Suffering and the Nature of Healing

by Daniel B. Hinshaw

Suffering and the Nature of Healing explores the central relationship between the Incarnation of the Word of God as Jesus Christ and the nature of healing within the understanding of traditional Christianity. This understanding and teaching regarding sin, suffering, and death have had tremendous impact on the care of the sick. With increased secularization, the unique perspective of traditional Christianity is largely being lost from health care. There is much in modern health care that is very good and could be recognized and blessed as consistent with traditional Christian teaching and practice; there is much that is not.


The first part of the book explores the human dilemma posed by suffering. The second part examines the nature of the encounter between the suffering person seeking help and the persons offering to help. The third and final part addresses the possibility of healing independent of cure, even in the context of death. Thus, this book will review the relationship of modern health care practice to traditional Christianity and the Church s understanding of health, disease, and healing, in order to give a better sense of how traditional Christianity can more effectively interface with secular health care.

Genres: Spirituality

262 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2013

Reviews

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent a thought provoking book on health care issues facing the Orthodox Christian.

[Ted · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought the book at times was very enlightening as it dealt with the difference between cure of the sick and care for the sick. But I found a harder slog the many case examples that make up large portions of the book. But the idea of caring for the sick requires more love and time and energy than the quick cures we hope medical science will deliver. The book recognizes that there are many things that cannot be cured, and so Christian care for those who cannot be cured is something for each Christian and each Christian community to strive for.

[Phoebe Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Four years ago, at 36 years old and pregnant with my fifth child, I was diagnosed with stage IV (terminal) breast cancer. Since then I have striven to live and die well.

This book spoke directly to my heart on the topics of suffering and healing. It is fantastic and I would recommend it to anyone walking through a time of pain, suffering, or darkness.

And, if it resonates with you, as it did me, I would highly recommend The Theology of Illness by Jean-Claude Larchet.

[Michael Knierim · Rating 5 out of 5]

“This book belongs in the hands of every healthcare professional.” Those are the words of Fr. Roman Braga, who had much first hand experience of suffering in the prisons and camps of communist Romania.