Editor, Times-Union: A few weeks ago the Times-Union ran a story titled, "Alternative Medicine Emerging Locally."
It's true many people are tired of the drugs, surgery and other conventional ways of treatment, and are looking for disease-preventative healthy living.
However, we need to be careful and not fall for the questionable claims and practices associated with some forms of alternative healthcare; some of which may be based in New Age Spiritualism.
First, I must say that not everyone who espouses these practices should be labeled New-Spiritualist or even New Age, nor am I saying that these things are wrong or even sinful.
However, there are some Christians who are receiving treatment from holistic health proponents without questioning the spiritual aspects of their practices.
One doctor wrote, "There are few doubts about the demonic nature of black magic, satanism and psychic healing. But the kingdom of darkness has a twilight zone which is equally dangerous. Many a patient has already become hopelessly lost by turning to obscure methods in his or her quest for healing."
In trying to discern the underlying spiritual meanings in holistic medicine and its offshoots, certain phrases and words seem to constantly surface.
Body, mind, spirit, energy healing, natural substances, wellness; all of these sound so right, so needed for health. ... So why question them?
Well, in looking into the subject of alternative health care, my search has led directly into the realm of New Age spiritualism.
The terms used by local proponents are the same terms used by New Agers, and the description of the local practices do seem to line up with the New Age description of these practices.
Let's look at what's behind some of these terms.
"Energy Healing" is one I've seen a lot, either used alone or as a part of the description of "Tai Chi," sometimes the term "Energy Channeling," or "Life Energy" is used.
In New Age, (which is Hinduism or Eastern Mysticism that has been Westernized, to give you a very brief description) this energy is called "Prana," and this energy is said to be channeled throughout the body by a "Wind" known as "Vata."
"Vata" is one of three metabolic principles (or "Doshas") that give form to every living thing from a mosquito to human beings to a star, a planet or the entire cosmos.
This is clearly based on Hindu "Pantheism," which believes that all things are god.
So, in alternative health practices, "Healing touch" or Touch for health" or "Energy healing," or the other terms they use, it is said that by "Balancing" the "Life energy" through "Therapeutic touch" one can become ... Balanced!
Well my friends, there is much more I could tell you, but I urge you to look into these things for yourself, there are many books on the subject written from the Christian perspective.
Remember what God's word says. "Do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." John 4:1.
Mark Jones Warsaw
Christmas Lights
Editor, Times-Union: The City of Warsaw presented Ann and I with a beautiful plaque in recognition of our donation of Christmas decorations for the city park. We thank the city officials and are very grateful. The plaque came from a community we love.
Ann and I both miss our decorations and the visitors we have been enjoying for many years during the Christmas season. After observing the many thousands of cars slowing on North Detroit Street to enjoy the park and the thousands of visitors that walked through, we realized the enjoyment that was created by the Christmas In The Park display.
The City of Warsaw has one of the most beautiful parks in the state, with the gardens and now the Christmas extravaganza. We are happy we could add to the beauty of the Christmas season.
We would, however, give the credit for the "Beauty of Christmas" to ex-Mayor Jeff Plank for planting the idea in my mind and others, and to Mayor Ernie Wiggins for encouraging us to move the display to the city park. We also thank the city council for their support.
The other major credit goes to the park department and the street department who willingly did the work and the most important part, through my observation, enjoyed the challenge and completed the decorating extremely well.
Lastly, the city and I thank the donors for their contributions for the additional lights (150,000), completing an awesome display.
"Christmas in the Park" will be great in "'98"...
Bruce and Ann Howe Warsaw P.S. What a great job Gary Nieter does with his outdoor photos!
