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PubMed1999

Jehovah's Witnesses' refusal of blood: obedience to scripture and religious conscience.

Jehovah's Witnesses are students of the Bible. They refuse transfusions out of obedience to the scriptural directive to abstain and keep from blood. Dr Muramoto disagrees with the Witnesses' religious beliefs in this regard. Despite this basic disagreement over the meaning of Biblical texts, Muramoto flouts the religious basis for the Witnesses' position. His proposed policy change about accepting transfusions in private not only conflicts with the Witnesses' fundamental beliefs but it promotes hypocrisy. In addition, Muramoto's arguments about pressure to conform and coerced disclosure of private information misrepresent the beliefs and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses and ignore the element of individual conscience. In short, Muramoto resorts to distortion and uncorroborated assertions in his effort to portray a matter of religious faith as a matter of medical ethical debate.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMedDate not supplied

What diseases of the eyes affected biblical men? A review of age-associated visual impairment.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The elderly have suffered from visual impairment for thousands of years. This report evaluates the first documented cases of visual disability in the elderly as described in the Bible. RESULTS: Three old men suffered from a gradual loss of vision. It is more likely that either mature cataract, or age-related macular degeneration, or asymptomatic open-angle glaucoma, or ischemic optic neuropathy or optic nerve atrophy were associated with visual loss. Corneal ulceration or scarring can also be considered. Hereditary causes of optic nerve atrophy and retinal degeneration can be excluded. CONCLUSION: This report demonstrates that the roots of contemporary modern gerontology lead back to biblical times.

Aging↗
PubMed1994

The biblical view of the kidney.

The biblical view of the kidney differs radically from the modern perception. For example, there is no reference in the Bible to the fact that the kidneys make urine. The kidneys were viewed as the seat of conscience and of ethical feelings and yearnings, and the source of mortality and ethical activity. The kidneys were believed to be associated with the innermost parts of the personality. There are references to God examining the ethical nature of man through the kidneys or punishing man by injuring the kidneys. The fat around the kidneys was considered to be of special value for sacrifice and may have symbolized luxury or opulence. Much of the biblical understanding of the anatomy of the kidneys and the anatomic relationships between the kidneys, perirenal fat and the liver appears to be derived from observations made in domestic animals.

Bible↗
PubMed2003

Family dynamics in biblical times: Joseph as a family psychotherapist.

Families have existed for thousands of years and are the most enduring form of small social group. This article discusses the family of Jacob as described in the Bible, and analyses the dynamics of the family system, the relationships between family members and the ways in which they interact and respond to stressful events. Such events disrupted the equilibrium of the family and led to a severe crisis, but this was eventually resolved peacefully and family members were reconciled. The story of Joseph, Jacob's son, unfolds as possibly the earliest description of a psychotherapeutic intervention to resolve a long-standing family crisis.

Bible↗
PubMed2004

Mental disorder that afflicted King David the Great.

This research uses the tools of modern medical science to study ancient descriptions of the symptoms suffered by King David. Biblical texts were examined, with a close study of verses relating to the mental disorder that afflicted King David, the second and greatest King of Israel, who ruled more than 3525 years ago. We include no commentaries, but refer only to the words of the Bible exactly as written. Evaluation of the passages referring to King David indicated that he was afflicted by some mental disorder, and among the many possibilities major depression, dysthymia and minor depression are the most likely. Of these diagnoses, major depression seems the most acceptable. This report suggests that the roots of contemporary psychiatry can be traced back to Biblical times.

Anxiety↗
PubMed1997

Bakhtinian grotesque realism and the subversion of biblical authority in Rochester's sodom.

Rather than signalling Rochester's agreement with the presumptive biblical imprecation against sodomy and consequent divine vengeance, the apocalyptic denouement of The Farce of Sodom bespeaks defiance of divine judgement and a willingness to persevere in the pleasure of homosexual anal sex despite what might seem certain divine retribution. A Bakhtinian reading of the play's carnivalesque features concludes that it is the failure of all sexual endeavor, rather than of sodomy per se, that is dramatized in the farce's concluding scene. Sodom anticipates both the modern attitude towards the open male body that has come to dominate contemporary gay discourse, and the transgressive uses to which modern writers have put the Bible by which they undercut its authority and the presumptive morality that it is otherwise used to sanction.

Bible↗
PubMed1997

Simeon Solomon and the biblical construction of marginal identity in Victorian England.

During the formative stages of his sexual development (1855-1860), the Pre-Raphaelite artist Simeon Solomon (1840-1905) appropriated the authority of the Bible to explore, camouflage, and ultimately, legitimize his own homoerotic yearnings. Using Plummer and Troiden's four-stage constructionist model of Gay Identity Acquisition to provide an interpretive framework for six of the artist's early Old Testament drawings, this paper charts Solomon's development from awareness, to crisis, to acceptance. Solomon's use of biblical subjects to express his inner states reflects his construction of a socially marginal homosexual identity, an act which allowed him to overcome the despair and the isolation engendered by his peripheral standing in Victorian society.

Art↗
PubMed1997

The well of loneliness, or the gospel according to Radclyffe Hall.

Radclyffe Hall's 1928 novel, The Well of Loneliness, is repeatedly described as a "bible" of lesbian literature. The novel itself repeatedly alludes to biblical stories, especially the story of Christ. Yet there has been little sustained analysis of the biblical language of the novel. Most feminist and lesbian critics have dismissed the biblical allusions and language as unfortunate and politically regressive; religious critics have ignored the novel. This essay reexamines the biblical nature of the novel, especially its portrayal of the lesbian Stephen Gordon as a Christ figure. The study further claims a creative and interventionary power in Hall's use of biblical narratives and tropes, a power traceable in public reception to the novel and in courtroom reactions to the use of spiritual language in a text about lesbianism. By writing the life of a lesbian as a kind of gospel of inversion, Hall turns a language of condemnation into a language of validation, making her use of biblical language a kind of Foucauldian "reverse discourse." The novel's power lies in its portrayal of a lesbian messiah, and in its joining of sexological and religious discourses.

Bible↗
PubMed1985

Only the bad died young in the ancient Middle East.

Biblical writers generally viewed old age as a reward for righteousness and piety. Consequently, they stressed the belief that the elderly were blessed and that they should be venerated. While life expectancy was usually below forty years, there are exceptional cases on record of individuals--men and women--living to advanced old ages. An analysis of these special few cases and a discussion of extra-Biblical texts shows that other ancient Middle Eastern societies held attitudes toward aging and the aged comparable to those expressed in the Hebrew Bible.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Death foretold.

We briefly trace the history of a belief in the possibility that a person in apparent good health may accurately predict his or her own demise. The phenomenon is referred to as death foretold and we present presumed examples of it from the Bible, world literature, medical writings and newspaper reports without pretending to completeness. In two widely quoted scientific papers, death foretold is subsumed under the wider heading of decease due to psychic stress. We speculate on a possible link between the two, taking into consideration the fact that most people who prophesy their end are of an advanced age.

Attitude to Death↗
PubMed2002

[The concept of soul in the course of history. Thoughts on psyche, mind and awareness].

This paper seeks to convey an insight into the interrelationships between body, soul and mind and to show how the concept of "soul" has evolved through the course of history. In German the word "soul" has a confusing array of meanings today. For most of us it comprises all of man's emotions, his awareness, constructive thought, drive, state of mind and spirit. The soul thus represents the essence of a person and his relationships to those closest to him. For many people the soul was and still is the principle of life, the breath of life and the force of life. The immortal soul escapes, leaves the body, is weighed and judged. At all times in history man has doggedly pursued the mysteries of self-awareness, the ultimate truth and the soul. What he found varied, depending on the age and the place. What the Hebrew Bible and the New Testament express in deep-seated metaphors, the Greek philosophers put into clear-cut words: their concept of soul was then largely integrated into Christian thought. Meister Eckhart describes the soul in mystically transfigured passion. C.G. Jung writes of the "animus and anima." Sigmund Freud uses the term "psyche." Radical materialism denies the existence and independence of the soul's processes. The questions where we come from and where we are going, why and what for, no longer find a common answer. Psychiatry, however, takes up the intellectual call of the time and replies to the challenges of the day. Thus, the search for the "soul", a search that occupies so many people, also always involves the search for the whole person.

Awareness↗
PubMed1992

The image of the insane in ancient Jewish lore.

This article considers the attitude towards the insane and insanity in ancient Jewish sources. In the Bible, the most famous case of a psychopathological personality is that of King Saul, who was plagued by 'an evil spirit'. Saul also raises the problematic connections between prophecy and frenzy. Madness and confusion of mind are mentioned among the biblical 'curses for disobedience'. In the Talmud, there is a detailed symptomatic evaluation of insanity, in the context of legal liability. It is well-known that some individuals are at times insane, otherwise sane and responsible, which is legally taken into careful consideration. The Jewish historian Josephus describes in his works several cases of psychiatric patients. The most impressive case is that of Jesus ben Ananias, a delirious maniac who announced the fall of Jerusalem while roaming about the streets of the city. It may be argued that no clear attitude of derision or ostracism towards insane patients can be found in ancient Jewish literature. 'The Lord preserves the fools' (Ps 116: 6).

Attitude↗
PubMed2003

[Serotonin dysfunctions in the background of the seven deadly sins].

The symbolic characters of the Seven Deadly Sins can be traced from time to time in the cultural history of human mankind, being directly specified in certain artistic products. Such are, among others, the painting entitled "The Seven Deadly Sins and the Four Lost Things" by Hieronymus Bosch and the poems Divina Commedia and The Foerie Queene by Dante Alighieri and Edmund Spenser, respectively. However, there are several paragraphs referring to these behaviours of the Seven Deadly Sins in the Bible and in the dramas of William Shakespeare. The objective of the present review is to propose that dysfunctions in the central serotonergic system might be involved in the neurobiology of these 'sinful' behaviour patterns. Evidences indicate that behaviour traits such as Accidia (Sloth), Luxuria (Lust, Lechery), Superbia (Pride), Ira (Wrath, Anger), Invidia (Envy), Avaritia (Greed, Avarice), and Gula (Gluttony) can relate to the functional alterations of serotonin in the brain. Results of biochemical and molecular genetic (polymorphism) studies on the human serotonergic system (receptor, transporter, enzyme), findings of functional imaging techniques, effects of depletion (or supplementation) of the serotonin precursor tryptophan, data of challenge probe investigations directed to testing central serotonergic functions, alterations in the peripheral serotonin measures (platelet), and the changes in the CSF 5-hydroxy-indoleacetic acid content indicate such serotonergic involvement. Furthermore, results of animal experiments on behaviour change (aggressive, dominant or submissive, appetite, alcohol preference) attributed to serotonin status modification and the clinically evidenced therapeutic efficacy of pharmacological interventions, based on the modulation and perturbation of the serotonergic system (e.g. selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), in treating the 'sinful' behaviour forms and analogous pathological states reaching the severity of psychiatric disorders (depression, sexual disturbances, social phobia, impulsivity-aggression, obsessive-compulsive and related spectrum disorders, paranoid jealousy, eating disorders) all strongly suggest the possibility that brain serotonin dysfunctions might underlie the neurophysiology of the Seven Deadly Sins.

Behavior↗
PubMed2004

Colorectal carcinoma that afflicted King Jehoram.

This research uses the tools of modern medical science to examine the ancient descriptions of the symptoms suffered by King Jehoram who was affected by some disease. The Biblical texts were examined, and passages relating to the disease that afflicted King Jehoram, who ruled in Jerusalem 843-851 B.C., were closely studied. We have not included any commentaries, but referred only to the words of the Bible exactly as written. The Passages ''...the Lord smote him in his bowels with an incurable disease in the process of time, after the end of two years, his bowels fell out by reason of his sickness: so he died of sore diseases'' indicate that the King suffered from some kind of disease which affected his bowels. Among the various diseases which may be associated with prolapse of the bowel, colorectal carcinoma is the most acceptable. It seems that the colorectal carcinoma was poorly differentiated, invaded perirectal adipose tissue, blood vessels, and/or lymphatic vessels, and/or perineural areas, was lymph node positive and reached the 4th stage with the spread of metastases to the distal organs. Viewed by a modern physician, the story of King Jehoram unfolds as possibly the earliest description of a patient afflicted by colorectal carcinoma.

Bible↗
PubMed2005

Lethal envenomation: medicolegal aspects of snakebites and religious snake handlers in Kentucky: a report of three cases with comment on medical, legal, and public policy ramifications.

Ritualistic serpent qua snake handling, which rests upon inveterate religious conviction arising out of literal interpretation of selected passages of the New Testament, is a rare ceremony practiced by a distinct minority of Christians predominantly in rural Appalachian regions of the United States commonly referred to as the Bible belt. The fervent, frenzied pursuit by anointed "sign-followers" of intimate contact with a variety of poisonous snakes, however, puts the handler together with sect members or bystanders at risk for lethal envenomation, particularly when prompt medical attention is held by the congregation of faith to contravene God's will. The authors report three separate cases of death due to envenomation by snakebite during a church service and the handler's faith-based refusal to seek treatment. Postmortem examination of each yielded similar physical findings attributable to various toxic sequelae of the complex venoms. A review of the injurious constituents of these chemical toxins also includes a discussion of complex pathophysiological mechanisms causing death. In addition, the authors review the history of representative legislative and judicial responses to the sensationally mortal phenomenon, all of which ineluctably grapple with fundamental Constitutional issues devolving from such controversial religious practices. We underscore the view that a thoroughly documented medicolegal investigation and autopsy are indispensable to both inform matters of public health and thereby contribute to the formulation of sound public policy.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Nephrology of love].

The article presents different aspects of the connection between human heart and kidneys. This connection is evident in the symbolism of the Old Testament of the Bible, organ donation as the manifestation of the love of our neighbor, endocrinological and sexual dysfunction, and finally in searching for biological determinants of finer feelings. In the Old Testament tradition kidneys were thought to be human spirit's dwelling. Moreover, the simultaneous studying of kidneys and heart meant profound understanding of the matter. Nowadays, it is also possible to find the Biblical love of our neighbor, for instance among kidney donors. What is more, every nephrologist should treat his patients with love and dedication, which makes it easier for him to understand their problems, especially these concerning sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction occurs among men and women equally and specialists, apart from using many different methods, have to deal with the consequences of renal failure mainly by means of transplantation.

Bible↗
PubMed2006

Breast-feeding. The roots.

Although breast milk provides the best nutrition for the infant, breast-feeding has been decreasing with the growth in use of prepared milk formulas. This paper evaluates the available biblical literature dealing with breast-feeding. The research is unique in character, as it combines contemporary medical knowledge with presentation of cases taken from ancient history. We include no commentaries, but refer only to the words of the Bible exactly as written. Biblical texts relating to breast-feeding were examined and the cases of biblical characters who were breast-fed were studied. The great historical figures such as Isaac, Rebecca, Moses, Samuel, and Joash were breast-fed, openly or secretly. If the biological mother was unable to nurse her child, a wet nurse took over the feeding. Breast-feeding was the only way infants could survive at that time. Weaning day was very important and was celebrated. The wet nurse played an important role in family life, in some cases remaining to live with the infant after weaning, through childhood and even into adulthood. In spite of advanced technology that provides artificial infant formulas, contemporary mothers, just like biblical mothers, should be encouraged to breast-feed their infants.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1991

The Biblical Book of Job: advice to clinicians.

Study of the Book of Job clarifies the particular adaptation to trauma that underlies the suffering of certain difficult patients. In addition, the misdirected efforts of Job's comforters in the Bible story help us understand why, with such patients, an analyst's attempts to address unconscious guilt and defenses against it will prove counterproductive. A case example is presented.

Bible↗