Where did “quack” originate and why does it refer to doctors or psychiatrists who seem to be frauds?
“Quack” is an abbreviation for the word “quacksalver”. A quacksalver, in the 16th century, referred to a peddler who sold fake medicines on the street. To “quack” meant to peddle so “to quacksalve” meant to peddle salve or ointment – in particular, one that would cure most anything. Perhaps we are more familiar with the term snake-oil peddlers from the 1800s.
The danger with “quacks” is two-fold. First, it can cause people to lose faith and confidence in legitimate medicines and real doctors. Secondly, it can be fatal as people put off real, valid treatment, hoping the “quacksalver” will work.
There are religious/spiritual “quacks” too. These individuals, knowingly or unknowingly, use God’s words in ways that God did not use them. “Miracle” is one. Only God performs miracles (John 3:2) so only God can define a miracle. In God’s dictionary (the Bible), a miracle is performed by God through His spokesman in order to verify the spokesman’s message (for examples, see 1 Kings 17:17-24 & Acts 13:6-12).
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The devil has deluded many people into believing and using biblical words with his own definitions. He has turned many preachers into quacks, peddling quacksalver. These quacks cause people to lose faith in the clear understanding and message of the Bible. Subsequently, they ignore or reject the real, valid teaching of God’s word. We cannot give support to religious quacks.
–Paul Holland
