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Reading an article about diets that are called Christian Diets–made me wonder: IS a Christian Diet Better? Or DOES a Christian Diet Better?
By Beth | January 19, 2008
According to Charles Henderson, writing on the CrossCurrents Forum, at the GodWeb, the idea of a “Christian Diet” or a Christian Weight Loss program is very big in churches these days. Henderson takes a pretty fascinating look at some of these diets and does some analysis regarding whether there is something special about Christian diets. His concluding opinion is that despite the word “Christian” being attached to the front of the word “Diet,” there is little else different between the Christian Diet programs and any other diet programs. But he notes that churches can be helpful to dieting Christians because of the group structure of churches, allowing people to get together and do diets together.
Hmmmmm. Interesting, yeah. But my question, I think, would be not so much about Christian DIETS being superior as about whether Christian DIETERS do a better job than secular dieters–in other words, not: IS a Christian best, but: DOES a Christian diet best?
If I had to put in some chips (poker–not potato) (no–potato chips sound better)(hmmm. idea: poker played with potato chips instead of poker chips–winner eats all) (digression. sorry.) on this question, I’d put in a pretty big stack in favor of the idea that Christians probably do actually diet best.
First, the support of friends and loved ones is so important when a dieter begins the challenge. In fact, if even ONE friend diets with you, your chances of succeeding are greatly increased. (Unfortunately, if they QUIT the diet, your chances go down. Pick your diet buddies accordingly hahaha) Similarly, if multiple friends/family supporters help you, then what better milieu to be in than a church when you start a diet? In our culture, there are very few groups like church groups–where large numbers of people and whole families get together weekly, or more often, and share important aspects of their lives with each other. I’d say that is a special plus that churches provide: support and friendship on a frequent and large-group or multiple-person basis. If those fellow Christians know you’re on a diet, and encourage you cheerfully, that’s a lot of extra support that you, as a Christian, are going to get, as compared with a person who is more isolated.
Second, Christians are probably a bit more familiar with the idea of “will versus temptation.” From childhood up, Christians are taught about the will, and about free will, and about how present choices and willpower combined, can determine one’s future to a significant degree. That’s kind of what it’s all about in Christianity. Throw in the idea of “temptation” which is also familiar to every Christian from childhood on, and you’ve almost got a whole diet parallel going on! In the faith, as in the diet, you first decide what’s right, then you engage your will to do it, then temptations come along, and the winner is the one whose will was stronger than the temptations.
Finally, I do believe completely in the power of prayer. And most Christians, I think, would agree that being a Christian raises your chances that people will be praying for you. Well, unless you’re one heck of a sinner, and then you might have entire towns putting your name on their prayer lists. hahaha But seriously, prayer is no joke and no hocus pocus. Scientific studies have even shown its power, and despite what critics may say about prayer, and despite the fact that not every single prayer appears to be answered in the manner and time frame expected, the fact remains that prayers do affect reality–sometimes in extremely dramatic ways. If I were going to put my money (gosh, it’s not like I’m a gambler or something but here comes another gambling analogy. Hey! GET my name off that prayer list! hahaha)…on a dieter who had people praying for her and a dieter who didn’t, all other things being equal, I think I’d go with the prayed-for dieter. If prayer works, she has an advantage. If it doesn’t work, she has no disadvantage, BUT she has people rooting for her, and sometimes that can make a lot of difference.
And there are many religions besides Christianity in which people pray for each other, get together weekly, and learn about will and temptation. I am very respectful of that fact. And knowing how much I like to talk, I could easily write a blog entry for each one of those groups.
And one for people who have no religion at all, but have their friends and family in the cheering section for them!
The point is much the same: if you have lots of folks who love you and want you to succeed, and if you keep yourself surrounded by them fairly often, and if they take what actions they can to help you reach your goals, then you’ve got something there.
I picked Christianity in response to the article I just read, and because I am a Christian myself, as is my chief 6WD partner, Anita.
And now that I’ve reached the finish line on my own weight loss, I have a new race: the brand new challenge of doing everything I can to find everyone who needs the Six Word Diet so badly, and getting it to them–and in that large-scale endeavor, the prayers of so many of you have blessed me so much. Thanks for those, and for all good wishes!
Love,
Beth
Topics: Christian Diets |
January 19th, 2008 at 6:55 pm
[...] wpman Lots going on today. Have a look: [...]
January 19th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
[...] Here’s another interesting post I read today by Six Word Diet [...]
January 19th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Glad to see this website up and going! I was curious…How long did it take you to lose your weight? I know that people will respond differently to different diets, but I was just curious. Thanks and hey…great article!
January 19th, 2008 at 8:59 pm
[...] Here’s another interesting post I read today by 6wd [...]
January 19th, 2008 at 9:15 pm
Julie, Thanks! It took me 6 months to lose 65 pounds, then within a couple more months, I had lost 70. It’s been a year. I’m still happily and healthily on the Six Word Diet, and have not gained back an ounce! FIRST TIME EVER that a diet worked for me! And you’d think maybe not everyone would have a dramatic result–but seems like a very high percentage experience nearly miraculous weight loss! See this at the forum. http://www.sixworddiet.com/forum. Thanks again! Stay in touch!