Abstract from my dissertation

This is a bit of a departure from current blog posts but many have been curious about my dissertation.  It will be a dry subject for many but here's the abstract as it stands so far... Subject to change of course.  I'm only twelve of 45-75 pages in!

Abstract for Redeeming Health: The Practice & Theology of Natural Health

This paper is written to stimulate the thinking and discernment of the reader in respect to healing mindsets and methodologies currently in practice in health and medicine today.  The intended audience is primarily people whose worldview is framed in Biblical Christian values and beliefs.  It will challenge some; others may find it enlightening.  Readers who do not hold values consistent with a Christian worldview are invited to read and think critically about the principles presented.  

I will explore questions such as: How has the Theology of healing changed throughout the ages? Is it static or has it changed as society or religious perspectives have changed? What were those theologies or philosophies?  Why did the changes occur?  How has our postmodern/post-Christian shift affected health, medicine, and the Christian view of healing? How have people who follow God made medical choices in the past?  What is the significance of these changes?  If science prompted change, what changes prompt our current theology on healing?  What role does scripture play in these choices?  I examine concepts laid out in the Christian and Hebrew scriptures: the Creation and Hebrew Testament stories of early humanity, Jesus’ healing passages, eating meat offered to idols, general and special revelation, as well as applicable apochryphal passages.

I’ll present principles to lay a foundation for discernment. One that will consider truth, input from the scriptures, input from natural revelation through science and the created order, and examine how health and healing has been viewed and practiced throughout the ages and into our present time.  This can educate us regarding the big picture that helps us make wise choices today. I will conclude with principles for discernment in all methodologies of healing and include a matrix to help the reader to make an informed decision based on the thoughts presented here, one best suiting her conscience and health perspectives.  In some cases, Christ followers will choose methodologies they had not tried before.  In other cases personal discernment may lead them away from therapies now deemed acceptable in the mainline American medical system.  The goal of this paper is to bring educated discernment and to help formulate a current theology of health and healing based on principles honoring to our God and Creator which will allow us to find a healing pathway God desires for us.