Drawing on New Testament studies and recent scholarship on the expansion of the Christian church; Gary B. Ferngren presents a comprehensive historical account of medicine and medical philanthropy in the first five centuries of the Christian era.Ferngren first describes how early Christians understood disease. He examines the relationship of early Christian medicine to the natural and supernatural modes of healing found in the Bible. Despite biblical accounts of demonic possession and miraculous healing; Ferngren argues that early Christians generally accepted naturalistic assumptions about disease and cared for the sick with medical knowledge gleaned from the Greeks and Romans.Ferngren also explores the origins of medical philanthropy in the early Christian church. Rather than viewing illness as punishment for sins; early Christians believed that the sick deserved both medical assistance and compassion. Even as they were being persecuted; Christians cared for the sick within and outside of their community. Their long experience in medical charity led to the creation of the first hospitals; a singular Christian contribution to health care.
#907079 in Books Johns Hopkins University Press 2000-09-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 10.00 x .76 x 8.50l; 1.88 #File Name: 0801864275232 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy anvilmountainExactly what I expected and exactly what I wanted0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A wonderful history of Jewish Baltimore!By L. WorthingtonGrowing up in the Baltimore area; many of my friends - and many of my favorite foods! - were Jewish. The large; active and enthusiastic Jewish community was intertwined with the lives of all of us during the 1950's; '60's; 70's and onward. Both Baltimore City and County owe much of their cultural and intellectual richness to this diverse group of people. This book is written with affection and gentle humor; with many quotes; and the photos from the earliest days onward are a treasure-trove. I found the names and images of both friends and familiar families; and learned much about the neighborhoods that were the birthplace of so much of value. Anyone interested in Baltimore history; ethnic or otherwise; will enjoy this book. I was sorry to finish it - I will enjoy it often in the future I am sure.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful ReunionBy Sue FWhat a wonderful experience it was to turn the pages of this book. Imagine seeing your high school after many decades or being reintroduced to foods; customs; and places that you have long forgotten about. Each page brought the return of memories of my life growing up; or reviews of people and places before my time that had an influence on my life. There were many pictures of people in my family (especially those of older generations)and I will look forward to sharing this family tree with my children. I even learned some new things about my family and my birth city. Memories abound.
