Orthodox Health

In this heartfelt episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian and co-host John sit down with new mother & recent Orthodox convert, Gwynne Hoffmaster, to talk about the beautiful chaos of entering the Church while navigating motherhood.From midnight feedings to toddler wrangling in the nave, Gwynne shares her honest experiences of finding Christ in exhaustion, messiness, & motion.Together, we explore fasting during breastfeeding, prayer in the midst of interruptions, & the gift of community that carries new families through the struggles & joys of life in the Church.TakeawaysNew motherhood in Orthodoxy isn’t picture-perfect: it’s patient, messy, & sanctifying.Fasting & prayer rules adapt to health, seasons, and the needs of the child.The Orthodox parish family provides cross-generational support &love: “if the church isn’t crying, it’s dying.”Family prayer, even when short or chaotic, is a powerful foundation for children.Patience is the virtue learned in both motherhood & conversion.Soundbytes“This is your liturgy... rocking the baby, chasing the toddler, it all counts.”“If the church isn’t crying, it’s dying.”“Patience: with children, with fasting, with ourselves... that’s what I’ve learned most.”“The Church is for the tired, the ones showing up with spit-up on their shoulders and a whisper of prayer in their hearts.”Chapters: 00:00 Opener01:30 Intro to New Motherhood & Conversion03:21 Gwynne's Journey to Orthodoxy05:43 Pews or No Pews for Toddler Wrangling?07:08 Entering the Church as a New Mother09:50 The Role of Godparents in the Orthodox Community10:53 Fasting and Spiritual Growth12:21 Living the Rhythms of the Church Prior to Orthodoxy?15:14 The Ascetic Life of Motherhood17:13 The Church as a Postpartum Hospital21:03 On the Importance of Community, Especially Godparents22:33 The Joy of Going to a Church Where Everybody Knows Your Name24:19 Establishing a Personal Prayer Life28:29 Come to Him as Little Children30:34 Embracing the Sunday Morning Chaos34:46 Craziest Toddler Experience in Church38:48 Toddlers & Blessed Wine?39:35 Toddler Excitement for the Eucharist40:57 Orthodox Church Growth42:09 Gwynne's Advice to New Mothers in the Church45:56 Toddler Psy-Ops49:23 The Most Important Thing Gwynne Has Learned on This Journey51:11 Closing Thoughts & Looking Ahead54:47 OutroOrthodox Health Instagram: @Orthodox_HealthSupport the Show with a One-Time or Recurring donation: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Us a CoffeeWork with Dr. Mike: OrthodoxHealth.comPre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/bookIntro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠

In this opening episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast Women’s Health & Femininity arc, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John welcome Katherine Phillips, host of the Faithful Flourish Podcast. With a background in public health & daily work as a health insurance broker, Katherine brings both clarity & conviction to the challenges women face in today’s medicalized, performance-driven world.Together, we explore the deep intersections of Orthodox faith, prevention, & the feminine body... & how the Church’s vision for healing goes far beyond what modern healthcare systems can offer.This episode lays the foundation for our new series on women’s health. Whether you’re a mother, daughter, or simply longing to understand the sacred feminine body through an Orthodox lens, this conversation will challenge, encourage, and inspire.Takeaways:Why spiritual health forms the foundation for physical, mental, & relational health.The pitfalls of modern healthcare: access, affordability, & profit-driven care.Orthodoxy’s preventative wisdom: fasting, prayer, rhythms of the Church.The feminine call to live a “soft life,” rooted in Scripture and tradition.How sisterhood & mentorship in the Church strengthen women at every stage.Yoga may distract from spiritual focus & should be approached with caution.The current healthcare system often prioritizes profit over patient care.The church has a historical role in providing healthcare & should continue to do so, in an expanded manner.Women often face unique challenges in maintaining their faith & health.Flourishing in faith involves integrating spiritual practices into daily life.Soundbytes:“When your spiritual health is out of line, everything else falls out of balance.” – Katherine Phillips“The Church is not just a place of worship. It’s a hospital for the soul.” – Dr. Michael Christian“There’s no reason to choose practices like yoga when Orthodoxy already gives us healthier, holier ways to flourish.” – Katherine Phillips“Prevention isn’t just a medical term. It’s a spiritual calling to tend to the temple of the Holy Spirit.” – JohnChapters:00:00 Opener01:30 Introduction to the Orthodox Health Women's Arc03:34 Introduction to Katherine Phillips of the Faithful Flourish Podcast04:57 Katherine's Personal Connections Between Orthodoxy & Health07:18 Yoga & Christianity?10:59 The Biggest Problem in the Healthcare System15:07 The Profit-Driven Model & Medical Devastation16:46 Bureaucratic Red Tape in Diagnostics & Insurance Claims19:09 On the Importance of Preventive Care26:28 Greek & Italian Folk Medicine27:36 On the Importance of Tradition & Ritual in Spiritual Life32:10 What is the Faithful Flourish Podcast?36:20 What Does Femininity Look Like From an Orthodox Perspective40:16 Complementary Roles Within Marriage43:36 The Role of Sisterhoods in the Church49:34 A Message to the Ortho Gentlemen51:06 Final Thoughts on Facilitating Care as the Church53:07 A Call to Greek Angel Investors54:10 Where to Find Katherine Phillips & the Faithful Flourish Podcast56:47 Closing Thoughts & Looking Ahead58:32 OutroSupport the Show with a One-Time or Recurring donation: ⁠⁠⁠⁠coff.ee/OrthodoxHealth⁠⁠⁠⁠Work with Dr. Mike: ⁠⁠https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com⁠⁠Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: ⁠⁠https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book⁠⁠Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:⁠⁠⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠⁠⁠Orthodox Health IG: @Orthodox_HealthKatherine's IG: @faithfulflourishpodcastWork with Katherine for Insurance: katherinephillipsinsurance.com

In this long-awaited episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John are joined by Jeff Messina: 4th degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, Judo black belt, owner of the Revolution Dojo, paratrooper & infantryman, theology graduate, & newly-illumined Orthodox Christian.Jeff shares his powerful journey from the mat to the Church, weaving together themes of discipline, humility, struggle, & faith. With decades of experience training & teaching, he offers insights on how martial arts can shape not only the body but also the soul... & how Orthodoxy calls men to a higher form of strength: ascetic, sacrificial, & Christ-centered.Takeaways:Struggle shapes our character & faith.Discipline in training parallels spiritual discipline.Community support is vital in both martial arts & faith.Ego can hinder growth in both training & spirituality.The journey of faith is continuous & requires effort.Understanding lineage in faith & martial arts is crucial.Failure is a part of growth and learning.Humility is essential in both training & spiritual life.Accountability helps maintain focus & purpose.Living out one's faith is a daily practice.Why Orthodoxy is, in Jeff’s words, “the Jiu-Jitsu of Christianity.”Soundbytes:“Formation is not just spiritual... it’s also physical.”“The world tells men to dominate or disappear. Orthodoxy calls us to sacrificial leadership.”“You can’t just go once a week: in the gym or in the Church. Faithfulness is daily.”“Orthodoxy is the Jiu-Jitsu of Christianity. If you want the truth, this is it.”Chapters:00:00 Opener01:30 Introduction to the Journey of Faith & BJJ04:36 Jeff Messina's Path to Orthodoxy08:54 Apostolic Succession & Knowing Your Roots11:51 Jeff Messina's Martial Arts Journey17:14 Intersection of BJJ & Orthodoxy22:41 Sola Scriptura & Tradition27:04 The Professor & The Spiritual Father29:24 On Failure, Repetition, & Humility32:00 On Remaining Dispassionate While Fighting35:28 Jeff's Advice to Christians Interested in Martial Arts40:50 Tempering Convert Zeal43:48 Living Orthodoxy: A Compelling Witness46:07 The Selfishness & Pride of "Ritual Purity"52:22 A Call to Orthodox Men & BJJ Practitioners Alike54:19 Where Can You Find Jeff Messina55:46 Closing Thoughts & Looking Ahead58:57 OutroSupport the Show with a One-Time or Recurring donation: ⁠⁠⁠coff.ee/OrthodoxHealth⁠⁠⁠Work with Dr. Mike: ⁠https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com⁠Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: ⁠https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book⁠Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:⁠⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠⁠

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John explore how the body itself is a school of formation. Building from last week’s conversation with Fr. Zechariah Lynch on the war against the Incarnation, this discussion goes deeper into the theology of movement, the sanctifying role of suffering, & the communal power of training together.From the Desert Fathers swinging axes & weaving baskets, to modern men carrying barbells & practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the truth remains: the soul does not grow despite the body... it grows through the body.Takeaways:​The Incarnation proclaims that the body is good... the very medium of salvation.​Movement is not just about health metrics; it’s about integration of mind, body, & spirit.​Voluntary suffering trains the will, reshaping us for communion with God.​Ascetic labor is not punishment, it is freedom from the passions.​Brotherhood & shared struggle break the isolation of modern life.​John shares a mock functional movement protocol: a practical “rule of the body” to root training in Orthodox anthropology.Soundbytes:​“The soul doesn’t grow despite the body, it grows through the body.”​“Movement isn’t about achieving a physique. It’s about reclaiming the image of Christ.”​“The world sees suffering as a glitch in the system. Christ sees it as a doorway.”​“Embodiment is resistance in an age of disembodiment.”Chapters:00:00 Opener01:30 Introduction to the School of the Body04:44 Suffering as a Path to Transformation06:57 The Role of Asceticism in Spiritual Growth08:35 Integration of Body, Mind, and Spirit10:36 The Connection Between Movement and Suffering11:25 Embracing Suffering for Spiritual Growth13:24 The Role of Community in Suffering21:32 The Modern Disembodiment Crisis24:28 Embodiment as Resistance28:30 The Power of Brotherhood in Struggle37:38 Practical Movement Protocols for Spiritual Growth46:56 Closing Thoughts on the Protocol & Looking Ahead52:06 OutroFunctional Movement for Orthodox Christians PDF: Get Yours HereSupport the Show with a One-Time or Recurring donation: ⁠⁠⁠coff.ee/OrthodoxHealth⁠⁠⁠Work with Dr. Mike: ⁠https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com⁠Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: ⁠https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book⁠Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:⁠⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠⁠

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & John welcome Fr. Zechariah Lynch to close out a four-part arc on the future of man. Together, they explore the rising ideology of transhumanism, the cult of fitness, AI-driven medicine, & how these movements represent not mere “progress,” but a new worldview that wages war on the Incarnation itself.The conversation dives into wearables, implants, predictive diagnostics, & the seductive promises of algorithmic salvation. Against these false gospels, the Fathers point us back to the truth: man is dust, yet called to glory in Christ. True healing comes not from digitizing ourselves, but from living sacramentally in the Body of Christ.Takeaways:The future of medicine intertwines with spirituality.Embodiment is essential in a disembodied age.Transhumanism challenges traditional beliefs about the body.Suffering can lead to spiritual growth & understanding.Technology can both connect & isolate us.Ascetic practices enhance physical & spiritual discipline.Community is vital for authentic human relationships.Convenience can lead to loss of freedom & control.Hope & healing are found in Christ.Faith is an incarnational reality that transforms lives.Don't do Yoga!Sound Bytes:“The war is on the Incarnation, on the idea that God became man, that flesh matters, that our healing comes not through self-optimization, but through the Cross.”“They’ll kill us by convenience. They’ll enslave us for our desire for convenience. That’s why we need to do really human things: read books, break bread, touch grass.”“You are not a program. You are a person made for communion, not control.”Chapters:00:00 Opener01:30 Recap of The 4-Part Masculinity & Transhumanism Arc04:08 Introduction to Fr. Zechariah Lynch & His Orthodox Journey05:22 Transhumanist Anthropology08:11 Longevity at Any Cost10:05 The Spiritual Implications of Health Tracking12:10 On the Existence of Vestigial Organs15:14 The Search for Meaning in a Data-Driven World19:05 Biometrics & Big Brother20:31 Addressing the True Root of Sickness24:23 Discipline & the Ascetic Life25:04 Balancing the Extremes of Fitness34:40 Can Yoga Be Christianified?38:05 The Singularity Vs. the Body as a Gift43:44 The Importance of the Theotokos in the Incarnation51:02 Advice for Not Being Seduced by Simulated Reality55:11 The Digital Gulag58:03 The Intersection of BigData & BigHealth01:00:37 Do Not Let Anything Deprive You of Hope01:01:51 Find Fr. Zechariah on InklessPen.Blog or Substack01:02:31 Kettlebells & Deadlifting in a Cassock 01:04:12 Closing Thoughts & Looking Forward to our 2-Part Body Arc01:06:23 OutroSupport the Show with a One-Time or Recurring donation: ⁠⁠coff.ee/OrthodoxHealth⁠⁠Work with Dr. Mike: https://www.OrthodoxHealth.comPre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/bookIntro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here: ⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & John explore the intersection of AI, medicine, and Orthodox theology. They discuss the ethical implications of AI in healthcare, the allure of transhumanism, & the importance of community & communion in true healing. The conversation emphasizes the need for a return to the Orthodox understanding of the person, which transcends mere data & optimization, advocating for a holistic approach to health that includes spiritual dimensions.Sound Bites:"Transhumanism seeks perfection without God.""True healing is found in the Orthodox tradition.""Fear of death drives the transhumanist agenda."Takeaways:AI is transforming medicine, but raises ethical concerns.The post-human gospel offers a false promise of immortality.Transhumanism seeks perfection without God.True healing is found in the Orthodox tradition.Digital health tools can lead to a new form of idolatry.The Orthodox Church teaches the importance of communion & community.Modern medicine often prioritizes data over the person.Theosis is the ultimate goal of Orthodox healing.Fear of death drives the transhumanist agenda.Real healing involves surrendering to God, not optimizing oneself.Chapters:00:00 The Gospel According to the Algorithm06:37 The Rise of AI in Medicine13:30 Bioethics Without Christ Through the Lifecycle16:35 Transhumanism & the Promise of Immortality20:22 Tin Foil & Apple Symbolism21:39 Transhumanism & the Fear of Death22:20 The Institutionalization of Thanatophobia25:20 Embracing Freedom from Fear Through the Church26:51 Digital Asceticism & Health Tracking29:37 Continuous Glucose Monitors are NOT Repentance34:20 The Parody of Sainthood in Modernity39:00 Reclaiming Real Sacraments41:53 The True Nature of Humanity44:20 Closing Thoughts & Looking Ahead45:41 OutroSupport the Show with a One-Time or Recurring donation: ⁠⁠coff.ee/OrthodoxHealth⁠⁠Work with Dr. Mike: ⁠⁠https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com⁠⁠Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: ⁠⁠https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book⁠⁠Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:⁠⁠ ⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠⁠

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & John discuss the crisis of masculinity in modern society, exploring themes of disembodiment, the spiritual roots of masculinity, & the importance of reclaiming the body as a tool for virtue & sacrifice.They emphasize the need for practical steps to embody masculinity, the significance of brotherhood, & the role of fatherhood in protecting & providing for families.The conversation culminates in a call to action for men to re-engage in their physical & spiritual lives, reclaim their identity, & resist the passive tendencies of modern culture.Takeaways:Masculinity is in crisis at multiple levels.Modern men are detaching from their bodies & reality.The body is essential for discipline and virtue.Disembodiment is a spiritual issue, not just a lifestyle choice.Real masculinity involves sacrifice & self-offering.Men need to reclaim their physicality & engage in real work.Brotherhood & community are vital for masculine formation.Practical steps include fasting, physical training, & prayer.Fatherhood involves protection & spiritual leadership.The modern world promotes passivity & disembodiment, which must be resisted.Sound Bites:"You need to have a daily embodied rule.""This is war & you need a plan."Chapters:00:00 Opener01:30 Introduction to Masculinity & Disembodiment04:45 The Crisis of Modern Masculinity07:25 Synthetic Masculinity & Transhumanism09:38 The Role of Suffering in Masculinity12:25 The Importance of the Body & Spirituality15:11 Addressing Masculinity at the Root17:41 Retaking the Arena20:41 The Hero's Journey & The Gamification of Man22:59 Building Brotherhood & Community Through the Cross27:00 Practical Steps for Embodied Masculinity29:49 Step 1: Fast30:33 Step 2: Prostrate32:21 Step 3: Build Something35:06 Step 4: Take Risks36:30 Establishing Daily Routines to Regain Masculinity39:31 The Role of Fatherhood & Protection44:20 Christ as the Only Way to True Manhood48:43 Two Daily Disciplines to Start Your Day50:23 Building Brotherhood & Community Through the Cross54:00 Closing Thoughts57:13 OutroSupport the Show with a One-Time or Recurring donation: ⁠coff.ee/OrthodoxHealth⁠Work with Dr. Mike: ⁠https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com⁠Pre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: ⁠https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/book⁠Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:⁠⁠ https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian (sans John) is joined by Orthodox catechumen, registered dietitian, & fitness specialist Gavin McCort, RDN, LDN to discuss the multifaceted crisis in men's health, exploring the decline in testosterone levels, the impact of social & environmental factors, & the importance of spirituality & community.They emphasize the need for men to reconnect with their purpose, the role of fasting & nutrition in health, & the significance of building a strong physical & spiritual foundation.The conversation highlights the interplay between mental, physical, & spiritual well-being, advocating for a holistic approach to health that includes ascetic practices & community support.Takeaways:Men are experiencing a crisis in health, particularly with declining testosterone levels.Social & environmental factors, including diet & lifestyle, contribute to men's health issues.Spirituality plays a crucial role in men's health & identity.Community & brotherhood are essential for men's mental & emotional well-being.Fasting & nutrition are vital components of physical health.Stress & sleep are interconnected & affect testosterone production.Asceticism & discipline are important for building a healthy body, soul, & spirit.Finding purpose in life is key to overall health & motivation.Men often feel isolated & disconnected from their peers.Building a healthy temple involves treating the body with respect & care.Chapters:00:00 Opener01:30 Introduction to Men's Health Crisis06:07 Exploring Testosterone Decline & Its Causes06:59 Male Isolation & Lack of Masculine Role Models07:53 Spiritual Decline & the Loss of Masculinity08:48 The Role of Diet in Men's Health10:52 Quick Sidebar for a Fast-Friendly "Mayo" Recipe11:31 Mental & Spiritual Stagnation in Men14:41 The Physiology of Strength & Resistance Training16:27 Should I Be Taking Peptides?17:38 The Debate on Artificial Sweeteners & Fermented Drinks18:17 Understanding GLP-1 & GLP-3 Peptides20:36 The Interplay of Testosterone, Stress, & Sleep22:16 The Importance of Silence & Prayer25:44 Fasting, Physical Discipline, & Spiritual Warfare28:56 On The Origin & Mission of Temple Builder Fitness33:47 The Body as a Temple: A Holistic Approach36:43 Millennial Man Screams at the Clouds 38:35 The Role of Fatherhood & Brotherhood42:41 Circles of Accountability in Life44:01 Foundational Health Tips for Men50:48 Supplements to Support Blood Flow & Heal Damage From Mandatory Medical Procedures51:47 Nutrition & Fasting for Men's Health53:58 Gavin's Favorite Male Saint for Strength & Virtue54:30 Gavin's Favorite Post-Training Meal (In Fast & Out of Fast)56:01 Finding Purpose in Health & Life56:47 Where Can You Find Gavin?01:00:41 OutroSupport the Show with a One-Time or Recurring donation: coff.ee/OrthodoxHealthWork with Dr. Mike: https://www.OrthodoxHealth.comPre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/bookIntro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John explore the intersection of Orthodox Christianity & herbal medicine, emphasizing the importance of discernment in using natural remedies. They discuss the historical context of herbal practices within the Orthodox tradition, the dangers of New Age ideologies, & the philosophical roots that contribute to confusion in modern herbalism. Additionally, practical guidelines are given for reclaiming herbalism in a way that aligns with Orthodox beliefs, advocating for a humble & prayerful approach to healing.TakeawaysTakeawaysHerbal medicine is an integral part of Orthodox tradition.Discernment is crucial when engaging with herbal practices.The church does not oppose the use of herbs, but warns against idolatry.New Age practices often corrupt the original intent of herbalism.Healing should be approached as a gift from God, not a tool for self-deification.The influence of Gnosticism has led to confusion in modern herbalism.Orthodox Christians should reclaim herbalism within a sacramental framework.Prayer and humility are essential in the use of herbs.Consulting with spiritual elders is important for guidance in herbal practices.Repentance is necessary for those who have engaged with occult herbalism.Chapters00:00 Opener01:30 Introduction to Herbal Medicine & Orthodoxy02:24 The Role of Herbs in Orthodox Tradition04:09 Discernment in Herbal Practices06:34 Scriptural Foundations for Herbal Healing08:48 The Church Fathers & Herbal Knowledge11:12 The Dangers of New Age Herbalism13:26 Identifying Spiritual Deception in Herbalism14:57 The Intersection of Herbs & Occult Practices20:39 Hidden in Plain Sight23:14 What if I Have Participated in These "Wellness" Practices?24:18 Pharmakeia: Understanding the Biblical Context26:57 Rudolf Steiner & the Mystical Approach to Healing32:09 Orthodoxy Vs. Gnostic Syncretism36:08 "But, What About Homeopathy?"38:20 Reclaiming Herbalism: An Orthodox Perspective46:23 Closing Thoughts & Looking Forward to the Next Episode Arc47:42 OutroHexaemeron with On the Making of Man – St. Basil of the Great & St. Gregory of Nyssa (contains Amazon affiliate link)Work with Dr. Mike: https://www.OrthodoxHealth.comPre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/bookIntro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John delve into the complex world of Anthroposophy, its founder Rudolf Steiner, & the implications of his teachings on health & healing. They explore the intersections of Anthroposophy with terrain theory, contrasting it with Orthodox Christian views on healing, which emphasize the unity of body, soul, & spirit, repentance, & the sacramental life.The discussion highlights the importance of discerning the spiritual roots of health practices & the necessity of grounding healing in the teachings of the Orthodox Church.Takeaways​Anthroposophy is rooted in spiritual systems that diverge from Orthodox teachings.​Steiner's view of illness emphasizes spiritual imbalance rather than sin.​Orthodox healing is sacramental & communal, not esoteric or individualistic.​True healing involves repentance & humility before God.​Natural remedies can be beneficial, but must be rooted in faith.​The body, soul, & spirit are interconnected in Orthodox understanding.​Healing is a journey that includes suffering and hope in Christ.​Discernment is crucial when engaging with alternative health practices.​The teachings of the Church provide a foundation for true healing.​The cross of Christ is central to understanding healing in Orthodoxy.Chapters00:00 Opener01:30 Introduction to Anthroposophy03:05 Rudolf Steiner: The Man & His Influence05:43 Steiner's Spiritual Framework & Christology09:34 Anthroposophy's Impact on Modern Health & Society11:29 Terrain Theory vs. Germ Theory20:03 Understanding Steiner's Four Bodies Anthropology23:45 Logos Spermaticos & The Seeds of Truth28:34 Orthodox Understanding of Healing32:20 Theosophy & Its Influences36:55 A New Perspective on "Reincarnation"41:02 Theosophy's Legacy in Modern Society42:20 Orthodox Healing vs. Esoteric Practices46:38 Sacraments & Humility for True Healing48:29 Natural Remedies & Orthodox Practices50:29 Practical Steps for Orthodox in Navigating Alternative Health52:49 OutroWork with Dr. Mike: https://www.OrthodoxHealth.comPre-Order Orthodoxy & The Medicine of the Future: https://www.orthodoxhealth.com/bookIntro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠