For all religious creeds: Does your congregation discuss obesity or is it one...

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...of those "gray areas?" Regardless of creed I find that many faiths and their congregational leaders fail to openly discuss obesity, yet, there is no hesitation discussing nearly anything else.

Thoughts, conclusions?

Please feel free to share any references from your doctrine(s) of faith, if applicable.
Ooops let me make sure to mention that I'm definitely not putting down anyone who happens to be obese! :)

I should have restated the topic as "obesity as a result of gluttony."

Thank you for the opportunity to be humbled. :)
Oh another point well taken- I do not believe obesity is a sin, but it can be a consequence of sin.

(I've got to read these things more carefully...keep putting my foot in my mouth and inadvertantly offending others! Bleh!)
 
That’s actually an interesting question. Obesity – and I have no problem at all with fat people, being one myself – could be seen as a sign of gluttony. It isn’t the only sign, though; our entire culture – this includes everyone, fat or thin – is addicted to overindulgence. People may own more shoes than they need, or more clothes, or more furniture, etc.

Perhaps pastors don’t focus on obesity because it is but one possible symptom of the culture of excess in which we’ve all indulged. No reason to single out larger folk for special ridicule when everyone else in the congregation has some variation of the same problem.
 
now a days there r many growth hormones and such being injected into food that r making people fat because of a high demand for food being made faster and more of it because of the overpopulation of the world - and not only is it causing obesity but also diseases like heart damage liver damage kidney damage diabetes- the list goes on and on
 
... what exactly is the spiritual significance of obesity? There's a time and a place for everything. I can't imagine that it would have anything to do with religion.
 
we've had sermons on idolatry, and inevitably, food comes up as an idol. does that count?
 
I am a fat Christian and I feel this needs to be discussed more often. But plump preachers usually do not dwell on the subject of food...but stay on drunkards and dope addicts. A sin is a sin is a sin is a sin...all equal in God's eyes.
 
Obesity is a disease, so no.

But gluttony and other forms of overindulgence can be preached about.
 
The Church holds gluttony as a deadly sin, which is defined as the over indulgence in anything; whether it be food, water, alcohol, cigarettes, etc to the point of waste.

Obesity (with the exception of truly genetic obesity), would occur from either gluttony, sloth or a combination of the two.
 
Not obesity, which is a medical condition that can have a number of different causes. But the sin of gluttony, yes, that can be preached about. The two are not necessarily connected however.
 
Obesity is not a sin; gluttony is.
Not all gluttony leads to obesity and not all obesity is caused by gluttony.
There is a social stigma attached to obesity that is not attached to other health problems.

Why is it that people with bulimia and anorexia receive all kinds of compassion, but overweight people get condemned.
All are eating disorders.
 
that's funny. i'm a christian and i've asked that a lot of times before.

i'm not saying we should stop everything and focus on obesity, but why is it a preacher tells me what music i should listen to, what friends i should have, how i should dress, etc., etc., etc., and yet he looks like he just ate half a roast turkey and drank a mug of gravy to wash it down? doesn't that seem just the slightest bit hypocritical?
 
I am Jewish and their is commandment in the Torah to guard our health. I believe that is not a gray area. Being obese is completely unhealthy.
 
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