But what would it then mean if a Christian is on some kind of drug, even though it’s legal in the eyes of the government? Are they in error or are they merely lacking faith?

It’s a sticky question; that’s why it’s here for discussion!

First, I think we need to be on the same page with regard to the definition of medicine. I believe that the question posed is referring the second one of the Dictionary.com one, which is “the art or science of restoring or preserving health or due physical condition, as by means of drugs, surgical operations or appliances, or manipulations.” I believe that because the article referred to a surgical operation that was ignored by somebody choosing to trust in God instead, not a drug.

I will agree that it is preferable to trust in God for healing when the alternative (i.e. pharmaceutical drug) comes with a 2% risk (or some number like that) of a negative side effect. Obviously, the two are not equal. But when it comes to surgical operations, I would say it is preferable to utilize what has been revealed to humanity and put it to good use. Though I will also add the qualifier that medicine could make people think that they don’t need God, which is always a risk when we get more knowledge.

Those that know me know that I lean towards being anti-medicine on a daily basis. I have an earnest skepticism of the majority of drug manufacturers and am not comfortable using drugs stronger than an Ibuprofen because these high-power drugs have potentially detrimental side-effects.

More importantly, my reasoning for trusting in God for healing is not based on paranoia of drugs. It’s the fact that God has all power and He desires that we would ask Him for help! God wants someone to trust in Him and His authority to change a situation because it shows our faith in Him. He wants us to exercise faith in Him that He can heal because He is glorified in that situation.

Also, in response to PCEevee’s quote: “So I believe that God does not provide miracles when alternate solutions are just as easily available.” Perhaps, but my experiences make me to differ with your belief. In the past I have had friends pray for my headache or I’ve prayed for someone’s eyes that are in pain or someone’s sore wrist and God removes that pain instantly! That is a situation where an alternate solution is easily available and most likely not harmful to one’s body, but yet God provides healing. Have you had any of these experiences or have you seen healing on a grand scale alone?

Finally, all of this must be balanced with wisdom. If one has an apparent stroke or heart attack then I feel it is best to go to the hospital and be treated, even if that involves medicine. I would attempt to choose wisely what medicines I would take - no to Vicodin but yes to Ibuprofen.

For example, the star stops moving (or disappears, it’s vague about that of course) for the wise men in Matthew 2:1-11 when they arrive in Jerusalem, so they ask Herod about the location of Jesus. Of course, they could have just followed the star all the way to Bethlehem, but that was not to be. God basically forced them to ask Herod, and the chief priests and scribes easily provided an answer. Then the star continued moving as they approached Bethlehem. When other options were exhausted, the star began to move again.

Or, I believe that this can be compared to Satan’s temptation of Jesus to throw himself off the top of the temple with the faith that God’s angels would catch Him in Matthew 4:6-7. But it is also written that “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” It was unnecessary to jump off the temple, and I believe it unnecessary to forgo medicine.

So I believe that God does not provide miracles when alternate solutions are just as easily available. Of course, if a disease does not have a cure, then faith in God can cure people if they have enough faith (but also with prayer and fasting in some occurences).