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Reflection Paper
Liberty University
MS: Exercise Science: Nutrition and Wellness
HLTH640
REFLECTION PAPER: CULTURAL ASSIGNMENT
Kennedy Mills
LUID: 27484490
March 29, 2023
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Reflection Paper
How do these passages of Scripture apply to the topic of the US culture’s view of nutrition?
The passages of Scripture read all have implications in daily life and nutrition. First John
2:16-17a speaks to the separation between the world’s desires and the desires of the Lord. This
verse says that the desires of our physical bodies are not from the Father and are worldly.1 As
Christians, the Bible says to deny the flesh and live righteously for the Kingdom of God. The
people of God are to live out the fruits of the spirit found in Galatians 5, including self-control.
Practicing and implementing self-control means to not give into desires of the flesh or of the
world. The second half of 1 John 2:16-17 speaks on the worldly aspects of this life passing away
and only the things of God lasting forever. Our physical appearance, our diets, and our vanity is
worldly and will pass away. Our character and ability to deny the flesh through self-control is the
will of the Lord, according to these verses, and leads to abiding forever.1
Romans 12:1-2 calls the Christian to “present your bodies as a living sacrifice” in this
life.1 To take care of the body and properly present it as a living sacrifice to the Lord takes
discipline. Using restriction dieting or overconsuming calories is not a healthy way to honor the
body that the Lord has given His people. Falling into the lie that the body must look a certain
way to be beautiful hinders our ability to play our role in the Kingdom. Healthy and strong
bodies are needed to advance God’s will in this world, regardless of how society classifies the
way people appear. Proper nutrition, healthy eating habits, and exercise allow the body to be
used to its fullest potential as a living sacrifice for the Kingdom.
Proverbs 23:19-21 warns against being gluttonous eaters and drinkers and says that these
acts lead to laziness and poverty.1 The United States’ culture allows for eating as much and as
often as the people would like to. The culture also encourages and celebrates the
overconsumption of alcohol, especially in college-aged students. However, these Scripture verses
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Reflection Paper
speak to this cultural view. Gluttony leads to “slumber” or laziness and ultimately poverty, either
financially or in other aspects of life.1 This verse starts by saying, “Do not be among drunkards”
which speaks to the community in your life.1 The Scripture warns against being around these
people, even if you are not participating in the activity yourself. Just being in the company of
drunkards or gluttons can lead to negative consequences.
The Babylon of Revelation 18 is a great port city with commerce. There are lots of
markets and sales from the ships bringing cargo into the city. However, the city is sinful. The
people were obsessed with luxury, wealth, and sexual sins. Because of their sins, the Lord wiped
the city out as an act of judgement on their behaviors.1 This can be applied to nutrition as a
warning against giving into desires and pleasures that go against the word of God. Giving
ourselves over to sin and indulgence is frustrating and angering to the Lord. Eventually, he gives
us over to our sins and brings judgement for them. Continuing to disrespect the body through
eating garbage and over-indulging as a sinful act may cause our cities to be handed over to their
sinful desires.
Proverbs 22:1-12 continues the dichotomy found throughout Proverbs of fools compared
to righteous people. The fools are described throughout Proverbs as people who do not listen to
advice and turn away from wisdom. The righteous people seek understanding and take steps that
are ordered by the Lord. Choosing to follow a healthy eating plan with nutritionally balanced
meals is a way of listening to knowledge and applying wisdom in life as the righteous people do.
Proverbs 22:9 even says that the people who have a good eye are blessed and share their bread
with the poor.1 The Lord often gives in abundance so that His people can help those around them.
For someone choosing to live a healthy lifestyle, this looks like helping those around them eat
similar healthy foods and take care of their bodies as well.
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Reflection Paper
Explain your culture’s view of food (gratification, lack of discipline, etc.).
The American view of food is skewed from its intended purposes. Americans value
quick-and-easy, ready-to-eat, and just-add-water type of meals. Typically, American families
have two working parents who have little time or interest in cooking meals after a long day.
Thus, the ready-made meals are preferred. Additionally, having kids doing extra-curricular
activities further limits mealtimes. Only few American families sit to eat dinner together.
Americans also prioritize fast food restaurants over cooking due to their convenience. It is rare
for health to be the first priority when selecting a meal for most Americans. It is also an instant
gratification society. Therefore, having food almost immediately after wanting it is important to
Americans. The culture does not enjoy waiting at all.
Discuss how the journal article may influence someone with a Christian worldview of
nutrition.
The author of “Evidence That Theistic-Religious Body Affirmations Improve Women’s
Body Image” suggests that reading religious body affirmations improves a woman’s body image
perception when compared to a group not reading any affirmations. The majority of the group of
women reading religious affirmations felt better about their looks in the post-test compared to the
minority of the control group showing improvement.2 This study is basis for a Christian woman
to build her self-confidence on. Remembering who we are in Christ and how our bodies are His
work of art not only brings glory to Him but improves our body image perception and self-
confidence. Having an improved view of our appearance decreases opportunity for eating
disorders or temptation to view oneself negatively. This study is applicational for any woman and
is shown to have positive impacts on body image perception. Every woman should read positive
affirmations, specifically ones that are religious in nature, to combat body dysmorphia and need
to control their appearance through disordered eating habits.
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Reflection Paper
References
1. ESV New Christian's Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway; 2019.
2. BOYATZIS CHRISJ, KLINE SARAH, BACKOF STEPHANIE. Experimental evidence that
theistic-religious body affirmations improve women's body image. Journal for the Scientific
Study of Religion. 2007;46(4):553-564. doi:10.1111/j.1468-5906.2007.00377.x
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