By H. Em. Bishop of Tikhvin Konstantin (Goryanov)
The biblical understanding of medicine remains a crucial reference for believers. Comparing today’s medical practices with those of biblical times is challenging due to metaphorical biblical language and differing attitudes towards illness. Some diseases have vanished, like smallpox, while new ones like AIDS have emerged. Yet, King David’s ancient words about the lifespan of humans hold true today.
Religious ethics continue to be significant, especially regarding the meaning of illness for the afflicted. Illness was often seen as punishment for sins, as illustrated by Jesus’ disciples questioning the cause of a man’s blindness. Illness could be sent by God directly, permitted, or caused by envy. The Old Testament warns of physical gluttony as a cause of ailments. Sin was believed to bring about disease.
The Bible lacks a clear classification of internal diseases, focusing on visible conditions like skin problems, wounds, and fevers. The natural causes of many diseases are not specified, raising questions about why disease affects both body and soul. Biblical anthropology suggests that humans are composed of a mortal body and an immortal soul reflecting God’s image. Body and soul are intertwined; the soul does not reside in the body but manifests through it.
In biblical times, priests often practiced medicine, which sometimes intertwined with forbidden magic. Healing was seen as a sign of divine forgiveness. Priests handled medical duties, similar to Ancient Egyptian traditions. They conducted examinations, imposed quarantines, and enforced hygiene regulations. Leviticus provides detailed sanitary laws and dietary restrictions. Rituals for leprosy and skin diseases are described, and Jesus reinforced priestly roles in healing.
Old Testament medical knowledge was empirical, with limited anatomical understanding due to ritual prohibitions. Specific disease names were rare, but common ailments included leprosy, scabies, and blindness. Treatment methods were simple, focusing on the perception of illness. References to washing, anointing, and dietary remedies are present. Herbal and dietary remedies were common, as was circumcision as a surgical practice.
In the New Testament, Jesus’ healing legacy continued with the apostles, as healing became a church duty. The apostle Paul mentioned healing as a spiritual gift, and Luke was known as a physician. The Church is called to alleviate suffering, with anointing and prayer for the sick. Illness has spiritual significance but is also a test. Ultimately, God’s power prevails over illness and death, promising a disease-free future after Christ’s Second Coming.
Ad Notem: By decision of the Russian Orthodox Church’s Holy Synod of May 5, 2015, the author was appointed His Grace of Petrozavodsk and Karelia, head of the Karelian Metropolitanate, and is a member of several academies and councils, including the Ethics Council under the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.
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