The Bible and Healing: A Medical and Theological Commentary

by John Wilkinson

Book Overview

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0802848761
• ISBN13: 9780802848765
• Release Date: January 2000
• Publisher: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
• Length: 350 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Comprehensive and Insightful

John Wilkinson's monograph, The Bible and Healing: A Medical and Theological Commentary, is a comprehensive examination of the references to health and healing found throughout the biblical text, with an emphasis on both the medical and theological perspective. Beginning in the Old Testament, he systematically explores the indigenous concept of health, assesses diseases, and reviews the healing practices of the ancient community of Israel. In the Gospels, disease and healing are analyzed with the focus on the distinctive healing ministry of Christ, followed by the record of healing in the Apostolic Church. Drawing special attention to Paul's thorn in the flesh, the author offers insights as to its possible identity, proposing its cause was likely malaria- a common and frequently debilitating disease that would correspond with the description given by Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. The author concludes with a brief history of healing in modern times and provides a proper biblical framework for the theology and practice of healing in the contemporary church. With this summary in mind, this reflection paper will interact with three major issues within the book: 1) the broad definition of health in the biblical text, 2) a Pauline theology of suffering, and 3) the interpretation of the use of anointing oil and its implications for the contemporary church. A final paragraph will be included that will highlight several issues that were not included in the book which require further exploration. First, upon review of the definition of health in the biblical text, Wilkinson has uncovered its multi-dimensional scope that goes beyond merely the physical and encompasses a broad spectrum of components. In the Old Testament, the definition of health covers well-being, righteousness, obedience, strength, fertility, and longevity. The New Testament adds to the range of understanding by including health as life, blessedness, holiness, and maturity. Concerned with more than the material or bodily function of humankind, the Bible's vision of health expands to embrace the soul and spirit with an intentional emphasis on the divine-human relationship. Weaved throughout the text, this comprehensive portrait of health pervades every area of human life and is ultimately measured by the standard of the fullness of Christ. Wilkinson highlights the word óùôçñ?á, a noun meaning "the condition of being safe and sound" to expresses the wide-ranging concept of health in the Bible (25). Used throughout the Old Testament in reference to deliverance, the word came to have a rich religious application, not only for the nation of Israel, but also for the individual believer who trusted in God for deliverance from their enemies. In the gospels, the verb ó?æù, is also used to denote both healing and deliverance, not only from danger or disease, but more importantly from the scourge of sin. Pauline literature also used the word óùôçñ?á, to reflect the salvific act of Ch

Balanced and informative

I would say this book is very interesting and informative. I wouldn't agree with everything he writes but overall I feel the book is very balanced,interesting, and informative.

Moderate and responsible

Dr Wilkinson takes a moderate and responsible stance on the current day application of the Bible's teaching on healing recognising the primary role of clinical medicine. This book reads like a collection of essays and is useful to dip into....

excellent academic and practical review of biblical material

John Wilkinson is a medic and cleric whose insights into the biblical material on health and healing are unrivalled. He explains academic material in a clear and comprehensive way. For those who wish to study the biblical background to the Christian ministry of health and healing, it would be difficult to provide a rival to Dr Wilkinson's book. As someone involved in writing courses and lecturing on health-care, I thoroughly recommend this book.

quotes from other reviews

Clear, comprehensive and challenging; Wilkinson's book is a masterly synthesis of the medical and the theological.Andrew Fergusson, Christian Medical Fellowship,UK.It is really not possible to do other than praise this work unreservedly. It is a monumental study of the Bible and healing by a highly authoritative writer of wide medical experience and acknowledged theological skills.Denis Duncan, The Churches' Council for Health & Healing, UK.This book is sane, balanced, thorough, rich, written by a doctor/minister working on the interface between medicine and theology.David Lyall, Principal of New College, Edinburgh, Scotland.'There is much here from which both Biblical scholars and Church members can learn'.Ruth Edwards The Expository Times,UK