Seeing the positive effects of your actions can reinforce a positive self-image.
5. Physical Health: Some studies suggest that volunteering and helping others can lead to better physical health, including lower blood pressure and a longer lifespan.
6. Sense of Purpose: Engaging in meaningful activities can give your life a greater sense of purpose and direction, which is crucial for mental and emotional wellbeing.

 

Have you ever experienced any of these benefits from helping others?

 

Thank you for visiting today. We are honored that you take time to read this post. We hope you will join us again next week!

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email – info@teleiosresearch.com

Website – http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

 

 

Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.

 

 

Do You Have Peace?

 

 

Do you have personal peace - peace with God, peace with family and friends, peace of mind? Peace is one of the great quests of mankind! For those who know God through faith, personal peace is mentioned as one of the fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22) that he desires us to have. 

 

Is it true? Can somebody who is a Christian have personal peace? We explored this topic in a study performed in Bartlesville, OK, at Grace Community Church (https://teleiosresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/CV-TELEIOS-GCC-I-CTCP-2013.pdf). On one Sunday, at two services, we asked the adult population to complete a questionnaire regarding different aspects of their wellbeing including peace as well as their adherence to the practice of their faith. 

 

How did we define adherence to faith? From the Bible, we delineated the following as ‘adherence to faith’ if: they proclaimed to be a Christian through personal faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross as a free gift of salvation; they were secure in their salvation; and they frequently utilized the five tools to maturity in their lives (prayer, praise, faith, reaching out and growing in knowledge of scripture) (Acts 2:42,47; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:23-26; 1 Peter 1:4-5; John 10:27-30).

 

The results of the survey showed that on a visual analog scale of 0-6 the average level of peace was 1.8 for the entire congregation (0 being most and 6 being least) - not bad! However, when we separated the congregation into groups based on adherence to faith, there was a highly significant difference between groups, with the more adherent group having greater peace! 

 

What explains the finding? Well, we don’t know for certain, but four potential reasons come to mind. 

·       First, the practice of Christianity causes us to focus on a higher being that has purposes higher than our own. This focus may make help take our mind away from our own anxious thoughts. 

·       Second, the adherence to the practice of Christianity provides for prayer to an accepting great high priest, Jesus Christ, who cares for our every time and need. 

·       Third, we know knowledge is power. Christianity furnishes an excellent text, the Bible, which teaches us the truths about God so we know how to think of ourselves correctly and do not believe lies about God.

·       Lastly, Christianity urges us to reach out and touch others within our faith and to provide community service. Consequently, this helps us not to concentrate on our own anxieties and issues (https://teleiosresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/CV-TELEIOS-GCC-II-CMHJ-2013.pdf).   

 

How can I get peace? Make sure you are a Christian and know that your sins have been forgiven freely by faith in Christ. You then should realize that God accepts you and this great salvation cannot be taken away.  Practicing your faith balanced between the five tools of maturity mentioned above will help build the mindset and practices which the Spirit can use to build peace. It takes time and commitment, but you can do it. The fruits are there and blessings beyond measure.

 

Thank you for visiting today. We are honored that you take time to read this post. We hope you will join us again next week!

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email – info@teleiosresearch.com

Website – http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

 

 

Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.

 

 

Welcome to the Teleios Blog!

If you are a new guest, we wanted to take a moment to introduce you to the blog. If you are a regular guest, we welcome you back and hope you continue to find this blog informative. The goal of this blog is to show you the exciting benefits of the Bible in our daily lives!

 

Teleios is a non-profit foundation whose mission is bringing Christ to the world. We share the gospel and teach scripture through a wide range of online resources and personal mentorship.

 

We believe that scripture, while telling us about the free gift of salvation through faith in Christ’s death on the cross, also brings wisdom and knowledge for great day-to-day living.  The Bible teaches we can have:

1. A secure guilt-free relationship with God.
2. All we need to grow in our relationship with God.
3. Hope, love, joy, and peace (Galatians 5:22).

 

In the weekly blog I will tell you about the amazing truths of scripture as well as share dynamic research that Teleios has performed/is performing showing great benefits of living a Christian life. We will also cover issues that come up in our culture and from your comments.

 

We hope the blog will:

1. Encourage you by learning about Teleios and the practical use of the Bible in daily life.
2. Explain the good news of Christ to those of you who don’t yet believe.
3. Start a conversation with you about your own experiences, thoughts, ideas and questions.
4. Give you inspiring data that you can use in your own life and help you teach others.

 

We are excited to undertake the commitment of this blog. The blog will post weekly athttps://teleiosresearch.com/blog-teleios/. Please save the link to your favorites and join us again!

 

Thank you for visiting today. We are honored that you take time to read this post. We hope you will join us again next week!

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email – info@teleiosresearch.com

Website – http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

 

 

Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.

 

Christianity and Society: Part 3

 

Welcome back. The last few blogs have explored the benefits of Christianity to society. We discussed how Christianity helps societies both now and in past centuries. Christianity is not only good for society, but it is also better than secular society. We will now consider our response and how we think and act, knowing that what God gave us is true and good for our society.

 

Our response to society!

 

Now more than ever, Christians need to help protect our freedoms. We are at a critical time in our country, and we should not remain silent.

 

How, then, should we think?

 

·     Realize that we are right! – The Christian message is correct for our country, culture, and individual well-being. Despite what is said by the statists (may be one who places their hope and dependence in a strong central government), globalists (may be one who places their hope in a one world government) large news organizations, Hollywood, and big tech, who constantly manifest their bigotry towards people in the heartland as racist, ignorant and angry, what we offer is just and true and just. Critics provide nothing that is anywhere as close to the healthy mindset and lifestyle that Christians possess.

 

·     Realize that now is the time to act! – We can no longer depend only on elections (although they are most important) to reverse the trend towards a statist and globalist government as we have in past generations (please see below). We need to make a difference now for the upcoming generation.

 

·     Realize they hate God and us! – Globalists and statists hate us because they detest God (John 15:18-19). Further, our battle is not just against man, but primarily the forces of darkness, ruled by Satan (Ephesians 6:10-12). As much as many Christians would like just to ‘all get along’ this will not happen as these people will not relent in their hatred for God or us.

 

So what to do?

 

·     Learn the Bible! I do not mean watching a video or reading a book about the Bible, but studying intensely the word itself with appropriate resources that help you learn it correctly. Teleios research has shown that Christians are timid in part because we do not know God’s Word and have not truly depended on it in our lives or realized its benefits in daily living. Learn the facts about the benefit of our faith, from our website or other locations. Learn to express the gospel! It is written at the bottom of this blog.

 

·     Learn history– As Winston Churchill famously said that ‘those who do not know history are bound to repeat it’. Not only is history fascinating, and reads better than a novel, it teaches us the amazing benefit that Christianity has been to society in providing for the rights of men and freedom. It helps convince us that what so many people strove to create, and for which have died, is valuable to protect as well as to use to spread the gospel and the benefits of the Bible.

 

·     Engage in current events – Our hope is in God, but we should be aware of what is happening in our culture. This awareness is the first step to being able to answer questions from others as it helps us begin to interact and ponder issues others might address to us. Such knowledge also helps us know when and where to act to help solve societal issues. 

 

·     Speak God’s word to one another! Talk Bible to each other. This is vital you encourage other Christians, but you also learn to articulate God’s word. As Teleios research has shown people are afraid that they can’t answer other people’s questions, so we remain silent. We should discuss the Bible with each other as well as teach and instruct others (1 Timothy 4:6). As the proverb states (Proverbs 27:17). As iron sharpens iron; so, a man sharpens his friend (KJV, my paraphrase). Speaking and teaching God’s Word will change hearts. It’s only by changing the hearts of people that they will change their vote and overwhelmingly elect people who love Christ and freedom of expression and hate statism.

 

·     Pray – We have a great God who answers prayer and is concerned about us and our society (Romans 13:1-7; 1 Timothy 2:1-2).

 

·     Teach – Be persistent and careful to pass down to your children and other young people our Christian heritage, history and the benefits of a Christian society. Teach others and your children the Bible.

 

·     Take action politically – Christians are all busy taking care of work and family responsibilities. Those who demonstrate for globalism and statism often do not have jobs, so they are happy to be paid to demonstrate and make the news. However, we cannot retreat! We need to take the time to write the president and our elected officials, encourage others and even demonstrate in a legal manner when we have the opportunity. Further, we need Christians in elected office and in government bureaucracies, both in Washington and in the states. Also, we need Christians in politically directed organizations and in educational institutions.

 

What we have is right and true. Now is the time to protect and spread it.  

 

For more on this important topic, please visit our site devoted to the benefits of Christianity under the section “Society Benefits’ at Bible Benefits.

 

Thanks again for joining me today I will look for you next time.

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email – info@teleiosresearch.com

Website – http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

 

Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.

 

 

Christianity and Society: Part 2

 

Welcome back to my blog. Last time we began exploring the benefits of Christianity to society. We discussed the extensive list of how Christianity helps societies both now and in past centuries. Christianity is not only good for society, but it is also better than anything the world has to offer. This week let's explore the negative drawbacks of secular society.

 

What do those opposed to Christian society offer?

 

Secular society offers a godless, globalist government to replace the living God and Christ. Secular society desires to create a world with the following characteristics:

 

• Promotes people and institutions that destroy Christianity in the culture through the media, the educational establishment, Hollywood, select political parties, the American Civil Liberties Union, Southern Poverty Law Center, and Planned Parenthood. Destroying Christianity clears society of burdensome obstructions for its own rule.

 

• Consequently, Christians must be alert as it may become against the law to speak about Christianity or against government principles as in many countries of the world today. Even in Europe or Canada, a person can be jailed for criticizing the government’s selected favorite groups.

 

• To cause the government to become the replacement god.

 

• Even as unbelievers scoff at weak Christians for needing to depend on God, they themselves, in great faith, seek a powerful global government to be their god in the hopes of having their desires met.

 

• To develop a secularist, socialist, statist government that operates in a dark world of suppression, preventing people from meeting their dreams and goals, finding love, raising their children as they deem appropriate, as well as expressing their thoughts and ideas.

 

• Each person, instead of being embraced by their family, their community or church is tethered directly to the state for employment, a place to live, family and education.

 

• Extreme examples at the end of the statist totalitarian process are North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela, where the people are reduced to entities of no financial or intrinsic worth and have nothing.

 

• A more realistic, near-term example is modern Europe, which is a model for the globalist and statist state in the US. In much of Europe, the government:

 

• Actively suppresses individual thought, including Christianity and freedom of speech.

 

• Control education so that our young people will be raised to believe and statist in socialist values.

 

• Actively minimizes individual achievement through high taxes so individualism, savings, entrepreneurship and professional advancement are difficult. Job creation comes through the government or large government supported industry.

 

• Consequently, people seek to blend in, not to attract attention in their jobs or by their opinions and often avoid marrying and having children. They accept what the government offers and says, even in the face of grave dangers to society, such as rampant Islamization, crime, and illegal migration.

 

Don’t fall for the statist religion! Now is the time to stand and express the things we have and how good they are. How can we do this simply?

 

Realize that you are right and should not be shy about your faith. God’s victory is at the end of the world, and the ultimate war has been won! But until that final victory, we face battles that can be lost. Historically, there are places where Christianity all but disappeared in name or practice due to despotic regimes. Don’t let that happen where you live! Stand up and pray in faith for what is right and good for your future and your children. 

 

For more on this important topic, please visit our site devoted to the benefits of Christianity under the section “Society Benefits’ at Bible Benefits.

 

Thanks again for joining me today I will look for you next time.

 

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

 

Email – info@teleiosresearch.com

Website – http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

 

Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.