2024, Issue 3:
Health and Healing: Ethical, Theological, and Pastoral Perspectives
Articles
Disability, Healing, and the Problem of Miracles: Perils and Possibilities for Disabled Hope
Author: MADELINE JARRETT
Abstract: Biblical stories of miraculous healing are often presented as emblems of hope. Disability scholars, however, draw attention to various theological and pastoral problems perpetuated by these stories. With the aim of critically interrogating the character of disabled hope, this article explores the inescapable difficulties of miracle stories and highlights the insights that emerge through their cracks. When viewed with a disability hermeneutic, these stories reflect a powerful association between disability, potency, and agency. Here, durable disabled hope emerges as an interdependent reality inseparable from the recognition of disabled agency and the creation of socio-political spaces in which it can be exercised.
Faith-Based Response to COVID-19 Pandemic: Assessing the Pastoral Response to Mitigation and Suppression
Author: STAN CHU ILO
Abstract: This research discusses the communication strategies adopted by two parish-based COVID-19 task forces in a US Catholic diocese in order to keep their parishioners safe. Through an ethnographic study, the research shows how these faith-based religious leaders developed the mitigation and suppression measures against COVID-19 for their parishioners between March 2020-March 2021 during and after the lockdown period. The research reports on the social marketing tools adopted by these task forces. Through a reflective analysis on the themes discovered through interviews with these faith-based leaders, the research demonstrates how faith-based actors can effectively play an important role in health education during an outbreak of a highly contagious novel infection like the COVID-19 virus.
The Witness of Doctors with Africa (CUAMM) in Africa
Author: VALENTINA ISIDORIS
Author: VALENTINA ISIDORIS
Abstract: This essay presents a case study of the work of Doctors with Africa (CUAMM). CUAMM was founded in Italy in 1950 with the motto “go and care for the sick” and focuses on providing medical assistance, intervention and wellbeing for communities in Africa. The essay also shows that the work of CUAMM has evolved in the last seventy years from medical assistance to supporting local healthcare workers and improving health facilities in seven countries in Africa. We can also see in this transition a movement from charity based models to social justice models that aims to build partnerships with local communities, agencies, primary healthcare organizations, preventative medicine and well being activities.
Resocializing Catholic Healthcare Leadership: Lessons from Paul Farmer and Pope Francis
Author: M. THERESE LYSAUGHT
Author: M. THERESE LYSAUGHT
Abstract: Drawing on the resonant witnesses of Pope Francis and Paul Farmer, this article highlights three concepts/practices crucial for shifting Catholic healthcare to a social justice model: their scathing critiques of neoliberalism and its notion of “throwaway” people; their shared commitment to listening to the poor/culture of encounter; and a multi-faceted “integral ecology” as remediation for deep structures of violence. These are the indispensable intellectual, pragmatic, and theological starting points for the necessary task of resocializing Catholic healthcare leadership.
Shifting Priorities for Catholic Non-Governmental Organizations Operating in Latin America: A Deeper Model of Accompaniment
Author: SUSAN NEDZA
Abstract: This essay argues that CNGOs operating in Latin America must deepen commitments to accompaniment by redefining its mission, broadening partnerships, and seeking new forms of funding. A brief overview of traditional short-term medical service trips (STMT) follows and a review of the literature regarding their lack of efficacy and efficiency. A secondary focus is the review of the increasing risk of dependence on parish donations in an era when the number of Catholics actively engaged in parish communities has decreased and the simultaneous expansion of alternatives to traditional Catholic charities is occurring. The essay concludes with a case study and ethical analysis of Olancho Aid Foundation operating in rural Honduras and the model of a deeper accompaniment for the sick and the poor.
Racist Medical Practices and its impact on African American Women
Author: TANISHA SPARKS
Abstract: This essay is designed to address the racist medical practices entrenched in the fabric of the United States. These have often caused irreparable harm to the well-being of African American women for generations and their effects on the spirits of African American women who currently suffer a higher rate of fatalities than their white female counterparts with respect to curable and preventable diseases. Present in this research is a theological framework for African American women based upon biblical insight with a view towards encouraging them to identify, implement, and maintain spiritual self-care practices that will address this public health crisis.
Sickness, Health, and Health Inequity: An African American Perspective
Author: CORY D. MITCHELL, OFS
Abstract: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion projects and paradigms are under attack in America, particularly what is known as Critical Race Theory (CRT). Some Roman Catholics argue that CRT is divisive and unnecessary because the Church has recourse to Catholic social teaching. This essay argues that CST and CRT are mutually reinforcing rather than mutually exclusive, and both are necessary for reconciliation and fraternity. CST coupled with CRT provide the prophetic critique and action required for the health and healing of marginalized populations who are often harmed by Catholic identities and secular philosophies that facilitate structural violence (indirect interference with human life by policies and practices that are often invisible to dominant groups).
Theological Resources to Address Invisible Disabilities
Author: SAMANTHA ROPSKI
Abstract: Invisible (hidden) disabilities, disabilities that are not always or ever apparent to onlookers, are often discounted and stigmatized, as they defy traditional beliefs regarding how bodies and disabilities must appear to be considered valid and worthy of inclusion. This article explores several Christian practices and theological resources that offer insights for reducing some of the socially constructed challenges associated with invisible conditions. Among these are the core tenants of disability theologies, regard for and solidarity with the embodied individual in narrative, and critical reflection surrounding the myths and mysteries of the body and human experience.
Mental Health: Stigma, Taboo and Hidden Wounds
Author: ELIZABETH ANTUS
Abstract: Christians in the United States often treat suicidal distress as taboo. Their silence comes from a stigmatizing ignorance, not only about the prevalence of such suffering but also about effective ways to address it. I therefore use sociological and psychological research as well as first-person narratives of suicidal suffering to clarify these experiences and to outline a social justice approach for healing them. Christian communities must strive to understand people’s various pathways to and from suicidality, including relevant social factors. Further, Christians must examine their tradition and proclaim God’s capacity to face human anguish lovingly.
Theological Forum
In Memorium: Franz Hinkelammert, Víctor Codina and Enrique Dussel
Author: JUAN JOSE TAMAYO
Abstract: In 2023 three eminent liberation theologians died, all of whom shone brightly and made lucid contributions to rheological reflection on interdisciplinary dialogue between social sciences, political sciences and philosophy: Franz Hinkelammert in Costa Rica at 92, Víctor Codina in Barcelona at 91, and Enrique Dussel in Mexico at 88. Here, I offer an intellectual profile of each one, merited because of their human, intellectual and Christian quality.
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