Reflection Paper
Liberty University
Graduate Certificate of Nutrition
HLTH 640
Cultural Assignment
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Reflection Paper
Passages of Scripture
The passages of scripture apply to the topic of U.S. culture’s view of nutrition in many
aspects. Culture impacts most, if not all aspects of our lives. It is important to embrace cultural
views of food. However, embracing food culture sometimes leads to excessive eating, which
often results in unhealthy bodies.
When some people feel unattractive, they take drastic measures to uphold societal norms
of beauty (i.e., fad diets, cosmetic procedures, etc.). But 1 John 2:16-171 says, for everything in
the world – the lust of flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – comes not from the Father
but from the world. The word and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives
forever. So, how we look in God’s eyes should be the only standard. As stated in Romans 12:1-
22, therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a
living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God - this is your true and proper worship.
Proverbs 23:19-213 reads, listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right
path. Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards
and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. While there is nothing wrong
with enjoying food, I believe the moderation aspect gets lost. This is evident in the U.S. obesity
rates. According to Trust for America’s Health4, based on data collected between 2017 and 2020,
41.9% of adults in the U.S. have obesity.
In the caste system, individuals with high social ranking are afforded the finest of things.
So, their views of nutrition are not necessarily based on nutritional value, but rather monetary
value. However, to live, eat, and drink in sin has consequences. As explained in Revelation 185,
when treasures become more important than the word of God, He will destroy them.
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Reflection Paper
The final passage of scripture relates to people who are obedient versus those who are
not. Everything we have comes from God. As it pertains to nutrition, Proverbs 22:96 says the
generous will be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. When we live according to
God’s intention, his generosity makes us blessings to others.
My Culture’s View
There are many aspects associated with my culture’s view of food. One aspect is
celebrating any accomplishment with food. For the most part, there is not a variety of healthy
options. Although vegetables are included with every meal, they are usually cooked in some
form of salty, cured pork. We always have an abundance of sugary foods, often requiring more
than one table. During these times, the lack of discipline is acceptable and appreciated.
Another aspect is all meals are big, with generous portions. Scarce plates are an insult, as
it implies the food is not pleasing. In my family, if you are on the larger size, you are considered
a “good eater”. But the slimmer you are, the more they try to feed you. So, it is not surprising
that cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure are widespread conditions
in my family.
Article
I chose the article ‘Lord, What Shall I Eat? How Much Should I Weigh?’ A reflection
on healing our relationship with food”. This article resonated with me and my struggle to
maintain a certain weight. In the military, there is a weight standard based on gender, age, and
height; not to mention the standards of weight published by society. Now that I am retired, I as
does Mathewson7, try to avoid knowing the number – scales are a temptation now, not an ally.
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Reflection Paper
Additionally, this article presents similarities with my effort to become more faithful in
the word of God while fostering a healthy association with nutrition. I think this article may
influence someone with a Christian worldview of nutrition by reinforcing the idea that God’s
blueprint is the design for our lives, not society’s outline.
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Reflection Paper
References
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1 . 1 John 2:16-17 (RSV). Accessed March 3, 2023. https://www.biblegateway.com.
2 . Romans 12:1-2 (RSV). Accessed March 3, 2023. https://www.biblegateway.com.
3 . Proverbs 23:19-21 (RSV). Accessed March 3, 2023. https://www.biblegateway.com.
4 . Trust for America’s Health. State of Obesity 2022: Better Policies for a Healthier America.
Accessed March 3, 2023. https://www.tfah.org/report-details/state-of-obesity-2022/.
5 . Revelation 18 (RSV). Accessed March 3, 2023. https://www.biblegateway.com.
6 . Proverbs 22:9 (RSV). Accessed March 3, 2023. https://www.biblegateway.com.
7 . Mathewson, L. Lord, What Shall I Eat? How Much Should I Weigh? A Reflection on Healing Our
Relationship with Food. Sojourners Magazine. July 2007. Vol. 36, Iss. 7: 32-37.
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