Holistic Health and the Exodus

Abstract

When Moses led the children of Israel from Egypt he first emphasised trust in God and how to relate to Him and followed this with instruction on family relationships and the natural principles of physical health. To these, he and other prophets added further information and laid the foundation for forming emotionally healthy relationships with others and techniques designed to manage stress. In fact, Moses first enunciated the principles outlined in the now well-known NEWSTART program and these were reaffirmed by Ellen White and have been confirmed by modern science. The later enterprise has added to our detailed knowledge on how to achieve and maintain health and form happy relationships in the family and community and in so doing has identified important principles. White’s writings on aspects of physical health were incomplete in terms of world-wide cultural practices in the field of nutrition, but her statements are consistent with the findings of modern science so that principles can be applied to both her instruction and practices in the field. This is illustrated using three examples of fermented foods. The emphasis of both Moses and White was on strengthening the mind, body, and spiritual fabric so that the faded image of God in humanity could be transformed into something approaching the original. In doing this, a people would be preparing for the second exodus, just as the original instruction was designed to prepare and strengthen the Israelites for their experiences during the first exodus. This is one emphasis of the three angels’ messages to God’s later day church, which they are to give to others.