Faith, Science, and Healing: How to Discern the Right Medical Path

Some of today’s alternative medical methods involve ancient practices with modern applications, while others rely on technology unknown in Biblical times. Sorting through all of this can be overwhelming. Which practices are truly helpful? Which are questionable? And how do we know what aligns with God’s design for our bodies?

This is where the Principle Approach comes in. It’s a method of applying a Christian philosophy of life consistently in every area—including health. By grounding ourselves in Bible principles, using clear definitions, and asking “leading questions,” we can discern wisely and ensure our health decisions honor God.

Much of the framework and historical detail shared here is adapted from Riki Pipen’s book, God’s Health Plan, a resource that guides believers in examining health practices through both Scripture and science.

The Principle Approach: Questions to Ask

When evaluating any medical practice, Riki Pippen suggests nine guiding questions in God’s Health Plan:

1. What is it? (Define the practice clearly.)

2. What training is involved in learning it?

3. Where did it originate? (Does it connect to an Eastern religion or worldview?)

4. How does it work?

5. Does it follow God’s design of the body?

6. Is there legitimate proof beyond testimonials?

7. Is it scientifically proven—or disproven?

8. What concerns or risks might it bring?

9. What other factors should I consider?

Let’s apply this framework to a few common medical systems.

Allopathy: Conventional Medicine

Definition: Allopathy refers to traditional medicine—using drugs or surgery to treat disease. The 1960 Webster’s Dictionary defines it as: “Treatment of disease by remedies that produce effects different from or opposite to those produced by the disease: opposed to homeopathy.”

Training: Medical doctors complete four years of college, four years of medical school, and two to five years of residency.

Origins: The term is credited to Cicero (1st century B.C.) and is based on the “Doctrine of Contraries”—the belief that the body cannot heal itself and needs outside help.

How it works: Treatments are designed to produce the opposite effect of the disease—antibiotics fight infection, painkillers block pain, surgery removes damaged tissue.

Biblical lens: God designed our bodies with amazing self-healing abilities—immune systems, tissue repair, cell renewal. The idea that the body cannot heal without intervention runs counter to this design. Yet, in emergencies, allopathy can be life-saving and is a gift of God’s common grace.

Evidence: Many allopathic treatments, like antibiotics, are well-supported by science.

Concerns: Overuse of drugs can mask symptoms instead of addressing root causes. Lifestyle changes are often overlooked.

Takeaway: Allopathy has its place, especially in urgent care, but Christians should ask:

• How does this treatment affect my body?

• Does it align with God’s design or work against it?

• Are there natural, root-focused alternatives?

Homeopathy: “Like Cures Like”

Definition: Homeopathy is based on giving very small doses of substances that, in larger amounts, would produce symptoms similar to the disease.

Training: Standards vary; many practitioners follow the teachings of Samuel Hahnemann (1800s).

Core principles:

• Law of Similars — “like cures like.”

• Law of Minimum Dose — dilution increases potency.

• Law of Single Remedy — one treatment at a time.

• Law of Spiritual Cause — disease stems from imbalance in a “vital force.”

  
  

Origins: Hahnemann was influenced by Emanuel Swedenborg, who blended natural observation with occult ideas. This raises red flags for Christians.

Diagnosis & remedies: Practitioners may use detailed symptom histories, muscle testing, or electrical devices—methods often lacking scientific reliability. Remedies are usually diluted to the point that little or none of the original substance remains.

Evidence: Most well-designed studies show no effectiveness beyond placebo.

Concerns: Spiritual roots, questionable diagnostics, and reliance on dilution doctrines conflict with both science and Scripture.

Takeaway: While some remedies may seem harmless due to extreme dilution, Christians must weigh biblical acceptability and scientific reliability. Serious conditions should never rely on homeopathy alone.

Naturopathy: Healing Through Nature

Definition: Naturopathy emphasizes natural means—nutrition, sunlight, lifestyle, and herbs—to support the body’s ability to heal.

Origins: Although the term arose in the 19th century, it draws from ancient practices across cultures.

Six principles:

1. Do no harm.

2. Support the body’s natural healing.

3. Treat causes, not just symptoms.

4. Care for the whole person.

5. Teach and empower the patient.

6. Prevention is the best cure.

   
   

Training: Varies widely. Some naturopaths focus only on classical, non-invasive therapies. Others (NDs) integrate conventional medicine, with privileges like prescribing drugs or minor surgery.

Strengths: Prevention, lifestyle change, and supporting the body’s design align well with biblical stewardship.

Concerns: Not everything “natural” is biblical or safe. Some naturopathic practices—like homeopathy or yoga-based therapies—carry spiritual baggage. In emergencies, naturopathy alone may be unsafe.

Takeaway: Naturopathy has many God-honoring principles, but each modality must be tested individually.

Functional Medicine: Root-Cause Focused

Definition: A modern, science-based system that identifies and treats the root causes of illness using individualized therapies.

Origins: Pioneered in the 1990s by Dr. Jeffrey Bland, with influence from Nobel laureate Dr. Linus Pauling.

Training: Functional medicine doctors are fully trained MDs with additional certifications in nutrition and lifestyle medicine.

Principles: Patient-centered, root-cause focused, individualized care.

Strengths: Aligns with biblical stewardship by addressing underlying causes, emphasizing prevention, and respecting God’s design for the body.

Concerns: Training varies, costs can be high, and some practitioners may blend in questionable alternative practices.

Takeaway: Functional medicine can be a God-honoring, effective model when practiced with scientific integrity and biblical discernment.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, sisters, the success of a treatment is not the only measure of truth. We must ask: Does it align with God’s Word? Does it honor His design for the body? Is it supported by sound science?

Scripture calls us to test all things and hold fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Whether we’re considering allopathy, homeopathy, naturopathy, or functional medicine, our guiding light must be Godly wisdom and discernment.

Your health matters deeply to God. Care for your body as His temple, seek wisdom in every choice, and remember—He is the ultimate source of healing and life.

This teaching has been adapted from Riki Pippen’s book, God’s Health Plan, which offers a comprehensive biblical perspective on evaluating medical practices.

Need help interviewing doctors or understanding which medical path aligns with your values?

Click Here to download a FREE guide with key questions to ask when interviewing both new and current doctors.  This guide will help you discern which health practitioners align with God’s design for your body and your faith.

View the full playlist of medical methods here.