# I Think I Know Why God Doesn't Heal Amputees **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [February 8, 2012, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193 "2012-02-08T15:22:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193/41 "2012-02-08T17:33:07Z")
> [@Frank](#): > > I’m all right, then. I got turned into a newt. If Newt is going to be in heaven, I don’t want to go! ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193/42 "2012-02-08T17:33:08Z")
Of course, his premise that Adam and Eve would have lived forever if they hadn’t [del]been set up for a fall[/del]sinned isn’t supported by the Bible. They were actually told _not_ to eat from the tree that would grant them eternal life, and they were kicked out before they could do so. ---
**Author:** ![steronz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steronz/32/11765_2.png) [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193/43 "2012-02-08T17:34:31Z")
> [@sweeteviljesus](#): > > But apparently he heals people with cancer, at least according to the OP. And the blind, and the deaf, and the mute. Apparently God thinks the blind, deaf, and mute are lesser people, but not amputees; they’re just fine. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193/44 "2012-02-08T17:39:20Z")
> [@GEEPERS](#): > > It’s been awhile since I studied it, but there are numerous ones. This website details quite a few that have been fullfilled. > > [10 Bible prophecies fulfilled recently](http://www.therefinersfire.org/recent_prophecy.htm) > Also, zech. 14-2-4 is another verse detailing how many nations are going to fight against Jerusalem. And what has made the headlines lately? Iran vs Israel. Israel is hated by so many nations in that region. > > Why is this tiny nation in the desert so properous and equally hated? Way too concidential. Back when that was written many nations had already fought against Jerusalem - happens when you are small and weak. Saying many nations will fight against a given nation is not exactly going out on a limb. When is this prophecy supposed to lead to something, by the way? 1948 and 1967 would have been better in terms of fulfilling it than now. And could you come up with some cites for your claims about science? Specifically, you claim that “science” says remissions are impossible, that we are not naturally omnivorous, and your nonsense about the genetic code. ---
**Author:** ![Saint\_Cad](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/saint_cad/32/18907_2.png) [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193/45 "2012-02-08T17:46:25Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Of course, his premise that Adam and Eve would have lived forever if they hadn’t [del]been set up for a fall[/del]sinned isn’t supported by the Bible. They were actually told _not_ to eat from the tree that would grant them eternal life, and they were kicked out before they could do so. Incorrect Gen 2:9 God make the Tree of Life and puts it in the garden Gen 2:16 God tells Adam that he can eat from everything in the garden Gen 2:17 EXCEPT the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and God says by implication that Adam will be immortal unless he eats from the TKGE. Gen 3:22 In fact Adam and Eve were expelled from Eden, not for disobeying God, but to prevent them from continuing to eat from the Tree of Life which this verse explicitly says will enable then to live forever. So although humans were never built to live forever, you are wrong because they would have continued to eat the fruit of the Tree of Life and lived forever had they not sinned. ---
**Author:** ![GEEPERS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c89c15/32.png) [@GEEPERS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GEEPERS)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193/46 "2012-02-08T17:46:36Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Studies show that we need all sorts of foods for their nutritional value. What studies are you referring to, specifically? There are many suggesting that plant based diet will prevent and even reverse clogged arteries which is the #1 enemy out there. Even last night, NBC nightline ran a piece about how 90% of Americans eat 3 times more salt than we should. We crave sodium foods, but you won’t get that with fruits and veggies. [http://www.heartattackproof.com/news\_info.htm](http://www.heartattackproof.com/news_info.htm) ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193/47 "2012-02-08T17:53:28Z")
> [@GEEPERS](#): > > Israel is hated by so many nations in that region. > > Why is this tiny nation in the desert so properous and equally hated? Way too concidential. What do you mean “coincidental?” People have been fighting in that region for millennia. This was recent history and current events to the people who wrote the Bible, and the stuff in the Bible is the reason for much of the fighting. ---
**Author:** ![GEEPERS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c89c15/32.png) [@GEEPERS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GEEPERS)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193/48 "2012-02-08T17:54:55Z")
> [@Voyager](#): > > Back when that was written many nations had already fought against Jerusalem - happens when you are small and weak. Saying many nations will fight against a given nation is not exactly going out on a limb. When is this prophecy supposed to lead to something, by the way? 1948 and 1967 would have been better in terms of fulfilling it than now. > > And could you come up with some cites for your claims about science? > Specifically, you claim that “science” says remissions are impossible, that we are not naturally omnivorous, and your nonsense about the genetic code. The prophesy alone isn’t very compelling. Piled onto the many others, it becames pretty striking. Please cite me an example of a nation where the people scattered to all parts of the world, greatly persecuted on a level like the Holocaust, reformed as a nation and became properous again. And that’s not even mentioning the fact that Israel became a major food producer for the world as predicted. Why should I go to all the trouble digging up cites? You rejected my argument the moment you first read the title. ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193/49 "2012-02-08T17:57:29Z")
“We don’t _need_ the extended warranty,” Eve sneered at Adam. “That’s what you said, right? I said it was a good idea, but you said ‘those things are a ripoff!’ Well, _nice job_, asshole!” ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193/50 "2012-02-08T17:59:55Z")
> [@GEEPERS](#): > > Why should I go to all the trouble digging up cites? You rejected my argument the moment you first read the title. Because unsubstantiated claims serve no one…unless the only reason you post them is to annoy the target audience, of course. ---
**Author:** ![Meatros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b4bc9f/32.png) [@Meatros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meatros)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193/51 "2012-02-08T18:01:18Z")
> [@Lobohan](#): > > I also think I know why God doesn’t heal amputees. It’s for much the same reason that Saruman the White doesn’t control the world economy. Are you saying that God has to get approval from Sauron before doing anything? :dubious: Wait, maybe I missed your analogy… 😃 > [@GEEPERS](#): > > It’s been awhile since I studied it, but there are numerous ones. This website details quite a few that have been fullfilled. > > [10 Bible prophecies fulfilled recently](http://www.therefinersfire.org/recent_prophecy.htm) > Also, zech. 14-2-4 is another verse detailing how many nations are going to fight against Jerusalem. And what has made the headlines lately? Iran vs Israel. Israel is hated by so many nations in that region. > > Why is this tiny nation in the desert so properous and equally hated? Way too concidential. You specifically said: _“Even if I ignored all that, I would find it bothersome that current and recent events are playing out exactly the way the Bible prophesied. The Jews were scattered to the wind, they became greatly persecuted in WW2, became a nation again, and somehow this tiny nation is the focal point in current events. Way too concidential”_ What you’ve provided as way of proof is incredibly vague, compared to the non incredibly vague prediction about an event after WW2. The verses are cherry picked, most likely out of context, and have no reference at all as to what date they refer to. They are generic and vague. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193/52 "2012-02-08T18:05:29Z")
Let’s cut to the chase on this and start with the initial assumption, that amputated tissue can never grow back. > **[Regeneration (biology) | Humans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regeneration_(biology)#Humans)** > > The regrowth of lost tissues or organs in the human body is being researched. Some tissues such as skin regrow quite readily; others have been thought to have little or no capacity for regeneration, but ongoing research suggests that there is some hope for a variety of tissues and organs. Human organs that have been regenerated include the bladder, vagina and the penis. > As are all metazoans, humans are capable of physiological regeneration (i.e. the replacement of cells during homeostatic mainte... > [@](#): > > In May 1932, L.H. McKim published a report in The Canadian Medical Association Journal, that described the regeneration of an adult digit-tip following amputation. A house surgeon in the Montreal General Hospital underwent amputation of the distal phalanx to stop the spread of an infection. In less than one month following surgery, x-ray analysis showed the regrowth of bone while macroscopic observation showed the regrowth of nail and skin. This is one of the earliest recorded examples of adult human digit-tip regeneration. > Studies in the 1970s showed that children up to the age of 10 or so who lose fingertips in accidents can regrow the tip of the digit within a month provided their wounds are not sealed up with flaps of skin – the de facto treatment in such emergencies. They normally won’t have a finger print, and if there is any piece of the finger nail left it will grow back as well, usually in a square shape rather than round. If Wikipedia’s cites can be believed, then fingertips, including bone, do sometimes grow back. So is it the case that God can create small amounts of sin corrupted flesh, but larger amounts (beyond just a fingertip) are a problem for him? Maybe fingertips don’t suffer from original sin like the rest of the body? ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193/53 "2012-02-08T18:06:01Z")
> [@GEEPERS](#): > > The prophesy alone isn’t very compelling. Vague prophecies usually are not compelling if you’re not predisposed to believe them. > [@](#): > > Why should I go to all the trouble digging up cites? Because that’s what the forum is about. You’re making assertions and it’s expected you’ll be able to post evidence showing you are right. ---
**Author:** ![Lobohan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobohan/32/79_2.png) [@Lobohan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobohan)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193/54 "2012-02-08T18:07:13Z")
> [@davidm](#): > > Maybe fingertips don’t suffer from original sin like the rest of the body? Are you kidding? Most of my sin is done with my fingertips! ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193/55 "2012-02-08T18:10:05Z")
> [@GEEPERS](#): > > And that’s not even mentioning the fact that Israel became a major food producer for the world as predicted. Whu ? Cite, please ? AFAIK the top food producing countries by total output would be China, India, the US, Russia, Argentina, France, Mexico’s probably up there as well along with Iran and Germany… Not sure about output/square mile but I doubt Israel is anything special there either - the climate and soil aren’t helping. Do you have any proof that Israel is any better a food producer than the average among developed nations, let alone a major global player despite lacking the acreage that typically goes with these things ? > [@](#): > > Why should I go to all the trouble digging up cites? Because you’re the one arguing for your position. If you’re not interested in convincing doubtful people that your argument is worth the paper it’s not written on, then why even bother making a post in the first place ? ---
**Author:** ![Alka\_Seltzer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c89c15/32.png) [@Alka\_Seltzer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alka_Seltzer)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193/56 "2012-02-08T18:10:28Z")
> [@GEEPERS](#): > > Going back to the beginning, man’s genetic code was pure which is why there was no danger for brothers and sisters to have sex. Man also lived hundreds of years. But with each generation, the code broke down more, a natural consequence of existing in a physical reality tainted by sin. You need to provide some evidence if you want to make claims like this in a debate. Anyone can reckon something, it’s another thing to offer proof. I think I’m right in saying archaeological examination of ancient skeletons shows the opposite of what you are suggesting, on average we are more healthy than our ancestors. Of course, the reasons for that are environmental rather than genetic (better nutrition), but there is no evidence they were less prone to genetic defects. > [@GEEPERS](#): > > I do believe that the physical bodies did change. In Gen. 3:16, God states that childbirth will become a lot more painful. This would require a physical change. Study after study shows that our bodies are healed and protected by eating fruits and veggies. Yet, we crave man made processed foods loaded with fat, sugar and salt. That’s a result of sin affecting the physical body. We crave fat and sugar because they have a high nutritional value. Not everyone eats them to excess. I enjoy the occasional pizza, but I much prefer raw peas picked straight off the plant (my mouth is watering at the thought). I find fresh, well cooked vegetables delicious. That doesn’t make me virtuous. How exactly do you see sin affecting the physical body? Does a person’s sin affect them, or does it seep out and affect everyone like a fog? The former leads to the conclusion that the deformed are paying for their sins. > [@njtt](#): > > Yes. This is why you will never get to heaven. It is full up with lizards. > And newts. Let he who is without sin cast the first salamander. ---
**Author:** ![davidm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidm/32/225_2.png) [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193/57 "2012-02-08T18:11:28Z")
> [@Lobohan](#): > > Are you kidding? Most of my sin is done with my fingertips! Exactly. Surely fingers were used in the procuring and ingesting of the forbidden fruit! ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193/58 "2012-02-08T18:13:36Z")
> [@GEEPERS](#): > > We crave sodium foods, but you won’t get that with fruits and veggies. Unless you salt them. You won’t get excess sodium by eating meat either; unless you salt it. ---
**Author:** ![GEEPERS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c89c15/32.png) [@GEEPERS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GEEPERS)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193/59 "2012-02-08T18:14:26Z")
> [@Meatros](#): > > Are you saying that God has to get approval from Sauron before doing anything? > > :dubious: > > Wait, maybe I missed your analogy… 😃 > > You specifically said: > > _“Even if I ignored all that, I would find it bothersome that current and recent events are playing out exactly the way the Bible prophesied. The Jews were scattered to the wind, they became greatly persecuted in WW2, became a nation again, and somehow this tiny nation is the focal point in current events. Way too concidential”_ > > What you’ve provided as way of proof is incredibly vague, compared to the non incredibly vague prediction about an event after WW2. The verses are cherry picked, most likely out of context, and have no reference at all as to what date they refer to. They are generic and vague. This is the typical atheist response, just like saying all NDE are hallucinations. Closed door argument. By complaining that the prophecy is vague, you’ve made it virtually impossible for the Bible be prophetic. The prophecies were detailed enough so that people would recognize the events. It would make no sense to a Jew in the OT to say that in the year XXXX, Israel would be attacked by a coliation of Russia, China and Iran with smart bombs. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [February 8, 2012, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193/60 "2012-02-08T18:14:50Z")
> [@Kobal2](#): > > Whu ? Cite, please ? AFAIK the top food producing countries would be China, India, the US, Russia, Argentina, France, Mexico’s probably up there as well along with Iran and Germany… > Do you have any proof that Israel is any better a food producer than the average among developped nations, let alone a major global player without having much of the acreage that typically goes with these things ? Israel apparently produces most of its own food, which is impressive considering it’s in the desert. And they export a lot of fruit, which is less surprising. Whether that constitutes being “a major food producer” and whether anybody is supposed to give a damn about that as a prophecy is another story. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-know-why-god-doesnt-heal-amputees/612193.md?page=4)