Thomas Ronfro M.D. is an advocate for holistic health. In 1996 he was diagnosed with stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma, an aggressive, cancerous malignancy. In addition to medical treatment, Renfro was the recipient of much prayer and biblical counseling. He made a miraculous recovery and has written this testimonial, informative book.

Dr. Renfro sees the importance of man as spirit, soul and body. Chapter 13 is titled We are a Three-Part Person. Here is an excerpt:

“3 John 2 ‘Beloved, I wish above all things that
thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.’

“God created man as a three-part person. Genesis 2:7 ‘And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.’ The combination of dust, (body) with the breath of God, (spirit) makes us a living soul. God is represented as a trinity, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Ghost. We, being created in the image and likeness of God, we are also a trinity, the body, soul, and spirit.”

“We are a three-part person woven together into one, overlapping… We all have a physical body that interacts with our environment though the five senses. We all have a spirit that is reaching toward God to learn of him, developing our morality and to follow his ways. Between our physical body and spiritual aspect is our soul, which consists of our mind, will, and emotions. All parts directly interact and influence the other parts of our being. Our reactions to any situation depend on which aspect of our being is exerting the most influence… “(p. 85)

Dr Renfro’s trichotomy is holistic. He goes on to explain,

“Our overall health depends upon the health of all three aspects of our being. When the body is compromised, sick, or injured, this can adversely affect the other parts of our being. Sickness in the body affects us mentally, making it harder to think, to concentrate, and even clouds our judgment. Sickness with its misery impacts our emotional state, giving place to more worry, anxiety, and frustration leading to depression. Emotional stress is manifested physically
through our ‘body language’ of joy or sadness, calm or panic, worry or assurance. Physical illness even compromises our spirit, weakening our faith in God and his word, leading to despair and hopelessness.

“This seems to be the natural progression when the physical body is injured, fighting cancer or chronically ill. The physical illness and misery of the body tends to pull down the rest of our being.

“But why do we have to allow the physical problems so much influence over our soul (mind, emotions and will) and spirit? Is there a way to rally the forces of our soul and spirit to help this body in its battle with sickness and disease, injury, or disability?” (p.86).

This is the primary purpose of his book, giving inspiration and counsel about three dimensional health. His healing testimony was included in a TV program; the video is on his web site: DrRenfro.com

JBW

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Thomas E Renfro, Avenues of Healing: Reaching for the Healing Power of God (Xulon, 2020)