Scienceforthechurch.org

When the Body Can Gather Again

WebThese will most certainly preach—an active religious life correlates with improved mental and physical health, promotes prosocial and civic behaviors, and simply put, seems to be good for us.; Theologian Mike Langford has thought through the implications (both positive and negative) of virtual church.

Actived: 4 days ago

URL: https://scienceforthechurch.org/2021/03/09/when-the-body-can-gather-again/

Race and Health: The Intersection of Disadvantage

WebShe tells the story of Kiarra, a young African American woman from Baltimore who faces the insurmountable obstacles of a social structure that is hostile to people of color. Growing up in poverty, Kiarra’s adverse childhood experiences (and other stressful life events) resulted in severe health problems that affect her quality of life.

Category:  Health Go Health

Finding Jesus in the Storm: The Spiritual Lives of Christians with

WebThe church can and should be a place of refuge for those who experience mental illness. But many in our churches—from pastors to lay-leaders to the average person in the pews—feel poorly equipped to journey alongside those who live with such illnesses. Enter John Swinton's 2020 book, Finding Jesus in the Storm.

Category:  Health Go Health

Raising Our Spirits Together: Q&A with Dr. Addie Weaver

WebWe are facing a mental health crisis. Nine out of 10 American adults recognize it. Addie Weaver, assistant professor of social work at the University of Michigan, believes churches can be part of the solution.For her, the delivery of mental health care to underserved groups, particularly those in rural areas, is a social justice issue.

Category:  Health Go Health

No Place for Them in the Therapy Room

WebThe overall problem is massive and complex, but, in addition to the links below, here is a relatively simple first step to addressing it. The church can partner with scientists, something like our Standard Model. Church leaders and mental health experts can work side by side as they determine how best to meet the needs around them.

Category:  Health Go Health

The Science of Relationships: Coping With Loss

WebIn part 1 of our short series on relationships, Drew introduced us to attachment theory and its relevance for our faith; Wikipedia offers the most complete summary of religion and coping. A brief summary of religious coping, including a bibliography of key research.; A Fuller Seminary prof led this study on how religion helps …

Category:  Health Go Health

Prescribing Church

WebThe religion-vs.-science narrative persists in our wider culture, but that’s clearly a false narrative when it comes to the interface between religion and health. Study after study shows positive connections between health and things like church attendance, religiosity, and religious coping.

Category:  Health Go Health

When the Body Cannot Gather

WebEach Friday, Wheaton’s Humanitarian Disaster Institute is hosting a webinar for churches on how to respond to COVID-19.; Creative ideas abound in this article about how Methodist pastors are maintaining the relational aspects of ministry.; The Greater Good Science Center has a nice collection of resources such as this one for any of us who …

Category:  Health Go Health

Race and Generational Trauma

WebSubscribe. The history of race in our country has led to significant generational trauma and that generational trauma negatively influences the health and well-being of persons of color. Generational trauma is described here and a range of relevant research is summarized here.

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Grateful for Gratitude

WebLikewise, the science of psychology reminds us that when we practice gratitude, we live healthier and more fulfilling lives. I’m grateful for gratitude because, when we practice it, life is better. Paul reminds us, in 1 Thessalonians 5:16, that even when life is hard, we’d do well to “be thankful [grateful] in all circumstances” (NLT).

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John Wesley and Science: Using Science to Serve the Poor

WebA Holistic Approach. In Inward and Outward Health, Deborah Madden underscores that Wesley’s approach to medicine was grounded in a holistic understanding of the relationship of body and soul at the intersection of the physical and spiritual worlds.In other words, Wesley’s approach to presenting the gospel of Christ was not limited to soul …

Category:  Medicine Go Health

Psychology for Ministry: Embodying Community with Mark McMinn

WebSarey: Switching gears now, do you think Christians should think about mental illness or mental health differently than how a non-believing person would?. Mark: There are entire books on this question.There are different ways to look at it. Adaptability is a pretty good way to look at mental health and mental illness. Being a Christian speaks …

Category:  Health Go Health

Is the Scientific Study of Prayer Legit

WebAs a prayer expert Kevin Ladd, notes, “The metaphysical core of prayer—what God does—is not accessible to science.”. Many outside of our churches and even some inside believe that God cannot act in response to our prayers. This is complicated by the fact that each of us has had the experience of seemingly unanswered …

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Francis Collins and the DNA of Faithfulness

WebIn 2010, this world-renowned and bestselling atheist contracted esophageal cancer. Having heard this, Francis Collins, equally famous—in this case, as a voice for orthodox Christian faith and science—reached out to Hitchens. They became friends. Hitchens, who died in 2011, offered this stunning assessment: Francis Collins is “the …

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Hope for a Worn-Out Church

WebClergy self-care is important. Here is a list of strategies to help a worn-out pastor.; Lifeway Research offers tips on how to care for those suffering from depression.; Whether for yourself or your congregation, we encourage every pastor to build relationships with mental health professionals so he or she doesn’t have to care for a worn-out church …

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The Wonderful Burden of Caregiving

WebCaring for the Invisible Second Patient. How can the church help caregivers? Here are a few ideas: 1. Don’t forget the caregivers.Sometimes referred to as the “invisible second patient,” their needs are often downplayed as most of …

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