Abstract
Given the global disease burden and resource disparity that exists in the world and the globalization of Christianity, Christians are in a critical position to effect radical change in individuals, communities and systems for human flourishing. This paper describes the theological basis of seven key elements that the Church can contribute to sustainable development, global health equity, and universal access as an expanding movement: defining health, speaking truth, providing care, making peace, cooperating, setting priorities, and mobilizing resources for maximum stewardship in low resource settings.
Highlights
Given the global spread of Christianity, Christians are in a critical position to effect radical change in individuals, communities, and systems for human flourishing and confront the global disease burden, injustice, and resource disparity that exists in the world
As the Church has expanded globally, and has increasing human and material resources in the global South, she has positioned herself as a potential influencer for health, among the poor where Christianity has “a breathtaking ability to transform weakness into strength.”[4]. There are several ways in which the Church can lead in the contemporary global health enterprise
The biblical definition of health is more expansive than the broad generalization from the World Health Organization (WHO) and involves restored wholesome relationships with: 1. self — image, self-care, purpose, meaning 2. others — peace-making, intimacy, family integrity, care for neighbor, equality, forgiveness, just societies 3. nature — environmental harmony, clean water, nutrition, medicines, micro and macroorganisms 4. the Creator — reconciliation, intimacy, and presence
Summary
Given the global spread of Christianity, Christians are in a critical position to effect radical change in individuals, communities, and systems for human flourishing and confront the global disease burden, injustice, and resource disparity that exists in the world. The Church has an increasing opportunity to define health, speak truth, provide care, make peace, cooperate, set priorities, and mobilize resources for maximum stewardship in low resource settings
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