Dear Friends in Christ,
What would you do if a member of your church came to Sunday morning worship with a large lit cigar in his mouth and sat down in the pew in front of you just as the opening song of praise began to be sung? What would you do if he continued to puff smoke rings while your pastor gave his sermon? What would you do as your eyes began to burn and water from the fumes of his burning tobacco? What would you do if your daughter began to have an asthma attack from his second-hand smoke? What would you do with your smoke-filled clothing when you got home? Would you say anything? Would you do anything? Would you expect the elders to do anything? Would you expect your pastor to do anything? Would everyone just be silent and let him smoke or would someone attempt to stop his contamination of the air?
We are very fortunate, that as far as I know, Christian congregations universally do not allow people to smoke in church. Now, there might be a few people who use tobacco, who wish that smoking was allowed so that they wouldn't have to go outside to smoke between Sunday school and the Sunday service when it is raining or snowing. They might believe that it would be OK to smoke in church, but they don't do it, because they know that they would be instantly told to stop.
What if there was an equally harmful habit that produced equally harmful consequences that was going on every Sunday morning in your church and it was hurting both the physical health and spiritual health of everyone who attends your church? Would you do something about it? There is such a situation in almost every church in America. The situation involves the habitual use of synthetic fragrances. There are well researched hazards associated with the use of perfume and cologne, scented laundry products, and any synthetic products that are used to add fragrance to the air. These products degrade health, worsen existing health conditions, alter brain function, deceive the senses and the mind, and lead people into sin. These negative effects are not just experienced by those who use these products, but affect everyone who breathes the air that is contaminated by them. The use of these products by church attending Christians has become a barrier to millions of Christians and unbelievers who are being called by God into His Body, but who cannot participate in church life, because they will become seriously ill.
Just as tobacco smoke is now known to be a health hazard to smokers and to every person who breathe second-hand smoke, the problem with artificial fragrances has been recognized as a health hazard and is rapidly being seen as a serious public health issue. Some hospitals, businesses, colleges, churches, and whole cities have adopted fragrance-free policies. They have banned fragrances, because the air pollution they cause is injurious to many people. If we exclude factories, perfume shops, and hair/nail salons from consideration, it is safe to say that churches have the worst air quality of all public gathering places --- even worse than a barroom on Saturday night. This is because people apply extra large amounts of perfume and cologne on their bodies immediately before going to church, and the amount of synthetic chemicals that are released from these products into the air of a church is staggering.
This section of ConformedToChrist.org describes the problem posed by manufactured scents and fragrances. It describes the Biblical context for natural fragrance use. It discusses the nature and effect of synthetic man-made fragrances on human health and clearly establishes a relationship between habitual fragrance use and separation from God -- sin. Finally, it challenges every Christian to conduct a self-examination through the power of the Holy Spirit to determine if the use of synthetic fragrances is consistent with Christ Jesus' call to walk in the way of holiness and servanthood to which every Christian is called. If you have wondered about Christ's call and teaching regarding servanthood, then you will also learn to recognize the qualities of a servant by reading through this work.
Some will say, "Don't you think you are being overbearing?" Or "Lighten-up it's only perfume?" To the millions of people who are harmed by perfume, cologne, scented body care products, scented laundry products, so called "air fresheners," scented candles, and artificially scented cleaning products, they face daily health crises, disability and even death from the choices other people are making. For the people who are affected by these chemical compounds, it is like breathing teargas or gasoline fumes.
As Christians we are called by God to go beyond saying, "It's a real pity that people have this problem. It must make life hard." We are called to act in such a way that our loving acts of kindness build up the Body of Christ. As will be shown, being a Christian means living like a Christian-365 days a year. Living like a Christian means going beyond Christian-talk and walking completely in the faith that God has called us into. Being a Christian means to serve. As will be shown in this study, servanthood is a way of life that defines and marks a person as a follower of Christ. The fragrance issue that is in your church is an opportunity to deepen the faith of every member of your congregation, because every person can serve through making a few simple lifestyle changes. Are you willing to live your life in Christ as a servant and be known by your love? Are you willing to build-up your congregation through the service of all members and not just a few? How far are you willing to expand the Kingdom of God? These questions and many more will be explored within this study.
Finally, I expect and invite you to put my teaching to the test.
Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
Do not add to His words Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.
(Proverbs 30:5-6)
I have worked hard to avoid taking scripture out of context for the purpose of using text from the Bible to justify my teaching. Instead, my use of scripture draws upon central themes of Christian teaching. I am not afraid of being reproved, for God's hand will correct me, and I am willing to modify anything I have written to please my Lord, Jesus Christ. This is why I have provided a "conversation" link in the navigation bar, so that my brothers and sisters in Christ may respond to this work. I pray for the truth bringing power of God's Holy Spirit, and trust that He will bring truth to all who read the remainder of this study. I pray that you and I, and all those who choose to be known as Christians, will grow in our conformity to Christ. I pray that the time you spend working through this study will help you live more completely under the rule and reign of God. In the holy name of Jesus Christ I pray for these things and for the strengthening of the greater Body of Christ regardless of denominational affiliation. Amen.
Sincerely,
John Paul Thomas
All Bible quotations are from the New American Standard Version unless otherwise specified.
If you have been directed to this information by a person who is highly affected by synthetic fragrances and the chemicals in perfume and common household products, then please understand they are desperately seeking fellowship with you and other Christians. They are willing to risk rejection by you in order to deepen relationships with those who will make new choices. You are not under attack! Your love and fellowship, as a sister or brother in Christ, is being passionately sought. You are being invited to become an even closer friend. You are being encouraged to become more Christ-like. You are being asked to become fragrance free.
What is the purpose of this study?
This study describes a serious problem in the Body of Christ regarding air contamination and sin. It describes the consequences of that problem, and encourages a change of attitude and behavior. By showing the Biblical reasons which support the request to become fragrance free, meaning to stop using perfume, cologne, scented laundry detergent, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, as well as a wide variety of so called air fresheners, I seek to help Christians engage in a process of spiritual cleanup. This cleansing will clean up the air in churches and open the door to people with serious environmental illness. This study will show you and your church how to become fragrance-free.
Do you know that the use of perfume, cologne, aftershaves, scented body care products, common laundry products, and air fresheners by church attending Christians are a stumbling block to the faith of millions of other people who would like to attend church?
Indoor air contamination in churches, caused by artificially scented products, is forcing many people to avoid Christian worship and fellowship.*1 It is estimated that 12.6% of Americans have significant negative health reactions to the fragrances and chemicals that are brought into church on the skin, hair, and clothing of brothers and sisters in Christ.*2 These fragrances and chemicals cause a variety of negative reactions, including: exhaustion, weakness, "hay fever" symptoms, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, confusion, headaches, rashes, swollen lymph glands, muscle aches and spasms, heart palpitations, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, asthma attacks (inability to breathe), neuromotor dysfunction, seizures, and even loss of consciousness.*3 Babies and children are even more vulnerable to these negative health reactions than are adults. The elderly and people trying to recover from cancer and other serious illnesses are particularly at risk.
Do you know that artificial fragrances found in perfumes, colognes, after-shaves, hair spray, shampoo, air fresheners, and most cleaning and laundry products degrade air quality and damage everyone's health?
The synthetic fragrances in these products are chemical concoctions that are toxic to all people.*4 Almost all perfume and cologne sold today is derived from petroleum and coal tar.*5 They are not made from flowers and sweet-smelling plants as advertising suggests. Even very expensive perfumes are made from petroleum and coal tar, and contain injurious and addictive chemicals as identified in the next link. Dangerous synthetic fragrances and other hazardous chemicals are also present in most laundry detergents, fabric softeners, anti-cling products, dishwashing liquids, disinfectants, aerosol air fresheners, solid and plug-in air fresheners, most all scented candles and potpourri, bath soap, shampoos and other hair products, deodorants, cosmetics, suntan/sunscreen lotions, incense, analgesic creams, and lip balms.*6
Who are the people who are at risk from synthetic fragrances and related chemicals?
The risk is shared by everyone. Some people, however, have health conditions that are worsened by exposure to fragrances. In addition to the common respiratory condition of asthma, which is triggered by synthetic fragrances, many other people suffer debilitating symptoms of environmental illness.*7 Environmental illness include: chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), Gulf War Syndrome (GWS), and fibromyalgia.*8 The common thread between all of these environmental illnesses, is that very small amounts of chemicals in the air cause debilitating symptoms. 30% of the 700,000 veterans that served in the 1990 Persian Gulf War have undiagnosed illnesses believed to be linked to a variety of chemical exposures that occurred during the war.*9 The health condition of many of these veterans is worsened when they breathe airborne chemicals such as synthetic fragrances. First responders to the World Trade Center tower destruction as well as Manhattan residents and workers report high levels of chemical sensitivity, because of their high level of chemical exposure from smoke during the weeks and months when the rubble of the towers burned and smoldered.*10
Other people develop these conditions through workplace exposure to chemicals. Sometimes the exposure is acute, as when workers are exposed to a chemical spill, or soldiers are exposed to nerve gas. Sometimes the exposure is long-term, for example, when people work with printing and photo processing chemicals, paint, pesticides, or work in sealed office buildings or public schools that accumulate high levels of chemicals in the air. Still other people develop environmental illness through long-term cumulative exposure to chemicals in building materials, household cleaning products, the perfumes they have used for decades, restorative dental materials, and mold.*11 Regardless of the cause of the illness, fragrances in the air worsen the health condition of people with serious illnesses.
What is the cure for people whose health is being damaged by contaminated indoor air?
Regardless of the etiology that leads to chemical sensitivity, environmental illnesses are always made worse by additional exposure to chemicals such as synthetic fragrances. There is no known medical cure for this immune system dysfunction. The condition will improve when exposure is reduced or eliminated, and will worsen with exposure, even when the exposure is very small.*12
What is the treatment for people whose health is being damaged by contaminated indoor air?
There are two options available to people who experience a health crisis from exposure to products containing synthetic fragrances. They can either avoid coming into close proximity with people who use these products, or they can ask their friends, employers, and church fellowships to make new choices and to stop using products containing synthetic fragrances. Making such changes will not cost anyone more money. People will save money, because they won't be buying costly perfume and cologne, and in most all cases, fragrance free versions of scented products are not more expensive. As will be thoroughly explained, the request to discontinue the use of synthetic fragrance is supported by clinical research, toxicological data, the Word of God, and the testimony of Christians whose immune systems have been overwhelmed by chemical overload.
Do you know that many of the toxic chemicals in manufactured fragrances are the same as those in tobacco smoke?
In recent years, the smoking of tobacco has been banned from most public spaces, because of the dangers to nonsmokers who are forced to breathe the second-hand smoke. Logically, it is reasonable to ban other air contaminating substances from public spaces such as church fellowships when we know that those substances are similar in chemical composition, have been demonstrated to harm health, and are known to be addictive. In fact, fragrances are already being banned by some church fellowships, businesses, hospitals, and educational institutions. Businesses adopt fragrance free policies, because it allows them to employ qualified people, reduce lost days of work because of illness, and reduce healthcare costs. Educational institutions become fragrance free to avoid excluding and discriminating against faculty and students with environmental illness. Churches become fragrance free so that people who have developed an environmental illness don't have to leave the congregation and others can be welcomed. These churches have decided to provide clean air for everyone so that no one is harmed or turned away from Christian fellowship and worship.*13
Remarks
I wish that all I needed to do was to briefly state the facts about sources and hazards of indoor air contamination and to request a change in attitude and behavior among Christians, But experience has shown that simple awareness of this problem is rarely sufficient to evoke changes. This is because synthetic fragrances are powerfully addictive compounds that people will not easily give up. Therefore, I will continue by drawing attention to even more serious matters that endanger Christians. These matters involve the relationship between synthetic fragrances and sin, and the consequences for Christians who conform to Satan's earthly kingdom instead of being conformed to Christ.
I know that asking people to change their minds and behavior for the sake of the health of the Body of Christ is not easy. It is very likely to evoke negative reactions. I have experienced these reactions in many situations. I pray that as you read through the remainder of these pages that you will closely examine your reactions in the light of the truth that the Holy Spirit will bring you. I urge you to stop and pray before you move on to the next section. Please pray to be taught by the Holy Spirit of God. Then, if you find yourself becoming resistant or hardhearted, the Holy Spirit will lead you into truth. Amen.
This web page is short, because it seeks to establish one very simple point. God has an interest in fragrance, aroma, and perfume. Scripture often describes the aromas that are soothing and pleasing to Him. God clearly appreciates fragrance, and the source of the fragrance has always mattered. A wise child of God will pay attention to the things that God values.
In the Old Testament Book of Genesis, immediately after the flood, the scripture reads, "The LORD smelled the soothing aroma; and the LORD said to Himself, "I will never again curse the ground on account of man…"
(Genesis 8:21). Numerous references in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, describe the means by which God wanted the people to prepare soothing aromas of burnt offerings and incense for him. Fragrant oil, finely ground fragrant powders, and fragrant smoke were all used for ceremonial purposes before God according to His instructions. (Please see the next section of this study for scriptural references.)
In the New Testament Gospel of Matthew, Jesus said, "…when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial."
(Matthew 26:12). Paul spoke of fragrance in reverential language, associating fragrance with Godliness. In Paul's second letter to the Corinthians (1 Cor 2:14-16), he writes, "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life.…"
Paul was speaking about the fragrance of lives lived for Christ, which is pleasing to God. In Revelation (5:8), John was shown that our prayers become a pleasing aroma to God. "When He had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints."
Everything that God does is done with good purpose. God is never random or unthinking. In Genesis (2:7) we are shown exactly how man was brought into being, "Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being."
God could have brought Adam to life by touching his heart and causing it to beat or feel love. He could have tapped his forehead and caused man to wake up and think. He could have opened the eyes of man and caused him to see his new world. He could have placed man on his feet and told him to walk. He could have blown into his mouth, but he chose to use the nose to impart life. He had a purpose for bringing life into the body of man by means of the nostrils. Man's first experience of God was through the nose --- it was the pathway of life.
Are we honoring or dishonoring the pathway of life today by the fragrances we choose to smell? This question is central to everything that will be examined in the following pages. I will help you examine the science, the social customs, and the system of Christian beliefs that show how the use of artificial fragrance products is dishonoring the health of the physical body, dulling the sense of smell, impairing spiritual discernment, and is causing Christians to stray from the close relationship that God wants us to have with Him and with one another. There is a stench in the house of God and it is a sign of decay. It is not the smell of rotting flesh, but the smell of moral decline and ubiquitous self-will. Christ Jesus is calling us into maturity. He is calling us to be conformed to Him and to follow Him. The remainder of this study will help you examine your patterns of conformity and make a course correction if you are drifting away from His heart and are being conformed to the world.
Many of the plants that God created contain high levels of oil in their flowers, leaves, bark, roots, and fruit. The smell of a rose comes from the oil in the flower. Lemon oil is derived from lemon tree leaves and from the peel of the fruit. Olive oil is pressed from olives. The common cooking spice, cinnamon, is finely ground tree bark that contains very high levels of oil, which can also be extracted from the bark through steam distillation. The myrrh and frankincense that is frequently described in the scriptures is a thick waxy plant resin that extrudes through wounds made in the bark of shrub-like plants. Myrrh and frankincense were used as resin droplets, ground into powder, or distilled to extract the highly fragrant essential oil.
Today we call highly fragrant plant oils such as rose, lemon, and frankincense "essential oils". They are natural when they are not altered through human intervention. Essential oils are very expensive to produce. Their availability is often very limited, because large amounts of plant material are required to produce a very small amount of oil, or the plant species are rare. They are also in high demand for medicinal purposes.
Marketing firms emphasize fragrance to make products distinctive. Their advertising campaigns attempt to convince consumers that they should want to purchase products that "smell nice" -- the way their superior brand smells. Given the high cost and limited supply of natural essential oils, manufacturers of perfume, soap, cleaning products and air fresheners have turned to synthetic fragrances. These scents are 100% factory manufactured out of petroleum, coal tar, and other man-made chemicals. These artificial smells attempt to imitate the fragrance of essential oils at a tiny fraction of the cost.
Most natural essential oils are quite volatile. They easily dissipate into the air, which is why the smell of roses or lilacs spreads for hundreds of feet from the plant. On the other hand, manufacturers of synthetic fragrances must add toxic solvents to make their synthetic fragrances become volatile so that they can dissipate into the air. They also add toxic chemicals to make the airborne fragrance molecules become sticky so they will cling to clothing, hair, furniture, and skin. This causes the smell to persist for hours or days or months. Additionally, fragrance manufacturers routinely add chemicals that have narcotic and hormone like effects. With respect to perfumes and colognes, these additional chemicals ease emotional pain and make people feel good (narcotic effect), or make people feel sexy or attract the interest of the opposite sex (hormonal effect). These chemicals, when repeatedly used also create chemical dependency (addiction effect). People feel that they are not "dressed for the day" until they apply the fragrance. As with all other forms of addiction, people tend to use more and more fragrance over time and switch to stronger and stronger fragrances, because they don't feel the desired effect. This addiction effect increases sales of perfume and cologne. A large number of the chemicals in synthetic fragrances are known to be carcinogenic and neurotoxic.*14 However, the fragrance manufacturing industry is not required to prove safety. Consequently, synthetic fragrances are not evaluated for health risks to adults or children.*15
People who are familiar with natural essential oils and use them for medicinal purposes can immediately distinguish between the fragrances that God has provided to us, and the imitation fragrances that come from factory sized fragrance laboratories. To be absolutely honest and blunt, I (and millions of other Americans) experience perfumes, colognes, scented laundry products, and air fresheners as possessing a disgusting stench. For me it is like placing my nose near an automobile exhaust pipe when the engine is running and taking a deep breath. This comparison is not overly dramatic; it is very close to reality for me. I contrast this experience to smelling the gentle fragrance of living flowers and plants. When I stand beside a blooming rose bush on the seacoast of Maine or beside a fragrant hedge of lilacs in the Spring, I am captivated by the splendor of God's creation. I can't help praising God for the gift. This happens because natural essential oils are a gift from God and His gifts give life. When I walk into a room containing scented candles or a plug-in air freshener, or attend a morning meeting where people smell of freshly applied perfumes and colognes, I want to pinch my nose and run. Even though I only experience a small number of negative health reactions to artificially scented products, I am repulsed by them. These synthetic smells attempt to imitate life, however, this is not possible, and imitation life is actually death. When I smell synthetic fragrances I lose touch with God. My consciousness constricts and falls Earthward. I believe this is a sign of death that marks the presence of the lord of deception, Satan. I will have much more to say about the constriction of consciousness caused by artificial fragrances in section 3. For now, I want to continue focusing on the qualities of synthetic fragrances and their physiological affects, because this study is about much more than my personal dislikes.
To the readers of this who do not yet understand the qualitative difference between natural essential oils and synthetic fragrances, please consider this analogy. Have you ever filled the gas tank of your car with a leaky gas pump handle and gotten gasoline on your hands? Most people have done this, and usually don't like the experience. They can't wait to wash it off. For me, and many others, when we shake hands with a man on Sunday morning who has recently sprinkled cologne on his hands prior to rubbing it on his face and neck, I feel like I just grabbed hold of the gas pump handle --- his smell is now my smell. Hugs are nice, but when a woman is wearing highly scented designer hand lotion and gives me a hug and rubs her hands on my clothing, I have unwillingly acquired her fragrance. When someone comes to visit me and sits on my furniture with clothing saturated in detergent fragrance, fabric softener fragrance, and dryer sheet fragrance with anti-static chemicals, the smell lingers in my house for days.*16 There are some brands of laundry products, whose fragrances are so persistent, that they can linger in the fabric of furniture for several months. The experience is like having a guest deposit a few drops of gasoline on your sofa during an enjoyable visit. Yes, the visit was enjoyable, but what do you do with your sofa after your guests have gone, if you can't sit on it without getting a migraine headache, having an asthma attack or falling asleep?
Please do not take what I am saying as a personal attack. These comments are intended to focus on the qualities of synthetic fragrances and not to condemn people's choices, many of which may be unconscious. There is no suggestion that people who use perfume, cologne, and other scented products are bad or ill intentioned people.
Some people will be honestly puzzled by the preceding information about the strength of synthetic fragrances. Some will say, "I know that I use scented detergent and dryer sheets, but I absolutely don't smell anything on my clothing." Or, "I know I put perfume on this morning, but that was hours ago; I can't smell it at all now." These responses are similar to the responses of heavy cigarette smokers who often don't realize or believe that their clothing, skin, hair, home, and automobile all reek of stale tobacco smoke. They don't understand the extent to which the old smokey residue clings to them. It is only after smokers give up smoking and their body begins to cleanse itself that they begin to realize how much their habit affected other people. Constant exposure to tobacco smoke, synthetic fragrance, or any noxious odor dulls the sense of smell, which eventually can lead to permanent damage to olfactory sense organs.
People in the early stages of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) may also experience an impaired sense of smell, so that they are no longer aware of the substances that are challenging their bodies. This is especially true for substances that are used daily. In later stages of MCS, when the immune system can no longer handle the toxicity, the sense of smell becomes hypersensitive. In the hypersensitive stage, chemically sensitive people can smell other people's laundry products when they are 10 to 20 feet away. Many people in the early stages of MCS have absolutely no idea how strong their perfume and colognes are until friends and coworkers begin to complain about the air pollution. I remember a day this summer when two women passed by my home doing a lunchtime power-walk. I was 75 feet away from them in my backyard when I was suddenly struck motionless for a moment by the intensity of their perfume. They probably didn't smell a thing. No healthy person would ever put on that much perfume. Let this be your warning --- if you no longer smell scented laundry products, if people are beginning to tell you that you are putting on too much perfume or cologne, then you may be in serious danger of developing an environmental illness. If you stop your constant exposure now, your immune system can still recover. If you choose to continue your habits, then a chemical induced disability might be in your future.
Many people spend thousands of dollars trying to solve health problems caused by synthetic fragrances. Numerous conditions clear up when people reduce their exposure to these toxic chemicals. I experienced such a recovery after many years of illness. I suddenly developed chronic nasal congestion in the 1980s, and quickly became addicted to over the counter nasal sprays in an attempt to treat my constant discomfort. After a half dozen years of daily use of nasal spray and drops of all types I decided to seek medical help. My doctor said he could refer me for allergy testing, but he discouraged me from going that route, because he said that very few of his patients benefited from testing and treatment with anti-allergy injections. He suggested that I try and find a prescription drug that would work for my condition. Over the next three years I tried a whole host of pills and sprays that all promised relief without side affects or addiction. I remember taking one of the oral medications that threw me into a stupor-like condition for weeks. I completely lost all my will to do anything. Next I went to a physician who focused on homeopathic treatments. I discontinued my prescription pharmaceuticals that were averaging $60 a month and tried his curative treatments. I noticed some improvement, but the problem still persisted. Suddenly, I noticed one day that I didn't have the problem any more. I was thrilled! I didn't really know what brought about the change, but I didn't care. I could now breathe normally. Eight years later I suddenly noticed a return of symptoms when I was in massage therapy school. The condition was triggered whenever I received a massage from a fellow student while lying on the linens that he or she had laundered. Then, I remembered the smell. Some of my fellow students were drying their linens with antistatic dryer sheets. When I was face down on the massage table, I would inhale the chemical residue from the laundry products and would immediately experience the old familiar sinus blockage. From that point forward, I only received massages on sheets that I had laundered.
Why did my allergy disappear eight years earlier? Well, I recently had a memory flash stimulated by the writing of this study that answered this question. In the mid 1990s my wife was being bothered by the smell of the dryer sheets, a couple years before she developed cancer, and she switched to fragrance free dryer sheets. She also started using ¼ of a sheet per dryer load. After she made those changes my sinus problems subsided. My insurance company and I spent thousand of dollars trying to treat or cure a condition that was caused by our choice of laundry products!
A few months after my first wife, Laura, was diagnosed with terminal cancer in 1995, she began to experience strong adverse reactions to perfume and chemical smells. As I stated, she had stopped using scented products in the dryer a couple years earlier, and then discontinued the use of her own perfume around the time of her diagnosis. As her immune system became increasingly overwhelmed by the constant effort of resisting the advancing cancer, she also became more sensitive to chemicals. She would fall into fits of unstoppable coughing and experience shortness of breath with feelings of panic whenever she was exposed to other people's perfume. Hearing her complaints about my cologne, which she once liked, irritated me. Observing her increasing sensitivity, I decided to discontinue my use of colognes despite my anger. I gathered up nine of the ten bottles of expensive cologne that I had frequently used and aggressively threw them in the trash. I didn't understand my anger at that time, but I now know that anger is one of the most common reactions to being faced with external pressure to stop an addictive habit. I saved one bottle, just because I didn't want to be without any cologne. I thought, "What if I need it?" Even though I didn't use it again, I wasn't willing to throw the last bottle away until several months after my wife died. By then my addiction had been broken, and I didn't need or want the cologne any longer.
In my present marriage, my wife, Kathleen, has Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. She reacts to many chemical substances, in addition to perfume, laundry products, and air fresheners. To provide a safe place for her to live, we completely renovated a house to eliminate hazardous chemicals. One of the hardest aspects of the illness for us is the isolation from people. Since we are Born-again Spirit-filled Christians committed to Biblical principles and obedience to God, church fellowship is very important. Unfortunately, church is often one of the most dangerous places for my wife, because of the heavy use of synthetic fragrance products of all kinds. People put on an extra heavy dose of perfume and cologne on Sunday morning and then bring it into the sanctuary along with the scents in their freshly laundered clothing. In addition to the fragrance on people, church janitors frequently use products with artificial fragrance for cleaning and are instructed to install powerfully toxic synthetic scent dispensers in restrooms. For the most part, we have withdrawn from public worship in church buildings and from fellowship gatherings. If my wife is feeling strong, and if the windows of the church or fellow believer's home might be open to fresh air, then we might venture forth. Otherwise, we pray and worship at home and live with a very small set of friends. We pray that my wife will be healed, and we pray that God will find a place for us where we can safely enjoy Christian fellowship. We also pray for the over twenty-five-million Americans who also live with environmental illness, many of whom also long for fellowship in the family of God's Kingdom on Earth.
A review of the Bible regarding the use of aroma reveals that there are four uses for fragrances.
"You shall offer up in smoke the whole ram on the altar; it is a burnt offering to the LORD: it is a soothing aroma, an offering by fire to the LORD."(Exodus 29:18)
"Then the LORD said to Moses, "Take for yourself spices, stacte and onycha and galbanum, spices with pure frankincense; there shall be an equal part of each. With it you shall make incense, a perfume, the work of a perfumer, salted, pure, and holy. You shall beat some of it very fine, and put part of it before the testimony in the tent of meeting where I will meet with you; it shall be most holy to you."(Exodus 30:34-36)
"You shall make of these a holy anointing oil, a perfume mixture, the work of a perfumer; it shall be a holy anointing oil. With it you shall anoint the tent of meeting and the ark of the testimony,"(Exodus 30:25-26)
"You shall anoint Aaron and his sons, and consecrate them, that they may minister as priests to Me."(Exodus 30:30)
"It shall not be poured on anyone's body, nor shall you make any like it in the same proportions; it is holy, and it shall be holy to you."(Exodus 30:32)
"Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment."…
"Then said Jesus,
"Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this."(John 12:3 and 7 KJV) [Spikenard or nard is believed to be the naturally fragrant essential oil of the Spikenard plant. It has an earthy, sweet, herb-like fragrance. It is thicker than olive oil and deeply penetrates the skin with a persistent fragrance. This is why the word ointment is used. It is not like 21st century perfume, even though some Bible translations use the word perfume instead of ointment.]
"When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices, so that they might come and anoint Him."(Mark 16:1)
"Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord"(James 5:14) [This last use refers to olive oil, which was typically mixed with other naturally fragrant essential oils.]
These uses of natural essential oils were established by God to set apart and prepare both people and objects. Ceremonial objects and people were consecrated for Godly purposes. The bodies of the dead were set apart until the resurrection from the dead. The sick were anointed in preparation for healing prayer. These were all Godly practices, because He established them.
People since Old Testament times also applied fragrant oils to their hair and skin to cover up the natural smell of the body and to evoke romantic moods. God did not instruct his people to do this, despite the fact that soap is a relatively recent invention. I cannot imagine that God has ever been embarrassed or offended by the natural smell of men and women, whether recently bathed or not. Wasn't it God who created us, men and women, and formed everything about us in His image? --- Therefore, wasn't it God who gave us our scent?
Today, almost all of the fragrance products that people put on their bodies and clothing are synthetic imitations of the fragrant oils that God provided for our use. Many newly marketed fragrances have no connection to plant fragrances at all. They are simply persistent chemical smells that were created to market a product. If you use fragrance products on your body, then please contemplate the reasons why you do so. If you use perfume, cologne, aftershave, or other scented body products after you have thoroughly cleaned yourself in the shower or bath, then why do you do it? If you apply an extra heavy layer of fragrance on Sunday morning when you dress for church, then what are your motivations? Please pause and consider your answers to these questions.
The biblical use of natural fragrances for anointing and consecration is easy to contrast with the widespread use of synthetic fragrances in the world today. The naturally fragrant oils and incense that were described in the Old Testament were designed by God to build a relationship between Him and His people. In contrast, the synthetic fragrances in contemporary perfume and cologne have not been established by God for His purposes, and as will be explained, the use of these synthetic fragrances actually separates people from God and from the full blessings He wishes to bestow on His children. This separation is caused both by the habit of using synthetic fragrances and by the qualities of the chemicals in these synthetic fragrances.
What is Satan's number one goal and how does he accomplish it?
Satan's powers were stripped away through the death and resurrection of Christ Jesus. He cannot force us to do anything unless we come into agreement with him. We come into agreement by believing his lies. He is always looking for opportunities to deceive us and ensnare us. He does this by convincing us that lies are truth, and by encouraging us to engage in behaviors that are inconsistent with God's will and pleasure. His goal is always to distract us from God's promises and to lead us away from God's Kingdom. He strives to help us be conformed to his earthly kingdom by promising temporal happiness and complete contentment, which is the alternative to the eternal joy offered by God. No matter what he gives or promises, his offerings always separate people from God and ultimately lead people to Hades and the Lake of Fire.
What are some of the sins associated with using perfume and cologne?
The marketing of perfumes, colognes, aftershaves, and other scented body care products is based on sex and the power to control others. In other words, people are promised that they will be more attractive to the opposite sex (pride and vanity), they can be invincible (idolatry), and they can get what they want from the potions they wear (manipulation of others, which is witchcraft). Pride, vanity, idolatry, and witchcraft are sins. Some people who read this may feel like I am judging their choices and calling them sinners. I am simply presenting facts that are consistent with the Bible. I leave the conviction of sin completely in the care of the Holy Spirit. I am challenging you to take a close look at your beliefs, attitudes, and behavior, and to place them under God's scrutiny.
What are some of the lies that are used to promote the sales of perfume and cologne?
What do these names suggest to you?
Consider these names of perfumes: RED DOOR REVEALED, JUST ME ESCADA MAGNETISM, VERY IRRESISTIBLE, DESIRE BLUE, DKNY BE DELICIOUS, PHEROMONE by Marilyn Miglin, AZZURA (sun demon) by Loris Azzaro, SEXY by Carolina Herrera, BCBGGIRLS SEXY by Max Ariza, ESCADA SEXY GRAFFITI by Escada, FUNKY SEXY COOL by Ea Fragrances Co., JOVAN SEX APPEAL by Coty, SEXUAL by Michel Germain, VERY SEXY FOR HER 2 by Victoria's Secret, VERY SEXY FOR HIM 2 by Victoria's Secret, BABY PHAT GODDESS by Kimora Lee Simmons, DOLLY GIRL OOH LA LOVE by Anna Sui, INDECENT by Eternal love parfums, SKIN by Trussardi, YES by Sergio Soldano, etc.
What are the implications for human behavior from the following animal research?
Zookeepers at the Toronto zoo have found that when they spray the perfume, OBSESSION by Calvin Klein in the tiger habitat, it stimulates reproductive activity more effectively than any substance they have found. "Obsession is a huge aphrodisiac and a stimulant for the tigers."*17 Similarly, zookeepers at the Dallas Zoo tested a variety of scents, from ocelot dung to snake shed, on four ocelots at the zoo to find a scent that would attract the attention of the cats. "Responses were varied: Some scents left the cats cold, others were greeted with mild interest. But when a member of the team tossed in a towel soaked in her boyfriend's cologne, Calvin Klein's Obsession for Men, she hit the jackpot. One of the cats was ready for a date with the towel."*18 Laboratory analysis of the ingredients in Obsession perfume conducted by a chemist friend of one of the Toronto Zookeepers found that the perfume has over 300 components. They were unable to determine the specific chemicals that produced the aphrodisiac affect.*17 "Obsession creators declined to comment on either the call of the wild or what, exactly, was in the cologne. But they did acknowledge that it contained two kinds of synthetic musk."*18 I believe that it is safe to assume that the perfume manufacturer was not trying to develop a formula to stimulate cat reproduction, because cats do not buy their products. They are using pheromone-like chemicals to convey certain information and to elicit certain responses among people who buy and use their products. This is not hard science; it is simply anecdotal evidence of the power of synthetic fragrance products. However, if these synthetic fragrances stimulate cats, should we assume that they do not stimulate men and women when they cary the kinds of names that were identified in the previous paragraph?
What messages are being marketed along with perfume and cologne?
Even if a fragrance simply bears an apparently innocuous name or the signature of an Italian, French, or Scandinavian designer the appeal and marketing through magazine and television always seems to focus on sex, glamour, power, control, and, of course, pride. Regardless of the name on the perfume or cologne being worn, its marketing messages are intended to broadcast subliminal messages to everyone who smells it: I'm sexy, I'm pretty, I'm beautiful, I'm sweet, I'm strong, I'm a stud, I'm available, I'm proud of myself, I'm going to get what I want, I could be yours if you ask, etc.
Which world view is being promoted by the use of perfume and cologne?
Everything, and I mean absolutely everything, about perfume, cologne, and aftershave is about sin, temptation, and worldliness. From manufacturing to marketing to personal use, sin against God and fellow Christians can be observed. The perfume business is promoting sex outside of marriage, infidelity, vanity, pride, self-empowerment, manipulation of others, competition, and conquest. These are all characteristics of Satan's worldly kingdom. Satan promotes a world view stressing interest in the "self" and the "flesh." This is in sharp contrast to the Christian world view, which emphasizes the qualities that God wants us to have through living in relationship to Him. God stresses interest in Him and becoming holy. In the Christian world view God calls us to monogamous marriage, faithfulness, humility, righteousness, selflessness, interdependence, cooperation, forgiveness, servanthood, and absolute surrender to His will. We don't need a perfume or cologne to attain any of these Godly qualities --- all we need is a personal relationship with God.
Please remember, Satan is always working to separate us from God, and his primary tool is deception --- the perversion of truth. When we allow ourselves to become entangled in the lusts of his kingdom, our relationship with God always suffers. Satan wraps himself around our joy in the Lord and squeezes like a snake. He twists his lies around us and uses his powerful coils of deception to constrict and choke our relationship with God and His people. He will use anything and everything he can to lead us into sin.
Where is the sin in using laundry detergent, dryer sheets, body care products, air fresheners, and cleaning products that contain synthetic fragrances?
The physical body is the temple of the Lord. The Holy Spirit dwells in every Christian who is Baptized with water and the Holy Spirit. In addition to the damage that synthetic fragrances and anti-static dryer products do to this physical body, which has been entrusted to our care, there is an even more subtle snare of Satan involved with the synthetic fragrances in these products. The temptation goes beyond the sins of pride, idolatry, and witchcraft, or the sin of tempting others to sin. Rather Satan's deceptions target our ability to perceive sin itself. The mechanism Satan is using here involves an assault on the integrity of our sense of smell and the gift of discernment. To explain this, it is necessary to examine how our sense of smell functions.
Any molecular substance that becomes airborne can enter the nasal passages and come in contact with receptor sites used for perceiving smell. The substances that come in contact with these receptor sites are actually carried directly into the brain where they are identified. Regardless of the toxicity of the substances we smell, the substances bypass the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain and body. This means that there is a constant flow of substances entering your brain whether or not your brain identifies the aroma of the substance. When you smell perfume, air fresheners, scented candles, laundry detergent and dryer sheets, you have already absorbed them into your brain and blood. If you sit in a room or ride in a car constantly breathing in these substances hour after hour, you are loading your brain with these chemicals with every breath. Even if you have lost your ability to smell the synthetic fragrances in the laundry products you use, you are absorbing them 24-hours-a-day through your nose and skin, because the chemical fragrances are in all of your clothes, bedding, and towels.
In addition to the solvents, narcotic-like, and hormone-like chemicals in synthetic fragrances, some products such as air fresheners, scented laundry detergent, and dryer sheets also contain chemicals that mask or cover-up smell. They essentially numb the brain's capacity to smell certain things, i.e. they put part of the brain to sleep. The chemicals added to these products prevent people from smelling toileting smells, residual body odor, or old rancid smells. Fragrance formulators then include extremely strong fragrances that the consumer can still smell despite the odor masking chemicals. Some people who are chemically sensitive become drowsy and actually lose consciousness after short exposure to the chemicals in these products. This can happen even when the chemicals they inhale are imbedded in clothing of other people. Such reactions may be linked to a decrease in blood supply to certain parts of the human brain caused by synthetic fragrance exposure. Brain imaging technology (SPECT scans) has been used to demonstrate these changes.*19 As the SPECT scans shows in this test, there were substantial reductions in blood supply to critical portions of the brain when the person was inhaling synthetic perfume.
Over time, smelling synthetic fragrances diminishes the sense of smell and alters brain function, and people begin to prefer and crave the extra strong man-made fragrances that deceive the senses. I continue to be amazed by the reports of people, who from my perspective, intensely reek from laundry related fragrances, but who sincerely insist that they don't smell anything on their clothing. I am sure that they don't smell anything, and that is my greatest concern. When a sense organ, is impaired through exposure to substances or habitual activity, there are consequences.
What are the consequences of Prolonged Synthetic Fragrance Exposure?
I believe that prolonged exposure to synthetic fragrances impairs the ability to discern God-made fragrances from man-made synthetic fragrances. I have observed this in people's reactions to naturally fragrant essential oils. People who don't use synthetic fragrances can easily be overwhelmed by the beauty and power present in essential oils. Their physical bodies, emotions, and even thoughts are affected by the beauty of God's creation. On the other hand, people who use synthetic fragrances are usually not impressed by the smell of God made fragrances. They often fail to notice the smell of flowers, herbs, and shrubs. They have becomes partially or completely unable to tell the difference between natural fragrances and synthetic fragrances. Sometimes there is even a strong preference for synthetic fragrances. Some people are just completely confused and unable to distinguish between the natural fragrances that God created and the synthetic fragrances that man has created.
I will use the word "deceived" to describe the state of being where there is confusion and an inability to distinguish between what is real/natural and that which is imitation/synthetic. Therefore, to be deceived is to be unable to accurately distinguish between real and imitation; to distinguish between true and false; or to discern truth from lies.
I am very concerned about anyone who:
If any of the preceding conditions describe your experiences, then I am concerned about you. I am concerned, because your sense of smell is impaired and you are in a very vulnerable position. Your vulnerability lies in the deception of your sense of smell.
My experience has convinced me that wherever deception is found, Satan is also found. He has an interest in obscuring and numbing our ability to smell for reasons that support the advance of his kingdom.
I also believe that constant exposure to synthetic fragrances impairs our ability to smell the sweet fragrance of God. Please remember, Adam's first knowledge of God came through his nose. God breathed life into him. The breath of God filled Adam's lungs and awakened his brain (Genesis 2:7). Perhaps it actually was the sweet smell of the living spirit of God that acted like smelling-salts in Adam's nostrils that brought him to consciousness. I believe that the physiological effects of synthetic fragrances on the brain distort our sense of perception. They are one of the factors that interfere with distinguishing Godly practices from ungodly ones. I believe Satan wants to disable our sense of smell so that we will have more difficulty discerning good from evil.
Even the common language of our heathen based culture reveals folk wisdom about the sense of smell. People have routinely made a connection between the sense of smell and the discernment of good and evil. When we suspect that truth is being hidden, we say, "Something about this just doesn't smell right." Similarly, when a blatant lie has been exposed or we hear about something that is morally repugnant, we say, "That really stinks." Do we underestimate the power of the sense of smell? If we do underestimate it, then who does this deception benefit?
I believe that deception always benefits Satan and his worldly purposes. Where there is confusion and deception, there is an open door to sin. Confusion and deception are not sin, of course, for anyone can become confused or deceived at times. However, states of confusion and deception precede sin. These states precede separation from God, because when we are confused and deceived, we begin to lose our grip on the truth bringing power of the Holy Spirit, and we are unable to have the intimacy with God that He desires for us.
The discussion of sin would not be complete without talking about anxiety. The presence of unconfessed sin and the absence of an intimate relationship with God cause anxiety, and this anxiety dominates western culture today. Addicts of all kinds medicate themselves with various substances and activities to avoid feeling this anxiety. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are well aware of the anxiety problem and produce Prozac and numerous other drugs to prevent people from experiencing the consequence of sin. As has been mentioned, perfume and cologne contain hundreds of synthetic chemicals, some of which are known to have narcotic-like affects. They are addictive and they dull anxiety. God does not want us to dull the anxiety that is a consequence of our sin and separation from His will for us. Anxiety serves God's purposes by calling us to account for our sins. Anxiety is a call to repentance. God wants us to come before Him to do what is necessary to give up our prevailing anxiety (confess sin) and receive His prevailing peace. Addiction to anything, whether it be alcohol, drugs, tobacco, food, sex, caffeine, or synthetic fragrances is sin. It is sin, because the numbing effect of addiction interferes with God's call to be holy.
Whenever we mask our anxiety through the use of a substance or a behavior we turn our back on God. Turning our back on God is willful separation from God. Separation from God is sin. Anxiety is God's doorbell, which he rings to gain our attention when we are not listening. The peace He gives when we come into right relationship with Him is not just an absence of anxiety; rather, it is the perfection of something. We have been made more complete and healthy through repenting for sin and for choosing to submit our false beliefs to God for His correction. Our anxiety tears apart; His peace builds up. Sin destroys life, His peace is life.
Remarks
I believe it has been established that our sense of smell is a gift from God. To knowingly damage this gift and to not protect and cherish it is a sinful act. To knowingly expose ourselves and others to substances that can trigger lust and do physical harm to others is sin. Shouldn't we be protecting this gift and valuing its use? Shouldn't we avoid the things of the world that interfere with the perception of smell and the perception of truth? Shouldn't we be protecting the health of others? Shouldn't Christians protect the sense of smell, their own health, and the health of others by avoiding the use of toxic synthetic fragrances? Shouldn't Christians refrain from the habitual use of substances that interfere with brain function and the gift of discernment that only God can give?
I know that some readers will question my characterization of synthetic fragrance use as sin. They will say that there is nothing in the Bible that says that using perfume is a sin. I will not sift through scripture to justify my characterization; rather, I will focus on central teachings of Christianity. I will use the next section of this study to examine the meaning of "conformed to the world" and "conformed to Christ." I believe a thorough study of "conformity" from the viewpoint of Jesus, and His most influential disciple, Paul, will clearly establish persistent synthetic fragrance use as a destabilizing and destructive habit in the body of Christ.
Up to this point, I have emphasized various facts about the physical and spiritual hazards associated with synthetic fragrances. I wish this study could end here, but I know that more must be communicated. It should be enough to state the facts about sources and hazards of indoor air contamination and to point out how Satan is using fragrances against God's people and the advance of God's Kingdom. However, synthetic fragrances are powerfully addictive compounds that people will not easily give up. Therefore, I will continue by examining Biblical Christian principles and taking a closer look at habitual sin. If you do not yet desire to make new choices regarding your use of synthetic fragrance products, then perhaps you do not appreciate the full extent of sin involved with their use. I hope the following teaching about Christian principles will help change your mind.
Let's begin with the two central commandments of Christianity, as described in Old Testament and New Testament teaching. Jesus confirms the centrality of these commandments through his dialog with the lawyer.
Luke 10:25-37
"And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"
And He said to him, "What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?"
And he answered, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."
And He said to him, "You have answered correctly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE."
But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
Jesus replied and said, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead.And he said, "The one who showed mercy toward him." Then Jesus said to him, "
And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion,
and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him.
On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, 'Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.'
"Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers' hands?"Go and do the same.""
According to Jesus, the guiding principle that all Jews and Christians should follow is to love God with the entirety of your being and to demonstrate your love through acts of compassion toward all people. Achieving this standard is not an optional part of Christianity, but is a central teaching. To fall short of this standard is to be separated from God. Being separated from God by withholding a part of yourself from loving God, and to not love others as you love yourself is sin. Sin is separation from God. In a more formal way, we can think of sin as anything that we think, do, say, or neglect to do that separates us or others from God and the fulfillment of His will according to His time schedule. When we sin, we make a choice to elevate and prefer acts of our personal will over God's will. Thus, sin is choosing to place self-will, self-effort, and self-love above God's perfect plan for our lives.*20
When we sin, we are separated from God and we feel alone, anxious, and fearful. Our lives reflect high levels of stress, because we are running our lives "our way." We are driven by self-empowered and self-justified pride. We hope and pray that God will bless our decisions. Our rebellion against God's will prevents us from clearly experiencing His guidance and care. Instead, we experience His conviction of our sinful separation. We feel abandoned by God, and may turn to various addictions to numb the sense of loneliness, anxiety, and isolation. However, this does not remove the sin --- it only distracts us from the consequences of it.
One more way to evaluate our choices in life in terms of whether they are sin based has to do with an understanding of the teaching of Paul in Romans regarding the word "conformed." In Romans Chapter 8, Paul describes the plan of God regarding our lives. We, as Christians, were selected for a destiny through which we are to be conformed to Christ and become His brothers and sisters.
Romans 8:29
"For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren"
The question is, "How do we become conformed to Christ?" Paul begins to unfold answers to this question in Chapter 12 of Romans.
Romans 12:1-2
"Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship."
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
The word "therefore
" in verse 1 of Chapter 12 could refer to the preceding verses in Chapter 11, but it is much more likely that it refers to all previous eleven chapters. There is a distinct change of focus starting in Chapter 12. The teaching shifts to practical application of faith for believers. Paul begins to instruct the Christians in Rome how to become committed Christians, and how to avoid being conformed to the world of the flesh and its passions, and be conformed to Christ. When Paul says in 12:1, "to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God,
" he means to give 100% of yourself to God. This is a 100% commitment. Paul then goes on to explain what Christians are to do in order to achieve 100% commitment. 100% commitment begins with the willingness to be conformed to Christ. This conformity is absolutely crucial to an understanding of the subtle aspects of sin.
Paul wants us to be conformed to Christ and not to the world. This is not a preference; rather, it is a doctrinal statement of Christianity. As doctrine, it is intended to show us how to be Christians, and how to measure whether or not we are maturing in the faith. Paul is encouraging us to become mature. In very simple terms, being mature means being Christ-like, and being immature is being world-like. To appreciate the depth of Paul's doctrine in Chapter 12-15, it is very important to keep in mind the sharp contrast between being Christ-like and world-like, and the contrast between being mature in the faith and being immature. In these chapters, Paul is attempting to feed us real food to help us grow strong in our relationship to God and fellow Christians. He is working hard to help us apply the gospel of Jesus Christ to our individual lives and to our life in the community of fellow believers. He has fed us on an infant's diet of milk by teaching us the gospel, and now wishes to give us solid food that will help us grow into adult Christians who have solid and unshakable faith. This is faith that goes beyond having knowledge of God's existence. It is faith that is capable of producing Christ-filled living among Christians and Christ-filled deeds in the presence of nonbelievers. "so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.
" (Philippians 2:15)
Jesus also speaks to the theme of becoming mature Christians in His doctrinal statements in the Sermon on the Mount. He wants us to shine out into the world of darkness.
Matthew 5:14-16
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;"
nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
The preceding verses are near the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). If we are to take Jesus' instructions seriously, as I trust that all Christian do, then each of us must be willing to make life transforming commitments to becoming Christ-like. This means to become committed Christians, who are willing to offer our lives to God. We become willing to subject ourselves in a relationship of loving obedience to God. To become a light in the world, requires Christians to make the same committed choices that Jesus made during His life on Earth. These are also the same choices that Paul made. Our choices today are no different. As Christians we are asked to follow Christ on a clear path of love between rebellion and quietism.*21 As Christians, we are asked to boldly proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ and demonstrate our love for one another, not through rebellious insurrection, but through the power of God's Holy Spirit. We are called from the silent sidelines of quietism to live in God's will. The path that Jesus blazed for us, and that Paul followed, is the same path that we are called to follow. It is a path of conformity. We are called to examine our behavior and to conform ourselves to the model of lovingkindness, our Lord Jesus Christ. This means that our behaviors are to be consistent with our proclamations. If we say that we love one another, then our behavior is to demonstrate our love. To do otherwise is to be a hypocrite.
Paul was willing to shift away from the darkened appearance of temporal existence in the world, and take on the light-filled existence of eternal life. This was a complete change in world view. Paul did this because he was instructed to do so by Christ Himself. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus describes in detail the world view of God. He described how we must under go a complete change in world view. Jesus did not say to make this change in some future age, but to do it now --- today. Jesus is encouraging us to give up our patterns of thinking in which we think like fleshly men, and to begin thinking like God. The Sermon on the Mount is straightforward doctrine. It describes how the world thinks and behaves, and how God expects us to think and behave. Jesus is using a powerful antithesis to illustrate the difference between being conformed to the world and being conformed to God's Kingdom. His commands are clear and direct; there is no ambiguity. Some, however, will say "this is too hard! Jesus must mean that we are to do these things after His second coming." I see no evidence in scripture to support such a conclusion! When the Lord says to do something, He does not qualify His commands by saying "If it is not too difficult." Or "Do it if you feel like it." There is nothing luke-warm or half hearted about Jesus, and he expects us to be on-fire and fully committed to being a Christian according to the terms that He described. He wants us to be conformed to His image and not to the image of the world. He wants us to be committed Christians who give 100% of ourselves to following Him in every aspect of our lives --- 100% committed to Him and 100% committed to becoming conformed to His likeness.
In Romans Chapter 12 verse 2, Paul specifically discusses how we are to step away from conformity to the world and become conformed to Christ. This process of stepping away comes after repentance and salvation. We are not committed Christians simply because we have asked Jesus to forgive our sins and have confessed Him as our Lord and Savior. A decision for Christ does not automatically result in a life style of conformity to the likeness of Christ. The real work of becoming a Christian is not completed at salvation, but begins after salvation. The path of conformity, the path of sanctification, and the path of commitment coincide and are to be lived out during every day of our life. This path is highly visible. When we live as committed Christians, we have a prayerful longing in our hearts that everything we do, everything we say, and everything we think will reflect our commitment to Jesus. In chapters 12 through 15 of Romans, Paul clearly describes how a committed Christian is to live. We cannot live this way through our own strength, but through the strength of the Holy Spirit that we have received through Jesus.
Paul begins his description of committed Christian living in Romans 12:1 when he says our lives are to become a sacrifice for God. He then describes the first thing we are to do on the journey of conformity. "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
" Paul is emphasizing the importance of learning to follow the will of God. Paul is saying that in order to learn about the will of God, we must be willing to renew our minds. We renew our minds by changing the way we think. We change the way we think by exchanging one set of thoughts and beliefs for another. We give up worldly thinking and beliefs, which are based in sins of the flesh, and put on Christ along with His way of thinking. We choose to conform our minds to God when we invite God to show us how to stop believing the lies of Satan. Satan's lies always instruct us in the fine art of attaining self satisfying happiness on Earth. God instructs us to be conformed to His will so that we can experience true joy --- the joy of knowing God while on Earth, and anticipate the joy of knowing Him throughout eternity in the new world that he will establish.
Paul is saying --- If you choose to not be conformed to the world, then you can expect to know the good and acceptable and perfect will of God. To know the will of God and to follow the will of God is true Christ-likeness. Paul is saying --- this is what I have learned about following the will of God and how His will manifests in the lives of believers. This is how it is done. This is how you should conduct yourselves.
Based on Paul's many years of being completely committed to Christ and his ever increasing conformity to Christ, he speaks with authority to the Christians in Rome in chapters 12-15. Paul jumps right into the heart of Christian living by offering doctrine that describes Christian conduct within the community of believers and conduct between believers and non-believers. In verses 3 through 8 of chapter 12, he describes the attitudes that God wants us to have regarding the way we value ourselves and other believers. These verses could be summarized this way --- Don't over estimate your own abilities and remember that the body of Christ consists of many people. Every single one of us is necessary for the healthy functioning of the whole Body. You are not better than anyone, just differently gifted. Help one another use your gifts.
Romans 12:3-8
For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith.
For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function,
so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith;
if service, in his serving; or he who teaches, in his teaching;
or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.
In verses 9 through 13, Paul focuses even more precisely on the attitudes and behaviors that he expects to be present among Christians. In verse 9 he talks about true and sincere love for one another.
Romans 12:9
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.
This kind of love does not say one thing and do another. It is not play-acting; it is completely without deception. Paul is saying, let your love for one another be real and honest --- there's no room for deception. If you teach from the scriptures, then live by the scriptures. Likewise avoid what is evil and hang onto what is good. There is no middle ground between what is evil and what is good. There is no middle ground between conformity to the world and conformity to Christ.
Verses 10 through 13 explain what becomes possible in the community of believers when we are conformed to Christ and love without hypocrisy, abhor what is evil, and cling to what is good. The long sentence that begins with the word "Be" extends from this word. The King James Version translates "Be" as "Be kindly affectioned". The word also carries the quality of being joyful. This is not a somber or stern command that Paul is laying out; it is a matter of joyfully living in the Kingdom of God, which reveals itself in commitment and service among followers of Christ Jesus. This is how Paul illustrates what it means to be Christ-like.
Romans 12:10-13
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,
contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
The first half of verse 10 urges us to demonstrate brotherly love through being devoted to one another. Such devotion becomes visible among us in many ways. Paul elaborates on the theme of brotherly love in the second half of verse 10 and in verses 11-13. He tells us that this kind of love involves, for example, preferring to place others above ourselves. This preference is to be given with loving kindness. Verse 11 tells us that our brotherly love is to be diligent, fervent in spirit, and is to serve the Lord. We see in verses 12 and 13 that our brotherly love also is to express itself in several additional ways. We are to rejoice in hope, persevere in tribulation, be devoted to prayer, contribute to the needs of the saints, and practice hospitality.
Paul's statement about brotherly love concludes with the word "hospitality" in verse 13. Hospitality means to show kindness to strangers. This is not the end of Paul's teaching on loving kindness. Actually, everything that follows verse 13 and in the rest of his letter describes the loving kindness of Christians. Paul is describing in exquisite detail how a Christian is to conduct oneself among other believers, and how a Christian is to conduct oneself among nonbelievers who live according to worldly values. He is saying, this is how a committed Christian thinks, believes, and acts. This is how you are to conform yourself to Christ.
If we consider Paul's letters as a total package, we see that Paul is describing how life in the Body of Christ should be. Life in the Body of Christ or the Church of Jesus Christ is not the same as life was when we were lost in the world of sin. We have been saved from the world of sin by the grace of Jesus Christ. We are called into a new world. Life in the Church by definition is different. This difference is seen in the quality of relationships between believers. The hallmarks of life in the Church are servanthood and forgiveness. We serve God by serving His children. We love God by loving our brothers and sisters in Christ with such intensity of love that we are willing to forgive their transgressions against us. The Church, as Paul describes it, is unlike anything the world has ever known. We are to exchange self-interest for God's interest as revealed to us through the needs of people in the church and in the world. If you don't believe what I am saying, then reread Romans Chapter 12 through 15 as if Paul was telling you how to conduct yourself in the Body of Christ. I am convinced that if you do this, you will begin to see that Paul was describing a completely new social ethic that was born directly from the life and teachings of Christ Jesus. Paul was not randomly fashioning his instructions to the Roman's to satisfy personal interests or simply revising Jewish doctrine, or even modifying pagan customs of his era. Paul was describing a completely new way of living. It was radical for his day and it is still radical for us today. Paul was saying that the mission of the Church is to literally be the Body of Christ on Earth. The term "Body of Christ" is much more than a sentimental or poetic expression. It defines a standard of life for all who call themselves Christians. We are to be the Body of our Lord Christ Jesus 24 hours a day 365 days per year. We are not just the Christ's Body on Sunday morning or on Wednesday evening, but every morning, every afternoon, and every evening. We are to demonstrate our belief in the Lord by following Him through the day and the night. This is a call to commitment and covenant among believers. Christian living is the same on Monday as it is on Sunday. To do anything else is to be a hypocrite.
It is essential to have a heartfelt understanding of the concepts that Paul uses in Romans in order to live as a committed Christian. The following concepts are rich with specific meaning and not throw-away phrases used by Paul because they looked good when written on parchment. Paul did not intend for these concepts to be subjected to our personal interpretation. Paul had very specific concepts in mind as he authored his letter to the Romans. These concepts are powerful truths that are essential for understanding the Christian life as Paul described it. I have only provided a brief introduction to these concepts. I encourage you to closely examine your understanding of the following concepts. Can you define them according to the meaning that Paul intended?
conformed to Christ
conformed to the world
Christ-like
world-like
love without hypocrisy
preference in honor
hospitality
loving kindness
forgiveness
servanthood
A committed Christian will have more than a vague notion of these concepts. When these concepts live in the heart and guide the mind, then our actions reveal God's presence. If these concepts are not understood in the way that Paul intended for them to be understood, then the attitudes and actions of our lives are likely to depart from God's will and pleasure. We may call ourselves Christians, but we will be incapable of being the Body of Christ. Our forgiveness and service will be shallow and will lack true love. A committed Christian will be able to understand the importance of the verses that follow and will be willing to implement them.
Romans 15:1-4
"Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength and not just please ourselves."
Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.
For even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "THE REPROACHES OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED YOU FELL ON ME."
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Paul is doing much more than identifying an ideal of Christian behavior in verse 15:1. He is stating a practical requirement that stands at the heart of Christianity --- the strong should help the weak. Such help, Paul says, should be pleasing to those being helped and build them up. Help born from loving kindness will strengthen others, which is exactly what Jesus Christ did for every Christian. In verse 15:3 Paul states the fact that "even Christ did not please Himself; but as it is written, "THE REPROACHES OF THOSE WHO REPROACHED YOU FELL ON ME.
"" The life of Jesus helped the weak people of the world who were subject to reproach from the strong. It built them up, and it builds us up today, through His deeds of loving kindness. In verse 15:4, Paul refers to Old Testament scriptures, "…so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
" Paul was looking back to the authoritative doctrine of Jewish scriptures to build in us trust and hope of acquiring Christ-likeness. Today, we can look back on those same Old Testament writings, and rely on New Testament writings as well, all of which define and explain the same truth about Christ and what it means to live as committed Christians.
If Christian living is radically different from living in the world, then the habits and practices that are commonly accepted and promoted by the world all need to be examined. How we spend money, use time, and care for our health is significant for Christians. People of the world say, "It's my money, my time, and my body; I'll do whatever I want with them!" Committed Christians understand that our money, time, and life belong to God. We are stewards of all that God has given us. To set arbitrary limits and to say "some of my money, some of my time, and only certain aspects of my life belong to God, and the rest is mine" is not consistent with being a committed Christian. As will be shown in the remainder of this section, Jesus Christ and Paul both call us to be committed Christians. Partial commitment is not God's desire for us. It does not please God or serve the Kingdom that He is building. We cannot have one foot in God's Kingdom and the other anchored in worldliness. We cannot be double minded and call ourselves Christians. If we are happily conformed to the world in certain aspects of our life and seeking God with half a heart and half a mind, then we remain people of the world who are conformed to the world. Such conformity is a snare of Satan, which remains as an obstacle in our relationship with God and is a burden to all Christian relationships.
Some who read the preceding comments will become quite uncomfortable or even angry, and will desire that I lighten-up. I will not dilute the teachings of Jesus or His apostles, because of discomfort. I do not have the power to make anyone uncomfortable. It is the Holy Spirit that brings conviction and discomfort when we prayerfully enter into any type of self-examination. I pray that you will solicit the power of the Holy Spirit to accompany you as you consider the scriptures and associated comments. I am not judging or condemning anyone. I will , however, be asking the most basic question that should be asked of every person who claims to be a Christian. The questions all stem from the following points of self-examination.
If you find yourself answering "no" or "mostly" to the preceding questions, then this would be a good time to sit-down with God and ask Him to help you understand why you couldn't answer "yes" to each question. I am not perfect, and I find it very valuable to periodically invite God's Holy Spirit to help me examine my life. This is a humbling experience, and humility is an essential element of Christian living. Being reminded of my imperfections by God makes me a better learner. I believe that a humble heart will help you take-in the content that follows, as I shift the focus of this section from general Christian principles to the specific application of those principles.
Having provided the preceding background about committed Christian living and posing the root questions of Christian discipleship and self-examination, I now will go on to discuss synthetic fragrances in the light of everything that has been thus far discussed. Specifically, I will now discuss sins of conformity. Sins of conformity are sins that involve choices to engage in behaviors and adopt attitudes that are in agreement with "the world" instead of choosing to conform one's behaviors and attitudes to the Godly principles taught by Jesus Christ. Being conformed to Jesus means being conformed to the Kingdom of God. Throughout our lives as Christians, we are constantly confronted with choices to be conformed to the worldly kingdom of Satan or to the Christ-like Kingdom of God. The choice to use synthetic fragrance products is ultimately a choice between kingdoms. It is choice between sinful practices and holy living. You may not yet agree that there is a connection between the use of fragrance products and the Kingdom of God, but I am asking you to put your Christian faith to the test with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. I am asking you to examine your own attitudes and behaviors. Ask Him to guide your mind as you read and reflect.
James 1:27
"Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world."
How can the use of synthetic fragrances stain us?
I believe the widespread use of perfume and cologne among churchgoing Christians is conformity to the world. It is conformity to Satan's plans for mankind. The following of fashion, whether it is related to the use of perfume, cologne, the latest clothing, or splashy jewelry, has everything to do with vanity. Vanity is the sin of pride and self-idolatry. To see if this is true for you, closely examine your motivations for using products containing synthetic fragrances. Motivational responses for using these products will usually fall into five categories. If you use perfume, cologne, scented aftershave, scented hair shampoo and soap, scented hair treatments and sprays, home air freshener, car air freshener, scented laundry products, or scented dryer sheets; then why do you do it? Take the name of each scented product that you use and insert it into the following statements. Write down the reasons that come up in your mind. This is a study of your motivations. By studying your own attitudes and beliefs, you will better understand your motivations.
When you review your attitudes, beliefs, and motivations, please examine your answers in terms of the concept of "conformity." Are your motivations consistent with qualities of being Christ-like, or are they qualities of being world-like? Do your choices demonstrate conformity to Christ or to the world?
The remainder of this section will help you explore the standards of Christian conduct to which God calls all Christians. I connect these standards to the use of synthetic fragrances for every reason that has been presented thus far in this study. I pose a series of questions that emphasize God's desire for the people who proclaims Jesus to be their Savior and Lord. I then trust that the Holy Spirit will speak to you regarding these questions through scripture.
Is wearing synthetic fragrance, which was made for the people of the world, being a light in the world?
Philippians 2:15
"so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world,"
Are you willing to reject ungodliness and worldliness, and deny the fleshly self?
Titus 2:11-12
"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age,"
Can you justify your use of synthetic fragrance products before God? What might Paul have said if synthetic fragrances existed in his age?
1 Timothy 2:8-10
"Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension."
Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly garments, but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness.
Are you a friend of God or His enemy?
Do you believe that it doesn't matter to God that Christians wear provocative clothing, and that there is no problem with wearing perfume, cologne, hair color, makeup, and fancy jewelry? Does it matter that Christians express themselves in ways that tempt others to sin? What is living in your heart? Is it the eternal love of God for others or the passing pleasures of Satan?
James 4:4
"You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."
Is your choice to use perfume or cologne causing others to lust?
When a woman or man walks into a church wearing a manufactured scent that was designed and marketed with the intent of communicating sexual desire, power, control, and pride; what are you communicating to the adults and children around you?
1 John 2:16
"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world."
Why would a person believe that he or she has the right to distract, tempt, and disable other people in Christian fellowship by wearing synthetic fragrances and chemicals on their bodies and clothing?
1 Peter 1:13-16
"Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."
As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,
but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;
because it is written, "YOU SHALL BE HOLY, FOR I AM HOLY."
Do you want to live and die in Babylon, or are you willing to forsake her sinful ways and turn your heart and mind to the city of eternal life and the promises of Jesus?
Revelation 18:1-2 "After these things I saw another angel coming down from heaven, having great authority, and the earth was illumined with his glory. And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a dwelling place of demons and a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird." Revelation 18:4-5 "I heard another voice from heaven, saying, "Come out of her, my people, so that you will not participate in her sins and receive of her plagues; for her sins have piled up as high as heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities."
Revelation 18:11-13 "And the merchants of the earth weep and mourn over her, because no one buys their cargoes any more -- cargoes of gold and silver and precious stones… and spice and incense and perfume…."
Are you willing to lay aside the old self that is being deceived by synthetic fragrance and put on Christ?
Ephesians 4:22-25
"that, in reference to your former manner of life, you lay aside the old self, which is being corrupted in accordance with the lusts of deceit,"
and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,
and put on the new self, which in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of the truth.
Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another.
Is it possible to serve Satan and Christ at the same time?
Is it possible to value the use of synthetic fragrances and be delighted by the chemicals in products containing synthetic fragrances without being stained by their deceptive qualities? Is it acceptable to God to try and keep one foot in the worldliness of Satan and the other in the Kingdom of God? Can you be double minded? Can you have two hearts? Two souls? Two allegiances? Can a Christian serve two masters?
1 John 2:15
"Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him."
Remarks
God is constantly calling us to be holy. This is the upward call that Paul speaks of in Philippians 3:14. He is calling Christians to start acting like Christians. He is calling us out of the City of Babylon and Satan's world. He wants us to be fully conformed to the Kingdom of God. In chapter 18 of Revelation where the fall of the great city of Babylon is proclaimed by an angel, the people of God are called to come out of her so that they will not participate in her sins and receive her plagues. God's people are still being told today to leave behind the merchants of the earth who have become rich by the wealth of her sensuality.
If a person tries to straddle the fence between Satan and God by consciously living with a few ungodly practices, then what will God do? Will he give that person the fullness of the ministry that He has planned for him or her? Will God evaluate a person's conduct according to the same standards that Jesus used when he examined the conduct of the dishonest manager in the parable in which the manager squandered the riches of the wealthy man? (Luke 16:1-13) Jesus makes the pronouncement, "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.
" (Luke 16:10) It's really a little thing to give up perfume and cologne, and to switch to fragrance free products, but perhaps God will see it as a big step. It may seem to be a little thing to continue to use synthetic fragrances in all their forms, but how does God see this practice? What are the consequences of choosing worldliness over Godliness? Jesus concludes His remarks about the parable by saying, "No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.
" (Luke 16:13 KJV) In some translations, "mammon" is translated as "wealth." Most certainly wealth is implied both by the word and by the context; however, mammon has a broader translation. Mammon also refers to the god of materialism. If you cling to the synthetic fragrances of the god of materialism, then can you also cling to the true God?
I believe there are negative consequences for a person's relationship with God if the use of synthetic fragrances persists beyond the time of becoming aware of the problem in the Body of Christ. To comprehend a problem of sin and to do nothing about it is sin. To push people out of Christian fellowship for a reason other than the unwillingness to repent for habitual sinful practices is sin. To push people away from fellowship by clinging to the use of synthetic fragrances is sin. To harm the health of fellow Christians by choosing to use synthetic fragrances when you know harm is being done is sin. Does God bless those who sin, or does he withhold His best from them? Who will God lavish His lovingkindness upon; sinners or those who repent from their sins and forsake their sinful ways? Therefore, I ask you as a fellow member of the Body of Christ; are you and the members of your church willing to cling to what is good? Willing to be devoted to help those who already suffer with illness? Willing to give in honor? In other words, is there willingness to adjust to the needs of others by making new lifestyle choices to further the Kingdom of God? Do you have enough loving kindness to place the needs of others above your personal preferences and the lusts of your flesh?
Romans 12:9-10
"Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good."
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor
Are you willing to make changes in lifestyle in order to stand beside those who are already under heavy trial with environmental illness and offer them fragrance-free Christian fellowship and hope?
Romans 12:12
"rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,"
Even if you don't yet know people who are imminently endangered by synthetic fragrances; are you willing to advocate for the sick, young, elderly, and chemically injured by laying down your Earthly desires and preferences in order to be inviting to all? How far will you be willing to change for the benefit of others? Are you willing to provide leadership in your church to establish a fragrance free church and encourage others to become hfragrance free, so that everyone can breathe clean air? Are you willing to lay down the life of the old man for new life in Christ? Are you willing to give up selfishness to serve as Jesus served?
1 John 3:16
"We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."
What can you do to clean up the air around your body, in your church, and in your home?
If you are completely willing to become scent free and to work within your church to establish it as a scent free haven for all people who love God, then you need not read the next section (section 8). Please go on to section 9 to learn more about how to implement the preceding steps.
If you still do not believe God cares about the air quality in your life and in your church, then please read section 8, and please take this matter to God in prayer. Pray for God to reveal His truth as you continue reading.
I am deeply grateful that you have chosen to continue working through this study. The fact that you are still reading is an indication that you desire to strengthen the Body of Christ. Thank you. I believe that anyone who sincerely prays to God, and asks for His Holy Spirit to lead him or her into truth, will receive the full measure of God's counsel. Please pray for this now, so that God will teach you as you read further.
There will often be strong resistance to following the steps for cleaning the air that were stated in the preceding section. If you are resistant, then simply thinking about separating yourself from artificial fragrances will evoke reactions. Your specific reactions are important, because they are indicators of where Satan is active in your mind. We all have places within the belief system of our minds where Satan has convinced us to believe lies. Our willingness to examine our negative reactions, and the beliefs that evoke those reactions, is a major step through which God can bring us freedom from false beliefs and give us His peace.
This study, in a variety of ways, has been directing your attention to God's call to become more holy by not being conformed to this world. I have been urging you to respond to God's call to be sanctified. Sanctification through faith is a life long process of choosing to present our unholy beliefs to God. These false beliefs prevent us from following God's will, and remain controlling powers in our lives until they are displaced by the truth of Christ Jesus. These are the beliefs that were formed in the world that is ruled by Satan. If you use synthetic fragrance products and are willing to admit that you are experiencing resistance to the request to stop using these products and become scent-free, then you have an opportunity to become more sanctified. This is an opportunity to clearly understand the reasons why you have been hanging onto practices of Satan's world, and to choose to submit your beliefs to God's review so that He can bring you freedom from bondage. This means becoming more free from entanglement with the things of Satan. You are at a turning point with respect to synthetic fragrances. You are completely free to choose to surrender your self-will before God and invite His truth to bring correction into your life, or you can continue to cling to what is worldly. This choice is between you and God.
The work the Holy Spirit does in us is to bring us truth. This is one of His essential activities. When we subject ourselves to God's will in a certain area of our life where we have been resisting a change, and prayerfully surrender the things we have clung to, then God can sanctify us. When we are willing to give up something of the world to further His Kingdom, He will sanctify us through His grace. He will give us His strength to make changes in our lives. Being a committed Christian means to completely depend upon the transforming strength of God in every aspect of our lives. Being a committed Christian means to pray for the willingness to be changed by Him, if we don't have that willingness already, and to place our dysfunctional attitudes and beliefs at the foot of the cross of Jesus. Such a choice is much more than religious sounding language. This means to follow Christ. It means to discontinue passive and silent acceptance of our sinful habits or fighting against our habitual sins through our own strength. Becoming mature in Christian faith means to routinely submit to God anything that could be limiting our relationship with Him.
For example, since you have now been informed that the fragrances you wear cause other believers to become ill, cause hormonal disruption and addiction, encourage lustful reactions, express personal pride, and interfere with your perception of good and evil; then are you now willing to submit the reasons for your use of synthetic fragrance products to God for His review? If you are ready, then it will be helpful to understand a little bit more about how the mind that God gave to you and to me actually works.
I will use the term "lie" to describe any false belief that we follow. A lie is a false belief that Satan has convinced us to believe. Satan is the Lord of Lies, and lies are his stock and trade. Many of the lies we believe are fed to us by Satan during times of intense pain. We become convinced that our misperceptions and false conclusions are true, despite evidence to the contrary. We cannot argue ourselves out of these lies, and others cannot dislodge them through persuasion or by telling us about God's truth. For this reason, the lies that you believe about synthetic fragrances will remain in place until the loving power of Jesus Christ himself and the truth bringing power of the Holy Spirit sets you free from the bondage of false beliefs.*22
If you experienced resistance in your mind, anger in your heart, or a sense of anxiety when you read the preceding sections of this study then the information has triggered emotional reactions. We all experience similar reactions when the things we believe are questioned. Jesus constantly probed the beliefs and thinking of the Scribes and Pharisees every time he spoke to them. The majority of them held firm to their beliefs and hardened themselves to the truth he was bringing. They refused to examine why they were reacting. Instead, they built up resentments in their minds until finally a venomous rage ignited and they demanded that Jesus be crucified. However, not all the Jews stayed stuck in their previous patterns of belief and emotional reactions. A small number of the Jews experienced the probing of Jesus and went in a different direction. They were willing to enter into their discomfort and to look deep within themselves and deep within their faith. They recognized the truth. They repented for their sins and gave their hearts to Jesus. Anger, judgment, hardness of heart, or anxiety are signs indicating that a person has some business to discuss with God.
If you are reacting to what I have written about synthetic fragrance use and fragrance addiction, then I recommend that you pray and ask God about any unfinished business that you might have with Him. You might begin by asking for help with your understanding of why you are reacting. If certain strong feelings have popped up, then ask God to help you determine the source and origin of the feelings. If an old memory pops up, then ask God to help you understand what you believe about that situation. If you have made conclusions about those beliefs, then ask God to reveal to you whether your understanding is true. When God reveals His truth there will be peace instead of anger and negative feelings. If you choose not to submit your reactions to God and choose to not submit your mind and heart to the truth that He will bring; then nothing will change. Sanctification comes through delivering our false thinking, negative attitudes, and self-will to God.
In addition to the emotional reactions that arise in response to the request to discontinue the use of synthetic fragrances, there are also common reactionary statements that appear in conversation. I have listed a series of commonly expressed statements along with questions that you may wish to consider. These statements and questions are intended to help you open your heart and mind to God's gaze and God's will. Prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen your willingness to truthfully examine your beliefs and attitudes. Do any of the following bolded statements reflect your inner reactions? Why? Is what you believe true? If you find yourself agreeing with the bolded statements, then please ask God to reveal His truth about what you believe.
A. "It's my body, my home, and my church; you have no right to interfere with my choices."
This is true; I have no right to tell you what to do. I, however, can bring to your attention my concerns regarding your walk with God, and of course, God has every right to guide and correct you. As a Christian, you were bought with a price; you belong to the Father just as Jesus always belonged to the Father. You are free to make any choice that you wish, regardless of the facts I have presented or the description of sin I have offered. Every person is always free to choose sin whenever he or she wishes. Is it your intention to keep on sinning? Is it your intention to do things that separate you and other people from the Body of Christ? What if Jesus said, "It's my body and I don't want it beaten, spat upon, scourged, and nailed to a cross?" Where would you be today? Every choice produces consequences. Are you willing to accept the consequences in the Body of Christ for your unwillingness to let go of synthetic fragrance products? Or do you still not believe sin is involved?
(John 15:12-14)
"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.
You are My friends if you do what I command you."
B. "I only wear a little perfume."
To a person with an environmental illness, a little perfume is just as injurious as a lot. Which is worse before God; A little deception or a lot? A little witchcraft or a lot? A little sin or a lot?
(John 15:12-14)
"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.
You are My friends if you do what I command you."
C. "It's only a very light scent."
Light does not mean less addictive or less toxic, it's still harmful to you and others. Are you choosing to be offended so that you can avoid changing your lifestyle and helping your brothers and sisters in Christ? Is selfishness at the root of your resistance?
(John 15:12-14)
"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.
You are My friends if you do what I command you."
D. "Okay, I will not put perfume or cologne on my skin when I am around people who are bothered, but I am not going to stop using them at other times."
This is somewhat helpful, however, perfume and cologne does not stay on the skin. If it is sprayed, it also gets on clothing. If it is sprinkled in the hands and then rubbed elsewhere on the body, it will also be rubbed on clothing, furniture, books, and anything else that you touch. You may not put on a new application of synthetic fragrance today, but if the clothes you wear today were previously worn on a day when you did use fragrance, then it is still there and is still a problem. Depending on the fragrance, even machine washing will not completely remove synthetic fragrances. Storing Sunday dresses, suits, and coats that contain the residue of perfume and cologne in a closet will cause the fragrances to migrate to all the clothing in the closet. The question is, why do you cling to the use of perfume or cologne?
(John 15:12-14)
"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.
You are My friends if you do what I command you."
E. "You don't understand; I feel at peace when I put on my scent."
Yes, you might feel at peace, but it is not the peace of God you are experiencing. Because of the mind altering chemicals in synthetic fragrances, you are being deceived, and you will be unable to discern the difference between the peace of God and the numbness of addiction. Which do you really want?
(John 15:12-14)
"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.
You are My friends if you do what I command you."
F. "I am not addicted to synthetic fragrances!"
The easiest way to prove or disprove the existence of an addiction is to stop using the substance or to stop participating in the activity that might be addictive. Consider doing a 40-day fragrance fast to draw closer to God. If you're not addicted then you should have no difficulty discontinuing the use of all perfume, cologne, scented body care products, scented laundry products, air fresheners, and scented candles. Remove them all from your home and car for 40 days, and watch what happens. None of these synthetic fragrances are necessary for human life, so there's no reason not to go cold-turkey and abruptly stop your use of them completely. If you experience headaches, irritability, anxiety, depression, cravings for scent, obsessive thoughts about scent, recall memories of unconfessed sin, or experience other unpleasant emotions when you stop your use, then you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms indicate the presence of addiction. If you fail to stay clean for 40 days, then this is also an indication of fragrance addiction. Monitor your relationship with God during your fast. Do you find yourself being drawn into a closer relationship with God? Do you find any aspect of your health unexpectedly improving?
(John 15:12-14)
"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.
You are My friends if you do what I command you."
G. "I never use perfume or cologne; isn't that enough? Why do I have to stop using air fresheners, scented laundry and dryer products, and change my favorite shampoo brand? How far do I have to go to help others?"
How much do you want to have fellowship with people who cannot tolerate the chemical residue that you carry on your body and clothing from these products? How strong is your commitment to sharing Christian fellowship with all brothers and sisters? How much love and compassion do you have for those who suffer in this way? Do you ever want to offer hospitality in your home or in your car to people with environmental illness? The greater your willingness to remove these fragrance products from your home, car, clothing, and your skin and hair; the more likely you are to share the richness of true Christian fellowship.
(John 15:12-14)
"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.
You are My friends if you do what I command you."
H. "I just really like the experience of being surrounded by things that smell - is that so bad?"
There is a phenomenon in our world today where people desire and crave "intense experience." People want a rush, a thrill, and heart pounding excitement every day. People are no longer satisfied with the everyday experiences of life, but demand intensity from everything. Being freshly showered is no longer enough; the body must carry a fragrance to give an on-going experience throughout the day that it is clean. Having clean clothing is not adequate; clothing must carry a certain fragrance that advertises the experience of cleanliness. It is no longer OK to be Jane or John and let the personality that God provides define the person. Rather, a synthetic fragrance must be applied that markets characteristics of personality that the person wants to possess --- characteristics that the world believes are important. The constant experience of being stimulated by synthetic fragrances is one of the many ways offered by the world to quiet the anxiety of living without the true and deep experience that only God can provide. There is no fragrance that can provide an experience that is more true, more reliable, and more perfect than the love of God. Synthetic fragrances stimulate a desire for various fleshly experiences, and never stimulate a desire for God. Are you willing to trade the experiences that synthetic fragrances offer for the life-transforming experiences that God wants to give you every minute of every day? Are you willing to settle for the false peace, of synthetic fragrance when God's true peace is available to you?
(John 15:12-14)
"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.
You are My friends if you do what I command you."
I. "I've spent hundreds of dollars on these products; I can't just throw them away!"
When an alcoholic falls on his knees before God and surrenders his life and his addiction, he doesn't qualify his prayer by telling God that he is ready to make a change as soon as he drinks the contents of his liquor cabinet. When he absolutely surrenders his life and his addiction, the alcohol becomes valueless refuse. Similarly, the disposal of chemically scented substances can be done joyously when it follows repentance and surrender. This joy comes from God and empowers us to make major changes in our life. Repentance and surrender are part of our Christian celebration of choosing to live in relationship with the God of all comfort. Are you willing to discard your perfume, cologne, scented body products, air fresheners, and scented laundry products in the same way that first century Christians in Ephesus disposed of their books about magic? "Many also of those who had believed kept coming, confessing and disclosing their practices. And many of those who practiced magic brought their books together and began burning them in the sight of everyone; and they counted up the price of them and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver. So the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing.
" (Acts 19:18-20) Will you ask God to give you the Spirit filled courage and resolve of the Ephesians, and let go of your sinful practices, so that the word of the Lord will grow mightily and prevail in our age?
(John 15:12-14)
"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.
You are My friends if you do what I command you."
J. "You expect me to change something I love?" "I just can't stop wearing it." "I'm not going to change, because the problem is in the heads of a few people, let them go somewhere else."
These remarks were typical of what tobacco smokers used to say regarding the concern about second hand smoke not too many years ago. Now we know that second hand cigarette smoke is very toxic. We routinely respond by adopting no smoking policies. Satan didn't want people to believe that cigarette manufacturers were deliberately making their products more addictive, and that the tobacco products they sold were extremely unhealthy. However, we now know the truth. In the same way, Satan doesn't want people to know the truth about synthetic fragrances, but the truth is coming out and the truth will forcefully advance the Kingdom of God when Christians choose to embrace God's truth. Do you want to advance the Kingdom of God, or do you want to hold it back with your self-will and self-love?
(John 15:12-14)
"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.
You are My friends if you do what I command you."
K. "I have prayed about my use of synthetic fragrances and have examined the preceding statements, but God hasn't told me to stop using these products. I'm sorry people suffer from environmental illness, but Jesus did say that we should expect trouble in this world (Matthew 6:34). Besides, Paul gives them hope by writing, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
" (Romans 8:28) Therefore, I trust that God will work it out for them."
Did God ever tell you to use synthetic fragrances? If He didn't tell you to start using them, then why did you start? If he didn't tell you to start, then why do you insist that He has to tell you to stop in order to help your sisters and brothers? Jesus' commandments and promises are clear. "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
" (Matthew 7:12). "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.
" (Matthew 7:21). "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.
" (Matthew 7:24). "Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.
" (Matthew 7:26).
(John 15:12-14)
"This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.
Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.
You are My friends if you do what I command you."
Concluding Remarks
Jesus told us to lay down our lives for the brethren and to not place stumbling blocks before them. We are to follow Jesus by doing what Jesus commanded. He commanded us to serve one another and to forgive one another. Do you want your fragrance habits to be a stumbling block to the faith of others, or do you want your love and light to be what invites people into the Body of Christ? Are you willing to serve others by changing your fragrance habits or do you want to remain as a stumbling block to the faith of others?
Matthew 18:7
"Woe to the world because of its stumbling blocks! For it is inevitable that stumbling blocks come; but woe to that man through whom the stumbling block comes!"
Are you willing to humbly serve your sisters and brothers by changing your behaviors and seeking the power of the Holy Spirit to help you withdraw from your fragrance addiction and become free? Is your vanity and pride stronger than your commitment to God and His other sons and daughters? Will you let your sin stand in the way of God's Kingdom because you don't want to be firm in the faith that Jesus has given you?
2 Corinthians 13:5
"Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you--unless indeed you fail the test?"
Romans 8:12-14
"So then, brethren, we are under obligation, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh--"
for if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.
For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Now that you understand the obstacles to Christian fellowship posed by artificial fragrances, the negative health consequences and risks associated with synthetic fragrances, God's plans and Satan's plans for fragrance, the sin associated with the use of synthetic fragrance, and the nature of your resistance to following God's will; are you willing to forsake your worldly conformity?
This is not a call to legalism! Making this new choice is about inviting God's Spirit to change your heart and mind; so you will desire the things of God more highly than you desire the things of the world. It is a call to holiness through the power of the Holy Spirit. Will you turn your fragrance addiction over to God so that He can perfect His higher purposes in you?
Luke 17:3
"Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him."
When will it be time to repent and seek God's forgiveness for your past choices regarding synthetic fragrances?
When will it be time to make new choices in your life and in your church regarding synthetic fragrances?
Acts 8:22
"I believe there are an abundant number of reasons to discontinue the use of synthetic fragrances, and of course, that is why I have prepared this study. The two most important reasons are the maintenance of a loving relationship with God, care for the family of God, and the calling of unsaved souls into God's Kingdom. There are many things in the world today that interfere with our ability to love God and experience His love for us. If, after working through this study, you are still unwilling to respond to the request to discontinue using products containing synthetic fragrances, then it would be appropriate to seek prayer ministry from people who believe in the Bible and who believe that God's Holy Spirit is able and willing to correct, guide, and bring His people into all truth. Above all else, take your weakness and place it before the Lord. Try using the prayer that follows.Therefore repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray the Lord that, if possible, the intention of your heart may be forgiven you."
Lord God,
I have been shown a disturbing problem involving chemical contamination of the air.
This problem affects the comfort and health of other people.
I have a part in this, because I use products that make the air unsafe for others to breathe.
I am not able to choose to stop using these products through my own strength.
My will is weak.
Lord, only you can help me break my dependency on synthetic fragrances.
I surrender my fragrance addiction to you.
I turn my self-will over to you and place it under your care.
I do this so that I can depend upon you alone.
Lord, without your help, nothing will change and my habits will continue to injure others.
I am asking that you help me to pray every day and I am asking the Holy Spirit to grant me the grace to abstain from using synthetic fragrances in all their forms.
Amen
There are many body care and household products that do not contain synthetic fragrances and toxic chemicals. They are not necessarily more expensive, but you may need to look for them. Many larger grocery stores have these products on their natural foods ile. They are also available in some health food stores, and in many locations on the internet. Millions of people have already made the journey to being free of synthetic fragrances and they are supporting a growing list of consumer products. I will not endorse products from specific companies, because manufacturers are constantly changing their ingredients. I will provide information that I believe will help you evaluate products for safety, so that you can obtain fragrance-free and nontoxic products.
Is This Product Fragrance Free?
If the product does not identify the presence of fragrance or scent on the front label, then this does not mean it is fragrance-free. Always read the list of ingredients. Any product that uses the words "fragrance" or "perfume" anywhere on the container should be avoided. Product manufacturers may not always say that there are synthetic fragrances in their products. The safest choices will be products that explicitly say "fragrance-free" or "unscented." Often these products will also say "free of dye." If you prefer products with fragrant essential oils, then do not be misled by products that are deceptively trying to sound as if they might contain essential oils. Avoid buying any product that uses language such as: "lemon fragrance," "essence of lavender," "natural floral fragrance," "authentic botanicals," "naturally fragrant," "natural scent," or "pure scent of wild roses." This is marketing language, which almost always means manufactured synthetic fragrance. The best advice is to just go fragrance-free.
Some people are also sensitive to fragrant essential oils especially pine when used inside of homes and public spaces. Please remember, essential oils are medicinal substances. They have been used for thousands of years to treat disease. Giving yourself a daily dose of medicine when you do not need it is an unhealthy habit, even if it smells nice. Products that contain essential oils will use the words "essential oil of …" on the list of ingredients. Look for ones that say "organic essential oil of…" because these are even more likely to contain essential oil that has not been adulterated with synthetic fragrance. Yes, even essential oils can be adulterated with synthetic fragrances, because there are no regulatory requirements. If the essential oil is labeled as "organic", then it probably has not been contaminated, because there are currently national standards for the use of the word "organic" on product labels. If you can trust the manufacturer's label to be truthful, then a product that says that it contains, for example, "essential oil of lemon" or "organic essential oil of lavender" might be safe.
Cleaning Products for the Kitchen and Bath
One of the marketing ploys used to expand sales is the idea that we must use a collection of specialized cleaning products. We should have separate bottles of stuff for the toilet, the sink and mirror, the fiberglass tub, tile, kitchen counters, dishes, windows, etc. In the world of unscented and health friendly cleaning products, we quickly realize that most all cleaning can be done with one or two cleaning products. We actually can handle most cleaning with homemade cleaners. For example take a 16 oz. spray bottle, add an ounce of white vinegar, a squirt of unscented dish soap, an optional few drops of essential oil of lemon, and then fill with warm water. You have just made an all purpose cleaner for the kitchen and bath. If you have a really dirty job, then just add more vinegar and soap.
Marketing efforts also emphasize the antibacterial qualities of cleaning products. Soap by its very nature is antibacterial; no additional antibacterial chemicals are needed. The chemicals that are added to cleaning products to kill bacteria actually are harmful to all life forms; including human beings. These chemicals are stimulating the growth of new strains of bacteria, which are now resistant to most antibacterial chemicals. Having said this, I must emphasize that good hygiene is very important; but in most cases, it can be accomplished with soap, vinegar, and water. It is also wise to avoid all products containing ammonia or chlorine, because these chemicals are very toxic to all people and to the environment.
Cleaning Products for Wood Floors and Wood Furniture
Cleaners for wood floors and wood furniture usually contain artificial fragrances that imitate the smell of wood and citrus. They usually contain some kind of oil, which may or may not be from a natural source such as lemons. I was told by a professional wood floor installer to never use such products. He said the oil causes dirt to stick to the floor and will shorten the life of the floor finish. He said the best strategy is to simply vacuum the floor. If the floor requires washing, then just use a damp mop with plain water. If plain water doesn't work, then add a few ounces of white vinegar to the bucket of water to remove oily soil. A similar strategy applies to wood furniture. Furniture Cleaners and polishes also contain synthetic fragrances, and actually attract dust and cause it to stick on furniture, necessitating the use of more furniture cleaner and polish to remove the sticky dusty film that accumulates. If you have such build-up, then you can spray water with a small amount of vinegar on a soft cloth and use it to remove the dust. Wipe the furniture with a dry cloth when you are done to remove all lingering moisture. Once the old residue has been removed, then you can use a water dampened cloth to remove dust in the future. You also can use microfiber cleaning cloths and gloves made from specially woven terry or silk, which hold on to dust without the use of any chemicals or moisture. You can find these cloths by searching on the internet.
Soap, Shampoo, Hair Conditioner, Hair Spray, Deodorant, Makeup, etc.
When it comes to the thousands of cosmetic products available to consumers, the discussion of fragrance free products becomes more complicated. In addition to the synthetic fragrances that most contain, there are often many chemicals that pose risk to the users of the products and to the people who breathe the air around them. US governmental agencies have not been given the authority to mandate safety studies of cosmetics. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) states, "Only 11 percent of the 10,500 ingredients that the FDA has documented in products have been assessed for safety by the cosmetic industry." The Skin Deep database, established by EWG, ranks popular cosmetic products according to their relative safety. You can learn more about the cosmetic products you use, such as lotions, sun blocks, and shampoos, so that you can find safer choices for you and your family.*23 Most of the time you will find that the safest products will also be free of synthetic fragrances.
Bar soap for the bath that is unscented is available in most health food stores. If you seek soap with essential oils, then look for soap made from organic ingredients, because many of the essential oils sold to conventional soap makers has been adulterated with synthetic fragrances. Organic soap with organic essential oil is also available from health food stores and from many on-line sources.
Regardless of the hair care products you plan to purchase, you must read the labels to be sure they are fragrance free. Most common shampoo brands also contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), which is a poison that is toxic to the liver, corrosive to the skin, and a carcinogen.*24 SLS and its many cousins, harm the product user and should be avoided. Similarly, many cosmetic products also contain phthalates which have been associated with birth defects and hormonal disruption in women.*25 If you will be shopping for fragrance-free products, then it would be wise to also shop for ones that are healthier in all respects. I recommend reviewing the Skin Deep database for skin care and hair care products to find the safest fragrance-free products for your family.*23
*1 - Avoid Christian Worship and Fellowship
A Google search for "fragrance free church" will yield many references. The three references I have selected further introduce the nature and scope of the problem addressed by this study.
"More than 12 Percent of Population Reports Extreme Sensitivity to Low Levels of Common Chemicals," National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Environmental Health Perspectives Press Release, September 11, 2003, http://www.ehponline.org/press/12pop.html
Pollution & air quality - Indoor air - Scents: Canadian Lung Association
"The chemicals that are used to created scented products can cause serious health problems for people, especially for people with lung diseases like Asthma or COPD. Being near a scented product- perfume, scented candles, or even scented laundry detergent- can make some people sick." http://www.lung.ca/protect-protegez/pollution-pollution/indoor-interieur/scents-parfums_e.php This website gives a strong warning against the use of synthetic fragrances and describes some of the negative health effects. My list of negative health effects related to synthetic fragrance products was compiled from the various websites listed in the Footnotes and Related Internet Resources section of this study. You may also wish to examine a selected bibliography of studies and articles on chemical sensitivity published in peer-reviewed journals prepared by the Chemical Sensitivity Foundation. http://www.chemicalsensitivityfoundation.org/research_bibliography.htm
"Two popular perfumes were analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Large numbers of terpenes, sequiterpenes, phenols, esters, aldehydes, and benzene derivatives were found. At least 80% of the fragrance formula is ethanol." http://www.fpinva.org/EHP/5936/5936.html
Ecology Center
"6. Perfume and Aftershave - These usually consist of a combination of chemicals, solvents, and natural essential oils in a base of alcohol, which can include toluene, ketone, and other hazardous substances. Approximately 95% of the ingredients in perfumes are derived from petrochemicals. Little scientific study has been done on the health effects of scented products, but generally they are recognized as highly allergenic and are notorious for causing skin irritation, headaches, and nausea."
http://www.ecologycenter.org/erc/petroleum/body.html#perfume
"Twenty Most Common Chemicals in Thirty-one Fragrance Products," [based on an EPA Study] The specific chemicals in this list of commonly used products and their health hazards are identified. http://www.ehnca.org/ehn20.htm
*7 - Triggered by Synthetic Fragrances
The Fragrance Products Information Network
"By design, fragrances are composed of materials that quickly get into the air. Once in the air, these materials pose serious health concerns for many with asthma, allergies, migraines, chronic lung disease, and other health conditions. Up to 72% of asthmatics report their asthma is triggered by fragrance. Asthmatics and others that are negatively impacted by fragrance often have difficulties working, obtaining medical care, and going about activities of daily living because of others' use of scented products. Asthma is a serious respiratory disorder involving constriction and swelling of the airways. It is reaching epidemic proportion with over 155 million people world wide having asthma. Asthma attacks are triggered by exposure to irritants and allergens. While it is not known why asthma rates are soaring, it is known that avoidance of triggers is essential in management of asthma. The Institute of Medicine placed fragrance in the same category as second hand smoke in triggering asthma in adults and school age children. According to the latest information from the National Institute of health, 26.3 million people in the US have been diagnosed with asthma."
http://www.fpinva.org/
The Chemical Injury Information Network - a complete resource for the chemically injured
This is an overview of various environmental illnesses.
http://ciin.org/pages/03-mcs.html
*9 - 30% of the 700,000 Veterans
"The Institute of Medicine report that came out in September of this year [2006] contested whether or not it should be called "Gulf War Illness", but estimated that about 30% of Gulf War Veterans have one or more as yet undiagnosed illnesses, which we are calling "Gulf War Illness"". This comment was contained in an e-mail response I received from Paul Davidson, Executive Director, NGWRC & VMW (The National Gulf War Resource Center and the Veterans of Modern Warfare)
http://www.ngwrc.org
*10 - High Level of Chemical Exposure
The Chemical Sensitivity Foundation - World Trade Center Disaster
http://www.chemicalsensitivityfoundation.org/wtc-disaster.html
World Trade Tower Environmental Organization
http://wtceo.org.
US Environmental Protection Agency
In addition to fragrance contamination, many churches have mold over growth. The musty smell in many church basements and older church sanctuaries are a serious health hazard and should be remediated to protect the health of women, children, and persons who are ill. Please examine the information from the US Environmental Protection Agency on this topic if there is a musty moldy smell anywhere in your church building. The EPA describes how molds affect people, "Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to molds, may have more severe reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Some people with chronic lung illnesses, such as obstructive lung disease, may develop mold infections in their lungs."
http://www.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.html
The relationship between indoor mold and the triggering of asthma attacks is also discussed by the EPA.
http://www.epa.gov/asthma/molds.html#content
*12 - Will Worsen with Exposure, Even When the Exposure is Very Small
Conscious Choice: Smells Can Make You Sick
"As far as treating MCS illness, Dr. Vetter fortifies her patients with a clean" whole-foods diet (which we should all be eating anyway!) and various nutritional supplements - particularly those that support liver function. It's the liver that takes the extreme stress of processing the toxins coming from these chemicals. Interestingly, many MCS patients have difficulty tolerating drugs so Dr. Vetter usually sticks to herbal and nutritional supplements.
She also recommends reducing what is known as "total load." "Total load," she says, "would be everything your body has to deal with that is putting a burden on the immune and detoxification systems...[for example] being in places where there is mold, pollen, dust, cigarette smoke, or where there are people wearing perfumes. Do anything you can to lower the total load and then you can handle the chemicals a lot better."
Unfortunately, Dr. Vetter, Lynn Lawson, and Mary Smith all agree that it can be a challenge to keep chemical smells out of one's environment, especially in the workplace. While cigarette smoking in the office is usually banned, the ubiquitous use of cologne and perfume is a serious issue for those who have sensitivities."
http://www.consciouschoice.com/2002/cc1504/healthconscious1504.html
This webpage lists church organizations that have decided to be fragrance free. It is not exhaustive, but clearly demonstrates the fact that some church congregations are taking this problem seriously. http://www.nontoxic.com/nontoxic/fragrancefree.html
*14 - Known to be Carcinogenic and Neurotoxic
"Twenty Most Common Chemicals in Thirty-one Fragrance Products," [based on an EPA Study]. http://www.ehnca.org/ehn20.htm
*15 - Not Evaluated for Health Risks
Conscious Choice: Smells Can Make You Sick
"Lynn Lawson has written one of the definitive books on the subject, Staying Well in a Toxic World: Understanding Environmental Illness, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Chemical Injuries, and Sick Building Syndrome. She says that every year there are a thousand new synthetic chemicals introduced into our environment for commercial use and the aroma chemical industry is largely unregulated.
In personal grooming products alone, there are more than 5,000 different fragrances in use. But because chemical formulas of fragrances are considered trade secrets, companies aren't required to list their ingredients and can label them as containing merely "fragrance."
One commissioned study conducted by an industry lab specializing in fragrance testing analyzed Calvin Klein's "Eternity" cologne and found forty-one ingredients that were "toxic to the skin, respiratory tract, nervous and reproductive systems, and [in some cases] known to be carcinogens." Testing for respiratory, neurological, and systemic effects are not part of the testing to determine whether fragrance chemicals are safe.
Lawson, who has MCS herself, suggests that those who suspect they may be sensitive should test themselves in a grocery store. "One telltale sign," she says, "is if you walk down the detergent aisle, where it's mostly new synthetic products [chemicals] in fabric softeners and detergents...and the smell is very pungent and you get a prickling in your nose or a little pain in your head, a weakness in your muscles, a sick feeling in your stomach or nausea or cough or something like that. You can be pretty sure that you're already chemically sensitive or are on your way to becoming so.""
http://www.consciouschoice.com/2002/cc1504/healthconscious1504.html
*16 - Anti-Static Chemicals in Dryer Sheets
Dryer Sheets contain Alpha Terpeneol Ê Benzyl Acetate Ê Benzyl Alcohol Camphor Ê Chloroform Ê Ethyl Acetate Limonene Ê Linalool Ê Pentane. Three of these chemicals appear on the EPA's Hazardous Waste List.
http://nontoxic.com/nontoxic/toxicfreedryersheets.html
*17 - Aphrodisiac and a Stimulant
"An Obsession of a different kind", TorontoObserver, March 11, 2004
http://observer.thecentre.centennialcollege.ca/news/tigers031104.htm
*18 - One of the Cats was Ready for a Date
http://www.moggies.co.uk/html/strange.html
*19 - SPECT scans have been Used to Demonstrate Changes in Brain Function
Single Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT) Scan of Patient's Brain Before and After being Challenged with Perfume Inhalation, Harbor UCLA Diagnostic Imaging Center http://www.ourlittleplace.com/spect.html
*20 - Self-Will, Self-Effort, Self-Interest, Self-love, and Selfishness
The style of presentation that I have used in this section of the Fragrance of God study was strongly influenced by the teaching of the 19th century Evangelist Charles G. Finney. He is considered to have been one of the most successful revival preachers in the United States. His teaching on self-will gave me a clear understanding of how man's-will clashes with God's-will. I encourage you to study the transcripts of the lectures he gave on revival to prepare yourself for a closer walk with God. His "Lectures on Revivals of Religion -- 1868 Revision" are excellent
http://www.gospeltruth.net/1868Lect_on_Rev_of_Rel/home68revlec.htm
I highly recommend these lectures as well as any of his other teachings that are contained on The Gospel Truth website.
http://www.gospeltruth.net/.
I am very thankful for John Howard Yoder's ability to clearly describe the path that Jesus walked, which was carefully articulated in The Politics of Jesus, 1972. The politics of Jesus is about speaking God's truth into a world that doesn't want to hear it, and being willing to accept the full consequences of treading that path, even when it leads to persecution and execution. Jesus followed a path of non-violence and non-resistance. Jesus overcame death and defeated Satan by following this new path, which carefully stepped between a war against evil and the passive acceptance of evil. This path is marked by love for all, service to all, and forgiveness of all. Jesus calls us to follow Him with lives that demonstrate that we are faithfully following behind Him on the same path that he walked.
*22 - Lies You Believe will Remain Until Jesus Christ Himself Sets you Free
The application of Christian principles for the purpose of replacing the lies we believe with God's truth is patterned after Theophostic Prayer Ministry (TPM). TPM has been developed by Dr. Ed Smith in his book Healing Life's Hurts, and in his extensive prayer ministry training courses. I encourage anyone who wishes to be set free from pain and dysfunction to seek this type of prayer ministry. Jesus Christ has transformed my life in numerous ways through TPM and I anticipate His continuing ministry through out the remainder of my life. For information about Theophostic Prayer Ministry, please visit
http://www.theophostic.com.
*23 - Skin Deep Database for Safer Skin Care and Hair Care Products
Environmental Working Group, Skin Deep database
"The Skin Deep product safety database provides safety ratings for nearly 25,000 personal care products - almost a quarter of all products on the market - and the 7,000 ingredients they contain. Due to gaping loopholes in federal law, companies can put virtually any ingredient into personal care products. Even worse, the government does not require pre-market safety tests for any of them. Our aim is to fill in where companies and the government left off. Skin Deep is the only tool available to consumers to assess and compare the safety of personal care products." [Text from an Environmental Working Group e-mail 5/15/07]
http://www.cosmeticdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1
[No endorsement is made or implied for any products shown on these websites, because they are unlikely to be fragrance-free. These references are given to establish the dangers associated with Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS).]
Natural Health Information Centre
"Both SLS and SLES are known to have many effects that can potentially be detrimental to health." Among the possible dangers are those listed here:
http://www.natural-health-information-centre.com/sls-health-implications.html
Also see the dangers identified in the Report of the American College of Toxicology, which examined the safety of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate:
http://www.natural-health-information-centre.com/sls-JACT-report.html
Ecology Center
"8. Lotions, Sunscreens, and Body Care Products – Many body care products contain pthalates such as DEHP and DBP. In animals, both DEHP and DBP are toxic
to the liver, kidneys, testes, and the nervous system. DBP is used extensively in perfumes, nail polishes, lotions, and hair sprays. High levels of exposure
have been found in women of reproductive age. Ironically, some sunblocks contain suspected carcinogens, including diethanolamine and related ingredients
(DEA, TEA), padimate-o, and titanium dioxide. Other ingredients are suspected endocrine disrupters: benzophenone (oxybenzone), homosalate, octyl-methoxycinnamate
(octinoxate), and the parabens (methyl-, ethyl-, butyl-, propyl-). Moreover, sunscreens can contain chemicals associated with skin irritation and rashes,
including avobenzone (parsol 1789), benzophenone, octyl-methoxycinnamate, and PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid). Not only are these chemicals potentially bad
for you, they're bad for the environment. Diethanolamine has been found in waterways around the country, posing a threat to animals and humans. According
to the National Toxicology Program, benzophenone has been found in surface water, groundwater, soil, and air, and may affect the liver and bone marrow
of animals ingesting large amounts of contaminated water. This and other endocrine disruptors in sunblocks can also enter the water system when we swim
or bathe, eventually winding up in fish, amphibians, and marine wildlife, and posing a threat to the animals' reproductive cycles."
http://www.ecologycenter.org/erc/petroleum/body.html#perfume
You also may wish to examine the detailed information from the EWG Human Toxome Project
http://www.ewg.org/sites/humantoxome/chemicals/chemical_classes.php?class=Phthalates
The following links provide information about synthetic fragrances and chemical related illnesses, the specific chemicals that have been discussed, the health risks to all people who use chemically scented products, and the steps that physicians and various organizations are taking to improve indoor air quality and promote health.
Aroma of Christ Ministries
http://www.aromaofchrist.com
Asking Your Church for Fragrance-Free Accommodations
http://www.aromaofchrist.com/asking_your_church_for_accommoda.htm
The Chemical Injury Information Network
A complete resource for the chemically injured (includes an extensive library of medical research)
http://www.ciin.org
Chemical Sensitivity Foundation
http://www.chemicalsensitivityfoundation.org
Conscious Choice: Smells Can Make You Sick
http://www.consciouschoice.com/2002/cc1504/healthconscious1504.html
Environmental Health Network of California
In-depth information about every aspect of fragrance and in-door air contamination.
http://users.lmi.net/wilworks/
Environmental Working Group -- Skin Deep database
I believe this is the most comprehensived list of safe skin care products and cosmetics on the internet.
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1
"Fragrance-Free Encounters and No-Fragrance Spaces" - Not Just a Personal Preference, but a Vital Matter of Health (Brochure)
http://www.ourlittleplace.com/fragfree.html
Fragrance Products Information Network
The Fragrance Products Information Network website was developed to help fill the void of information that exists regarding scented products.
http://www.fpinva.org
Global Recognition Campaign for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Chemical Injury, Chemical Hypersensitivity, Environmental Illness and other chemically induced illnesses and diseases affecting Civilians and Military personnel
http://www.mcs-global.org
Health Risks of Perfume
http://www.ourlittleplace.com/perfume.html
"Making your Environment Safer for Friends with Chemical Sensitivity"
http://nofragrance.org/detox.html
MCS Referral and Resources
http://www.mcsrr.org/
Medical Help for MCS Persons: Treatments that May Benefit the Immune System
http://www.citlink.net/~bhima/medother.htm
Report on Environmental Hypersensitivity
Re: environmental illness prepared for the Minister of Health, Province of Nova Scotia, January 5, 1998, Dr. P. Beresford.
http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/Jan98report.html
Share, Care and Prayer Ministries
http://www.sharecareprayer.org
"Twenty Most Common Chemicals in Thirty-one Fragrance Products,"
This summary is based on an EPA Study.
http://www.ehnca.org/ehn20.htm
"Understanding & Accommodating People with MCS" (Booklet)
http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/bookshelf/MCS.html
University of Calgary's Scent Free Awareness Program
http://www.ucalgary.ca/scentfree/index.html
"Why Go Perfume-Free to Church? - Accessibility for the Chemically Sensitive." (Brochure)
http://www.whereisgod.net/pfchurch.htm
Number of visits since June 12, 2007