The "quiet crisis" around our daily bread
Christians must rethink what they eat and how they live because Scripture is clear that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, says retired minister John Berriman.
A retired Elim minister is sounding the alarm over what he calls a “quiet crisis” in Britain’s churches – warning that believers may be neglecting a vital part of discipleship: caring for their physical bodies.
John Berriman, based in St Ives, Cornwall, says the issue is not about vanity or dieting trends, but about biblical obedience.
Berriman, who has spent five years leading a health-focused ministry, is urging Christians to rethink how they eat, live and steward their bodies.
“Scripture is clear,” he says, pointing to the apostle Paul’s challenge: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore, honour God with your bodies” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
“To honour God with our bodies is stewardship. It is obedience. It is worship.”
His warning comes amid rising concern about the UK’s health.
Obesity, type two diabetes and heart disease have surged in recent decades, with millions affected. Once considered rare, such conditions are now commonplace – including among committed churchgoers.
“Many faithful believers love the Lord wholeheartedly,” says Berriman, “yet suffer physically from lifestyles shaped more by modern food culture than by biblical wisdom.”
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