Episode 30: Physical or Spiritual Infirmities?

What happened to the spiritual side of healing? Jesus healed epilepsy, blindness, deafness, muteness, mental illness, etc. often by casting out demons, evil spirits & unclean spirits. Has humanity traded faith for knowledge?The Bible, Internet, ChatGPTScripture Text & Textual EvidenceMatthew 17 Manuscript EvidenceThis explains why Matthew 17:21 appears in some traditions and not others (Old Latin, Vulgate, early church fathers, and manuscript variations). https://biblehub.com/q/Evidence_for_Matthew_17_21_in_history.htmA detailed look at which translations include or omit Matthew 17:21 and why. https://biblehub.com/q/Why_is_Matthew_17_21_missing_in_some_Bibles.htmNon Canonical / Second Temple Sources (Context Only)Testament of Solomon — complete text of this early Jewish work describing spirits and their effects (demons with functional roles): https://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/tos/index.htmDead Sea Scrolls — 4Q510 (“Songs of the Sage”)Overview of this Qumran text that contains prayers intended to protect families from spiritual affliction. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/4Q510%E2%80%93511Scholarly Works (Books & Commentary)The Unseen Realm — Michael S. Heiser’s scholarly treatment of spiritual beings in biblical context.(Book; no direct link — cite ISBN or purchase page)Powers of Darkness — Clinton E. Arnold on spiritual forces in Paul’s letters.(Book; used for analysis — no direct link but widely referenced academically)Miracles: The Credibility of the New Testament Accounts — Craig S. Keener’s two volume survey of healing ministry in Scripture and history.(Book; academic resources available through Baker Academic)Jesus According to Scripture — Darrell L. Bock’s analysis of Jesus’ ministry patterns.(Book; academic resource)Epigenetics & Generational Influence (Secular Studies)“Epigenetic biomarkers of stress and trauma”Study showing how trauma impacts gene expression across generations. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2822158Trauma transmission and generational effectsBehavioral research on how stress and PTSD patterns appear across generations. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34049337/Religion, Spirituality & Health Research (Secular)Handbook of Religion and HealthComprehensive review of research on how spiritual practices influence physical and psychological well being. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Handbook_of_Religion_and_Health(Note: This page links to the collective research summary and is sourced from academic discussion about the book and studies it surveys.)General Background Links (for Context & Study)Bible.org — Matthew 17 Study OverviewHelpful for understanding narrative of healing, disciples’ failure, and prayer/faith dynamics in Matthew 17. https://bible.org/seriespage/matthew-17