Healing in the New Testament
Book Description
When encountering the healing narratives in the New Testament, modern readers often struggle to bridge the gap between ancient accounts and contemporary understanding. John J. Pilch offers a transformative approach to these sacred stories, moving beyond traditional historical and literary analysis to explore the deeper social and cultural dimensions of healing in the ancient world.
Rather than simply asking what happened, Pilch invites readers to discover how the original communities understood wellness, illness, and restoration. Through the lens of Mediterranean anthropology and medical anthropological models, he illuminates the healthcare systems that shaped peasant societies during Jesus's time. This scholarly yet accessible exploration reveals how ancient Judeans and early Christian communities conceptualized the role of healers and the meaning of miraculous restoration.
The author's comparative analysis examines how different Gospel writers emphasized various aspects of healing, offering readers fresh insights into these familiar yet mysterious accounts. By understanding the social context surrounding stories of the lame walking, the deaf hearing, and the blind seeing, readers gain a richer appreciation for the profound spiritual and communal significance these narratives held for their original audiences.
This work provides valuable perspective for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of New Testament healing stories and their enduring relevance for contemporary spiritual life and community wellness.
Who Is This For?
đź“– Reading Level: Short (< 200 pages) (~5 hours)
đź“„ Length: 180 pages
What You'll Discover
- âś“ Study Bible from spiritual perspective
- âś“ Explore Christianisme
- ✓ Explore Santé
- ✓ Explore Guérison dans la Bible
- ✓ Explore Guérison
- âś“ Explore Medical anthropology
- âś“ Explore Aspect religieux
- âś“ Explore 11.47 cultural-historical background of the New Testament
