Miracle Healing in Christianity

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Miracle Healing in Christianity

The world’s largest religion, Christianity, is based on the life of Jesus of Nazareth. It has over 2.38 billion followers worldwide. In fact, Christianity represents one-third of the global population.

Christianity is a Abrahamic monotheistic religion. The Bible teaches that God is a healer, a defender, and a giver of power. According to Christians, the Holy Spirit enters into the life of a believer at salvation. This gift includes the ability to heal, discern spirits, and perform miracles.

When Jesus was on earth, he performed miracles, including healing. He raised the widow’s son from the dead and healed blind and lepers. Some of these miracles were recorded in the Gospels.

Early church leaders referred to those with unusual faith and exceptional prayer as “saints” or “desert fathers”. They believed that prayer to the Lord could bring healing. Often, they sacrificed their physical health for their spiritual practices.

The apostles had the power to perform miracles, but not every believer had the gift. A few people, such as Stephen and Philip, had the ability to heal. Others, such as Paul, had the ability to perform exorcisms.

Church leaders restricted the practice of praying for the sick. They also limited the use of miracles and exorcism. Healings were often performed in private homes. People would seek prayer at shrines of martyrs, as well.

After Constantine’s conversion in 312 AD, healings moved to the margins of church life. It was a time when Christians were incorporating Neoplatonic notions of the body as a prison of the soul.