Faith and Wellness Event Inspires Attendees with Powerful Testimonies and Biblical Health Insights

Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) and Tree of Life Network hosted a discussion and presentation on the Biblio Diet on Saturday, March 28 with over 150 people in attendance. From undergrad and graduate counseling students to alumni, ministry leaders, mental health and church professionals, many gathered on PBA's campus for a transformative morning of faith, health, and encouragement from speakers Jordan Rubin, author of The Biblio Diet, and Dr. Karen Brown, Christian psychiatrist.

Challenging Conventional Thought with Biblical Wisdom

In his keynote address, Rubin spoke openly about his own health struggles, like being diagnosed with Crohn's disease and colitis as a young adult in the 90's to terminal cancer in 2008. Overcoming both these health challenges through biblical nutrition cemented his passion to help others through this information. Opening his talk, Rubin acknowledged that his perspective might challenge conventional nutritional wisdom, emphasizing that his teachings are rooted in biblical principles he believes are timeless.

Drawing from Scripture, Rubin referenced the longevity of figures such as Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Isaac, and Jacob, using these examples to highlight what he described as God's original design for health and vitality. He also pointed to biblical passages that described the diet of figures like Solomon. 1 Kings 4:22-23 says, "Solomon's daily provisions were thirty cors of the finest flour and sixty cors of meal, ten head of stall-fed cattle, twenty of pasture-fed cattle and a hundred sheep and goats, as well as deer, gazelles, roebucks and choice fowl. deer, gazelles, roebucks and choice fowl." Rubin asserted, Solomon, known as the wisest man on earth, included red meat and bread in his diet though modern health conversations typically warn against their consumption.

A defining moment of the event came as Rubin recounted a season of severe illness that forced him to withdraw from school and left him physically depleted. During that time, Rubin described how he sought guidance rooted in biblical nutrition and made a bold declaration of faith.

He recalled asking his mother to take a photograph of him at his weakest point. When she objected, preferring to take a picture when he was better, he emphasized why he wanted to mark that moment. He told his mom, "The world is not going to believe what God is about to do in my life." Rubin shared that within 12 weeks of that declaration, his health was restored.

Encouraging attendees to embrace their own journeys, Rubin urged the audience, "Don't miss your before picture moment," emphasizing the importance of personal testimony in helping those experiencing what you've overcome.

Rubin also explored biblical references to natural health practices. He emphasized Ezekiel 47:12, which says, "Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing." He also discussed Revelation 22:2, "down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations." Both scriptures describe the healing properties of leaves from fruit-bearing trees. He noted their potential antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supporting qualities, reinforcing his message that nature provides resources for restoration and wellness.

Soul Care and Modern Medicine

Dr. Karen Brown, Christian Psychiatrist focused her talk on a case study. She discussed a fictional patient presenting with a possible depressive disorder. Before treating the symptoms, Dr. Brown emphasized the need to take a wholistic look at the patient's health, including their physical, emotional and spiritual health and nutrition. Dr. Brown told attendees she believes we are on the cusp of a medical and mental health revolution where there will be more integration of faith and medicine.

The event provided attendees not only with practical insights but also with a renewed sense of hope and purpose. Through a blend of personal testimony, scriptural teaching, and community connection, the gathering underscored the growing interest in faith-based approaches to health and well-being.

For more information visit: https://www.pba.edu/academics/majors-degrees/clinical-mental-health-counseling-ms/