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Beholden: Religion, Global Health, and Human Rights
Winner of the 2016 Grawemeyer Award in Religion
Global health efforts today are usually shaped by two very different ideological a human rights-based approach to health and equity-often associated with public health, medicine, or economic development activities; or a religious or humanitarian "aid" approach motivated by personal beliefs about charity, philanthropy, missional dynamics, and humanitarian "mercy." The underlying differences between these two approaches can create tensions and even outright hostility that undermines the best intentions of those involved.
In Religion, Global Health, and Human Rights , Susan R. Holman--a scholar in both religion and the history of medicine--challenges this traditional polarization by telling stories designed to help shape a new perspective on global health, one that involves a multidisciplinary integration of religion and culture with human rights and social justice. The book's six chapters range broadly, describing pilgrimage texts in the Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic traditions; the effect of ministry and public policy on nineteenth-century health care for the poor; the story of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as it shaped economic, social, and cultural rights; a "religious health assets" approach based in Southern Africa; and the complex dynamics of gift exchange in the modern faith-based focus on charity, community, and the common good. Holman's study serves as an insightful guide for students and practitioners interested in improving and broadening the scope of global
health initiatives, with an eye towards having the greatest impact possible.
Global health efforts today are usually shaped by two very different ideological a human rights-based approach to health and equity-often associated with public health, medicine, or economic development activities; or a religious or humanitarian "aid" approach motivated by personal beliefs about charity, philanthropy, missional dynamics, and humanitarian "mercy." The underlying differences between these two approaches can create tensions and even outright hostility that undermines the best intentions of those involved.
In Religion, Global Health, and Human Rights , Susan R. Holman--a scholar in both religion and the history of medicine--challenges this traditional polarization by telling stories designed to help shape a new perspective on global health, one that involves a multidisciplinary integration of religion and culture with human rights and social justice. The book's six chapters range broadly, describing pilgrimage texts in the Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic traditions; the effect of ministry and public policy on nineteenth-century health care for the poor; the story of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as it shaped economic, social, and cultural rights; a "religious health assets" approach based in Southern Africa; and the complex dynamics of gift exchange in the modern faith-based focus on charity, community, and the common good. Holman's study serves as an insightful guide for students and practitioners interested in improving and broadening the scope of global
health initiatives, with an eye towards having the greatest impact possible.
- GenresReligion
312 pages, Hardcover
First published March 2, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
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July 23, 2015Provocatively analyzes potential dangers in help-giving.
December 15, 2015
Here is my podcast interview with the author: http://marginalia.lareviewofbooks.org...
September 6, 2026
Interactions between culture and religion are fraught with difficulties. Some want to do away with religion altogether. Others welcome religious influences on policy and practice. One thing's for sure, though: There are always points of both friction and synergy between the two groups. Susan Holman, a scholar in the Christian tradition, examines these interactions in six distinct articles. In so doing, she examines the roots and nature of human rights and the religious value of every human being.
This book's six chapters can stand on their own as separate written pieces. Topics include the nature of pilgrimages, the life of an American physician in the 1800s, Article 25 of the Human Rights Declaration, use cases of community involvement in local healthcare, and problems of traditional gift-giving charity pipelines. The topic of religion and global health remains central, but no central narrative exists.
In each chapter, she simply uncovers areas of conflict and difficulty, without taking a side or laying out an argument. She seeks instead to foster further conversation around difficult issues in particular situations. As you'd expect from a PhD, each investigation is interesting and scholarly. Her educational background both as a dietician and in early Christianity shines through the pages.
Readers interested in an unbiased look at global health related to religion will find wisdom in this book. Readers interested in someone advancing a strong central argument will not find satisfaction. It's a scholarly work, not one interested in flagging the flames of partisan argumentation. By common cause, religious workers and global health practitioners have to work with each other. This book allows them to see the others more clearly in dialogue so that they can do the important work of supporting life together.
This book's six chapters can stand on their own as separate written pieces. Topics include the nature of pilgrimages, the life of an American physician in the 1800s, Article 25 of the Human Rights Declaration, use cases of community involvement in local healthcare, and problems of traditional gift-giving charity pipelines. The topic of religion and global health remains central, but no central narrative exists.
In each chapter, she simply uncovers areas of conflict and difficulty, without taking a side or laying out an argument. She seeks instead to foster further conversation around difficult issues in particular situations. As you'd expect from a PhD, each investigation is interesting and scholarly. Her educational background both as a dietician and in early Christianity shines through the pages.
Readers interested in an unbiased look at global health related to religion will find wisdom in this book. Readers interested in someone advancing a strong central argument will not find satisfaction. It's a scholarly work, not one interested in flagging the flames of partisan argumentation. By common cause, religious workers and global health practitioners have to work with each other. This book allows them to see the others more clearly in dialogue so that they can do the important work of supporting life together.
October 30, 2023
This was a really great book and taught me a lot about faith-based social justice as it relates to healthcare. The author uses historical accounts that shape her analysis, which can sometimes drag on, but overall the book was interesting and provided a lot of useful information.
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July 23, 2024Lol so this has been in process for months but I finally had incentive to finish it because Dr. Holman is my mentor/advisor this summer! Great place to start thinking about human rights and global health through a faith-based lens.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews