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Curious about Religion/Culture Perspective on NF

julieann13
0 Recommendations

I am doing some research about NF. Does anyone have any information about different cultures or religions related to NF? Are they accepting? Do they turn people away that look different or have a disease?

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Surgery

16 replies

BunnyMom

I don't know of any church that would turn away people with NF. It there were, that would be terribly sad.

Robtygart

I have not been kicked out because of it, but I have been told that God has cursed me.

I do not go to Church but not for that. I will not get into religion with anyone, I have my own beliefs. I do not need to go to church.

guilty_spork

LOL... religion is a volitile subject on here.

julieann13

Yes, I have noticed. I don't want personal experiences.

Honestly, I just want a general answer about different cultures and their perspectives on disease. Does anyone have a general place you can refer me to?

colliefan

There is a wide perspective on disease and healing within the Christian community. Without getting into a discussion that isn't germane to this board, there are some that say God must heal and any lack of healing is due to the fault of that individual and some that say God uses that disease to refine that individual and that total healig will not come until that individual gets to heaven.

That said, I have been told my lack of healing is my fault. I believe this view does not fall in line with my understanding of the Bible's teachings.

MysticMIkel

Well said Colliefan.

imamann

julieann 13 i understand what you are asking...a good place might be a untarian/universalism (that may not be exactly what it is called) church. They often have meetings that bring together people of different religions and if you ask them will let you come in and ask questions of them about how their religion deals with medical isssues. You might even try calling synagogues, temples, and so forth. Most "pastors, priest, leaders, etc" are open to questioning. You can also find books about different religions at a library or something of course, but I have a feeling that you are wanting conversation and not just reading the facts. Is this just research on your own or for a class? Either way I hope you find the answers for what you are looking for. Good luck.

Robtygart

julieann you can learn more from personal experiences, then you can from gossip about a church or Religion. First hand experiences are more reliable.

A pentecostal church I went to said just about exactly what Colliefan said

"God must heal and any lack of healing is due to the fault of that individual"

I have been to all types of christian churches and their followers, and they all have the answer.

I have talked to those form the churches that say its diet, "Eat this and it will all go away"

This is all from Religios people in the Christian Religion.

I could go off topic onto health food store people. lol

beautifulkana

I hope this helps you julieann13 and anybody else.
I’m a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints (Mormon) and I can offer that perspective and perhaps give some comfort.
We believe that one of the main reasons we were born on this earth was to obtain a physical body. It doesn’t matter if our body is disease ridden or not because at some point after we die our bodies will be resurrected and become perfected and whole through Christ. And this is a free gift to everyone on this earth regardless of your faith or actions. We also believe that people are accountable for their actions and in the power of repentance.
As far as why God allows people to be born with diseases I think it is a complicated answer. A common belief among Mormons is trials make us better people. How many people are more compassionate and understanding because they have experienced something so hard. A common comparison would be that of a precious stone, for its true beauty to be seen it has to be ruffed up and polished. So it is with us.
There are also natural consequences. Things we do as human beings can facilitate disease. Like living in big cities. It’s not bad or immoral but when a lot of people live closer together epidemics used to be natural consequence. We don’t know what causes NF or the original mutation but I suspect it is just a natural consequence of something we don’t know about.
We believe that children are born innocent and since NF is a genetic disorder and present before birth it couldn’t be some kind of punishment.
Yes we do believe in healings and miracles but we do not believe in telling God what to do. You may ask God to heal you and if it is his will, you’ll be healed. But a good parent usually says no more often than yes. And maybe the answer is just not right now, you have to wait until the resurrection.
So if you visit an LDS church no one will throw you out. And if you explain to them what is wrong they will probably think you are an amazing person for what you have gone through.

pollytoad

I have a Pentecostal background and have had no problems with acceptance. However there are some of those well-meaning people who upon meeting me for the first time come off with, "God can heal you, etc."

Then I tell them about my survival without ill effects of the surgery to remove a fibroma between C1 and C2 in 1973. These people are absolutely wowed about that. My further response to them is that I do feel I was healed, I survived that surgery without any ill effects.

Also recently I heard something interesting. Don't remember exactly where. But the individual said that it isn't the fault of the person that is being prayed for that they don't get healed. Rather it is the fault of the person praying for them. It is the person who is praying that lacks the faith, or has "sin" in their life.

MaryT

Hi

I am Catholic I am a Eucharist Minister. I help Priest give out the Body and blood (Bread & wine) to the congregation. I have many lumps and bumps on my face and some on my hands.

I would go to any church, temple ion your area and see how they are


Love

Mary

simplydeliciouslove

I was told the same as Robtygart by a bus driver who considered himself to be"christian". I told him that I was blessed. Not because I have NF, but because I'm alive to be able to talk about it and share my experiences good or bad with others.

suzieq323

Who ever said that to you was very wrong. They are obviously going through something of their own and felt like they had to take it on someone else to make them feel bettter. Don't listen to people like that.

julieann13

Wow! Thank you for all your quick replies to my post! I really appreciate it. It seems like this group is very supporting of each other and a great place to belong.

I am researching about NF for a class I am taking in Graduate school. I am a sign language interpreter and this site and discussion will help me a great deal with my interpretation and school assignment. I have to include different perspectives of religion on NF. I have a close friend with NF that graciously let me videotape and interview for my assignment. I will refer my friend to this group for sure!!!

Again, thanks for all your help!!!

onesevenmatrix

No proof of god(s) but if it makes some people cope with this monster, more power. Until then place your hope in science to come through. A cure will come!

stumpythebumpy

I was made fun of and picked on at church just as much as I was in school.....I hated church and was forced to go as a kid/teen

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