Recently, a thought-provoking discussion took place in one of our prominent WhatsApp group (CELESTIAL DISCUSS) comprised of Celestial Church members. The topic at hand was the importance of seeking medical attention when a member of the Church falls ill. In the early days of the Church, there was a tendency to rely solely on spiritual remedies for healing, with little emphasis on medical intervention.
It was revealed that the first generation of shepherds often sought spiritual guidance for common ailments such as malaria, fever and even monkeypox. This reliance on spiritual solutions can be attributed to the lack of accessible healthcare facilities at the time, as well as a strong belief in the power of spiritual healing over conventional medicine.
While the Church does offer a special spiritual antenatal clinic for pregnant women every Friday at 3pm, it is important to note that this service does not replace the need for proper medical antenatal care. The Church’s doctrine does not prohibit members from seeking medical attention when necessary and in fact, encourages members to prioritize their health above all else.
The Pastor Founder, Rev. SBJ Oshoffa spent his last 10 days on earth in an hospital, despite miraculously escaping injury in a 1985 accident on his way to CCC Mokola Army Barracks Parish in Ibadan for their Adult Harvest. While in a video interviews, the Pastor Founder shared his vision for Imeko City, envisioning a city with a standard and quality hospital. Some parishes have already aligned with this vision by establishing Government-approved hospitals for their members.
While it is crucial to have a deep spiritual understanding in our daily lives, it is also important not to let religion cloud our judgment. Seeking medical advice and treatment from approved Government hospitals is essential. The Church does not endorse self-medication or require members to seek treatment solely from their shepherd.
So, should Celestial members go to the hospital when they are sick? The answer is a resounding YES! While spiritual healing has its place within the Church, it is equally important to seek medical assistance when needed. After all, taking care of our health should always be a top priority.
