The Rationale

The idea of a faith health movement is new to many persons and organizations, even health care systems. But the idea that faith and health are connected is centuries old. What is new is that we are going back to the future, so to speak, and rediscovering the connections between body, mind and spirit. It shouldn't be a surprise. After all, all faiths have a rich history of healing as a part of their religious traditions. What is new is the separation of faith and health. Somewhere around the turn of the century, the medical model emerged as a free agent without the rest of the body of knowledge. Where "old tyme religion" was led by a pastor, priest or rabbi who was preacher, teacher and healer, this new medicine was led by technology with few connections to the whole person process.

At present, throughout the United States and in many places throughout the world, persons in both the medical and theological professions are realizing that they only hold a piece of another person's wellness. Antibiotics will cure an infection, but they are not a remedy for loneliness. And loneliness can make a person ill and often does. A new interdisciplinary approach is being used or considered in many academic institutions, including the University of Minnesota.

Although recent research correlates the connection between faith's role in health and healing, the demonstration of the relationship between faith and health is happening in the local faith community through the role of the parish nurse, health minister, chaplain and caring individuals. The health faith programs and initiatives in the United States use phrases like "reclaiming the faith community's role in health, healing and wholeness" and "ministering to the whole person: body, mind and spirit". Certainly the "faith factor" is coming of age, at least into this age. In Minnesota, there is a ground swell of interest and active endeavor. We hope that you will join us in our pursuit to understand and develop the connection between faith and health.