Health and Bible
Documentary
This groundbreaking documentary series explores the timeless wisdom of the Bible and its surprising insights into health and well-being, examining how ancient teachings align with modern science to guide a healthy, abundant life.
The Health Code:
Recovering Ancient Principles for Modern Wellness
At one point or another, most of us ask ourselves a crucial question: how should I live? Where do we find time-tested principles for a healthy and happy life? Science is an obvious area to explore, yet the advice can sometimes be confusing: carbs or no-carbs? Fat or no-fat? Is a bit of alcohol good for your heart? Some of the expert advice keeps changing.
What if there was a collection of ancient writings that contained timeless instruction and practices for optimal health? It may surprise many that the Bible has a lot to say, not just about faith and spirituality, but also about lifestyle. This documentary series investigates the Bible’s claims about health and well-being and submits them to the scrutiny of contemporary science. Was the Bible on to something?
The documentary series will feature scientists, historians and theologians, as well as fascinating human-interest stories. The script was written after extensive research and in consultation with medical and health professionals. The films will be shot entirely on location. Presently, we are planning for a 6-part series of 45 minutes per episode.
Episode 1
FROM HORSE FAT TO THE
HOSPITAL: HOW RELIGION SHAPED
MEDICINE AND HEALTH
We place the Bible’s philosophy on health in the context of other ancient cultures, who used often ineffective (and ridiculous) remedies. The moral grounding of the Bible, rooted in the principle of humans being created in the image of God, inspired the development of modern science and medicine, and values such as charity and compassion for the sick and vulnerable led to the birth of the hospital and the nursing profession.
Episode 2
QUARANTINE, KOSHER &
CIRCUMCISION: OLD IDEAS ON
HOW TO PREVENT EPIDEMICS
The Old Testament contains regulations meant to control the spread of devastating infectious disease, laws regarding sanitation and dealing with corpses. We delve briefly into the fascinating history of leprosy. Find out why male circumcision has become highly relevant in our days. And could abstention from eating “unclean” animals have prevented present-day epidemics, such as mpox, Ebola and COVID-19?
Episode 3
PLANTS, FRUITS AND NUTS: THE
OPTIMAL DIET FOR HUMANS?
Evolutionary anthropologists tell us that eating meat, especially in cooked form, is what made us evolve into intelligent humans. The Bible, however, says that God in Eden gave humans a plant-based diet (see Genesis 1:29). Seventh-day Adventists have since the second half of the 19th century advocated for a vegetarian diet. Adventists also happen to be the population with the highest longevity that has ever been formally described.
Episode 4
FROM THE GYM TO THE GARDEN:
THE ORIGINAL EXERCISE PLAN
The ancient Greeks practiced sports and exercised naked in the “gym”. On the other hand, God put the first human pair in a garden to take care of it. Could useful exercise (like in the garden) be best for our health? The Amish in the USA enjoy on average better health than the rest of Americans. One factor that could contribute to their health advantage is something that is best read on a pedometer.
Episode 5
FASTING AND NO BOOZE: THE
BENEFITS OF ABSTINENCE
In many ancient cultures, inebriating beverages have been hailed as an elixir that stimulates the intellectual and creative juices of people. Even science has until recently described alcoholic wine as a health-booster. Yet scientists have now made a U-turn. Abstinence from alcohol (as described in the Bible) is the new health ideal. Also, scientists are discovering the extraordinary benefits for human health of fasting.
Episode 6
PRAYER, FAITH COMMUNITY AND
SABBATH: BLUEPRINT FOR
OVERCOMING STRESS
Can faith be good for your health? We look at how spiritual practices, such as individual prayer, religious involvement, trust in God and keeping the weekly Sabbath can contribute to better mental, emotional and physical well-being.
