The physical dimension of health : the neglected aspect of pastoral care

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:Humankind has made great progress over the centuries in gaining an understanding of how the humanbody works. This has all been in an attempt to bring about health and healing where there appeared tobe an unbalance in the body's normal functions. The mind also later became an object of study toaddress its relation to humankinds physical health. Later, social dimensions of health were alsoidentified and were attended to. Yet, much disease and ailments seem to still plague our societies andcommunities.Theology in the name of pastoral care had been faithfully adding the spiritual dimension to healing.But it was only in the recent wake within practical theology that the theological sciences had enteredinto meaning conversations with other disciplines. These developments within practical theologyraised a lot of question both inside and outside of the theological discipline. At the same time, this newfibrant branch of theology built bridges with the medical sciences, social and behavioural SCiences,management sciences, just to name a few.This study highlights the developments specifically around the scientific nature of theology and theconversation it had over the decades with medical science. It becomes clear that this dialogue isnecessary as both theology and medicine have a common interest. They both complement each othersdimensions and they address humankind in their state of pain and suffering.By covering the historical development of theology and medicine, proving their credibility as scientificdisciplines, and pointing to their struggle with the dualistic concept, this study proposes to the Churchand its healing ministry to restore wholistic healing in collaboration with the goverment services andlocal community structures.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University