First, my own blog: The Gesundheit Ministry Blog. You are already here, reading the Resource section with clickable links, as promised in the print version of my book, As Your Soul Prospers.
The rest of these resources are from people a lot smarter than I am. I have read or listened to all of these, and their ideas, principles, and information have shaped the way I live, think, and teach. However, most, if not all, have some areas, ideas, or interpretation with which I disagree. Note that not all are “Christian” resources, particularly when it comes to dietary and nutritional information. All authors do, however, have a commitment to truth as observable and verifiable by science rightly used and/or in scripture, and all offer valuable information. Read with discretion and the realization that all human knowledge and understanding is incomplete and contains at least some errors.
How to Live Like a King’s Kid, by Harold Hill. Bridge-Logos, Alachua, FL. 1974. https://amzn.to/2WG3WtQ If you are only going to read one book from this list, I recommend that you start with this one. In simple words and with great joy, this is the story of one man who decided to live as if the Manufacturer’s Handbook [the Bible] was meant to be taken as truth.
Prescription for Nutritional Healing (2nd edition and up), by Phyllis and James Balch. Avery Books, New York, NY. 2000. https://amzn.to/2BkqxF4 This is my go-to resource for non-pharmacological treatment. You will find it well worth the cost. Currently, I believe the fifth is the latest edition, but previous editions are also worthwhile.
Exploring Emotions by Martha Ann Shirk. Carlisle Printing of Walnut Creek, OH. 2017. Author Contact: 794 Gristmill Road, Ephrata PA 17522. Phone and fax: (717) 445-5517 [Note: not available through online sellers. Check your local bookstore or contact the author.] This simply written book provides children with the vocabulary to recognize and express their emotions. I found it useful as an adult too!
Strong Women, Soft Hearts by Paula Rinehart. https://amzn.to/3fMAtWS Thomas Nelson, Nashville TN. 2001. Highly recommended for women who struggle to open up emotionally. This book contains a workbook section in the back, which was instrumental in my own journey of recovery from abuse.
A More Excellent Way, Revised Edition, by Henry Wright. Whittaker House, New Kensington, PA. 2009. https://amzn.to/39bVlEi This is the only book on health that I have found that is totally biblically based. The author focuses almost solely on the spiritual roots of disease and does not sufficiently address the physical components. I do not recommend this book as a sole reference, but as part of a larger library.
Boundaries, by Cloud and Townsend. Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI. 1992. https://amzn.to/2CQDiaQ The authors address the challenging and much needed topic of boundaries in this classic book. As you begin to walk more fully in your calling in the Kingdom, it is absolutely crucial to be able to say no to anything that is outside that calling. Many Christians, especially women, find it very hard to say no. This book can help you learn why it is so hard and give you tools to begin to say no (and yes!) at the appropriate time.
Victory Over the Darkness, 2nd Edition, by Neil Anderson. Regal Books, Ventura, CA. 2000. https://amzn.to/32BBkWx Besetting sin. Habitual sin. Strongholds. Whatever you call them, this book is one of the simplest and most direct handbooks for spiritual warfare that will enable you to get and stay free through the power of God.
Land of Promise Seminar. https://www.straitpaths.com/land-of-promise-conference This four-day experience is well worth the (incredibly low) price tag. This event focuses almost entirely on spiritual health and connecting to God, but the impacts on soul and body are often quite dramatic.
When Pigs Move In, by Don Dickerman. Charisma House, Lake Mary, FL. 2009. https://amzn.to/2CyF6Fo In simple story form, this engaging and easy to understand book outlines the principles of freedom from demonic influences.
Gripped by a Dark Hand, by Paul Weaver. Ridgeway Publishing, Medina, NY. 2014. https://amzn.to/2ZHPCTA Revealing occultic connections in some alternative medical practices, this book specifically targets the plain Anabaptist audience.
The Biblical Guide to Alternative Medicine, by Anderson and Jacobsen. Regal Books, Ventura, CA. 2003. https://amzn.to/3eNg82n This resource helps you decide among holistic treatments through a biblically based, medically authoritative lens.
The Maker’s Diet: The 40-day Health Experience That Will Change Your Life Forever, by Jordan S. Rubin. Siloam, Lake Mary, FL. 2004. https://amzn.to/2Cv2DqT Biblical health from a Messianic Christian perspective. While this book does not fit into the grace-based perspective I advocate, it does provide valuable information, especially for those dealing with serious health issues who need to take a more stringent approach to regain health.
Anatomy of the Soul, by Curt Thompson. Tyndale House, Carol Stream, IL. 2010. https://amzn.to/39cfmuo One of the best resources I have yet found for explaining the body-soul-spirit connection from a medical/psychological/Christian physician perspective. Dr. Thompson is a better speaker than writer, so I recommend attending a live event if possible. Alternatively, you can find excerpts from his presentations on YouTube. For example, this one: https://youtu.be/dBBsNoC1D50
Switch on Your Brain: The Key to Peak Happiness, Thinking, and Health, by Caroline Leaf. Baker Books, Grand Rapids, MI. 2013. https://amzn.to/2CTidwc Recommended with caution. Lots of good information, but occasionally deviates from Scriptural truth.
Authentic Happiness, by Martin Seligman. https://amzn.to/3fWjS2Y This book provides a though-provoking secular look at the need to be serving “someone or something larger than ourselves.” The appendices are particularly worth reading.
It Will Never Happen to Me: Children of Alcoholics, by Claudia Black. Ballantine Books, New York, NY. 1981. https://amzn.to/2OX3Euq This is the classic book for understanding the roles that children learn to play in dysfunctional families. Based on the three unspoken rules of don’t talk, don’t tell, don’t feel.
World Health Organization definition of health. https://www.who.int/about/who-we-are/constitution.
Truth Study. For a comprehensive study of all Greek words translated as “truth” and it’s variations, see this document: https://www.ekklesia4him.net/Truth_study.pdf
A Jewish perspective on entering the Holy of Holies. https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/571614/jewish/Enter-the-Holy-of-Holies.htm
Weston Price and Wise Traditions
The following resources are from the Weston A Price Foundation.
The Broken Food System (a good overview of foods and non-foods) https://www.westonaprice.org/journal-summer-2013-our-broken-food-system/
ABCs of Nutrition (a compilation of links to articles, podcasts, and slides on various aspects of nutrition) https://www.westonaprice.org/abcs-of-nutrition/
Healthy Traditional Diets (slides with notes, from a seminar in 2018. Lengthy, but perhaps the easiest way to get an overview of the Wise Traditions principles) https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/abcs-of-nutrition/healthy-traditional-diets/
Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and Diet Dictocrats, by Sally Fallon https://amzn.to/2WDn38a
And, just for fun: Peterson’s Bird Guide https://amzn.to/2CYuRdk, which gave me hours of education and enjoyment as a child.
Epigenetics
Epigenetics is a complex topic, and the scientific literature is sometimes nearly incomprehensible. I include here a few of the many peer-reviewed journal articles that address the heritability of epigenetic changes, as well as the many variables. What this proves, simply put, is that epigenetic changes can be passed from parent to child, and there are many things that affect epigenetic changes.
The first article is relatively easy to understand, and is recommended reading for all, especially parents or those who are going to be parents. The others are more technical and therefore more difficult to understand but are included for the science geeks among us.
Epigenetics across the human lifespan. 2014. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4207041/
Environment-Sensitive Epigenetics and the Heritability of Complex Diseases. 2011. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3241426/
Epigenetic inheritance and the missing heritability. 2015. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4517414/