In holistic health spaces today, shadow work is often presented as courageous, therapeutic, and liberating. It promises healing through self-exploration and wholeness through integration. For many, especially those wounded by trauma or disillusioned by shallow religion, it feels like honesty at last. But Scripture gives us categories that are sharper and more sobering than modern therapeutic language. When examined biblically, shadow work is not merely a neutral psychological tool, nor is it simply a misguided attempt at healing. It represents something far more serious: The affirmation and cultivation of the flesh after the rejection of God’s authority. To understand why, we must stop borrowing language from psychology and allow Scripture to name the issue itself. What Shadow Work Actually Does Shadow work teaches that human brokenness is best healed by: * Identifying suppressed desires, impulses, and traits * Exploring them without moral judgment * Integrating them into one’s identit...
Obesity, Genetics, and Body Mass Index: What Really Shapes Your Body (and How to Improve It Sustainably)
Obesity is often discussed as a personal failure, but modern science tells a very different story. Body size is influenced by a complex interaction between genetics, metabolism, environment, and lifestyle choices . Understanding this interaction — especially through the lens of Body Mass Index (BMI), nutrition, exercise, and fasting — can help individuals improve their body structure and long-term health without extreme or unsustainable methods. This article breaks down the science clearly and practically, offering an evidence-based path toward healthier body composition. Understanding Body Size: The Role of Genetics Human bodies are not created equal — and that’s not a flaw. Genetics influence: Basal metabolic rate (BMR) — how many calories you burn at rest Hormonal regulation — appetite, satiety, and fat storage Fat distribution — whether weight is stored around the abdomen or hips Muscle fiber composition — affecting strength and endurance Studies estimate that 40–70% of b...