Science: Once Rejected by the Prophet but Now Profiting Adventist Health?

Abstract

Early Adventist attitudes towards the medical science of the day, particularly its administration of “drugs”, were characterised by suspicion and distrust. Early Adventist health remedies, both preventive and curative, were based on simple, natural therapies. However, modern Adventist medical institutions have now largely discarded such remedies. Instead, our fully accredited hospitals train medical professionals to the highest recognised standards, utilise the very latest technologies, dispense huge amounts of drugs and incorporate every scientific artifact in support of their healing endeavour. This paper examines the reasons for this apparent about face. Some of these reflect advances within both the scientific enterprise and conventional medical practice over this period and also changes in the relationship between them. Others may be understood as responses to sociological changes within society at large and the Church.