The New Religion of Body Improvement

By Jeremy Biles
27 May 2010
Ekklesia

“The worldwide pursuit of body improvement has become like a new religion,” says photographer Zed Nelson in the introduction to his latest book, Love Me.

His photos therein depict in loving, lurid detail evidences of bodily fanaticism around the globe – a preposterously muscled bodybuilder in Las Vegas, prosthetic nose implants in Beijing, the winner of a maximum-security-prison beauty pageant in Rio. But do these photos really point toward a “new religion”?

There’s reason to think so. In fact, though the pursuit of bodily perfection is a global phenomenon, its roots may lie partly in American religion.

Fasting and Science

For those interested in the scientific studies related to fasting and its health benefits, below are a few select links among many.

Fasting and Science

"Fasting Works Miracles"

Greek Orthodox Fasting Cleanses Body and Soul

The Health Benefits of Fasting

Does Intermittent Fasting Have Benefits? Science Suggests Yes

A Healthy Lifestyle vs. an Ascetic Lifestyle (St. John of Kronstadt)

By St. John of Kronstadt

It is a wonderful thing that, however much we trouble about our health, however much care we take of ourselves, whatever wholesome and pleasant food we eat, whatever wholesome drinks we drink, however much we walk in the fresh air, still, notwithstanding all this, in the end we are subjected to maladies and corruption; whilst the saints, who despised their flesh, and mortified it by continual abstinence and fasting, by lying on the bare earth, by watchfulness, labours, unceasing prayer, have made both their souls and bodies immortal.

The 10 Healthiest Ethnic Cuisines: Greek Is #1

August 19, 2010
Health.com

It's dinnertime, and you're craving something with a little flavor. Maybe you'll grab Indian takeout or whip up a taco salad. But, uh-oh, these days it's easy to find yourself biting into the ethnic version of a triple burger and fries.

Church Attendance Leads To A More Satisfying Life

By St. Nikolai Velimirovich

If you were to ask many people why they do not go to Church to pray, they will generally answer you: "I have no time, I have to work!"

Endemic Herbs From Mount Athos Help Cure Illnesses

Several herbs, endemic to the Holy Mount Athos, have been found to cure chronic illnesses like rheumatism, circulatory problems, allergies etc.

The Centre for the research and study of such herbs has been launched at the Monastery of Vatopaidi with the help of Italian scientists, most notable of which is professor Roberto Micinilli of the University of Viterbo.

Seven Thoughts That Are Bad For You

Our personalities do more for us than determine our social circles. Temperament can impact a person's physical health.

"The idea that behavior or personality traits can influence health is one that's been around for a long time. We're just now getting a handle on to what extent they do," said Stephen Boyle of Duke University Medical Center in North Carolina.

From those with a chill demeanor to the completely frazzled types, mental factors are ultimately tied to physical health. And while a highly neurotic person might deteriorate more quickly than others, not every character trait will kill you. Some might even boost lifetimes.