There are sometimes uncanny coincidental events, independently addressing deep issues that we all face. Both events started with remote video presentations from two universities - one a religious response to a broken health care system and the other political-social response addressing mental health..
What was new for me was the revolution in mental health care. What is clearly identified are the poor outcomes and the barriers to improvement in the epidemic of mental illness. The author’s answer is not just symptom relief, but recovery and healing. More than social determinants of health, we are faced with the moral determinants of health.
The moral dimensions of health care brings me to the other presentation and the Heidelberg Catechism. This presentation presents a moral alternative to our current health care culture that is “broken”. It is a fresh way of thinking about the vocation that has called many of us.
For me, both of these presentations address the underlying purpose of healing in healthcare. Both are hopeful visions. Both are realistic and are complimentary to the other. What is exciting is that these conversations are occurring.
Marvin
References
Tilburt, J.,(2023) Body and Soul in Life and in Death: Living the Heidelberg Catechism in Healthcare. YouTube
Insel, T.,(2022) Healing: Our Path from Mental Illness to Mental Health. Penguin.
Hage, M. L. (2012). “Everybody Dies”.
http://healingagents.blogspot.com/2012/05/everybody-dies.html
Hage, M. L. (2021). Timing Connections.
http://healingagents.blogspot.com/2021/09/timing-connections.html
Hage, M. L. (2010). The “Telos” for Christian Healing Agents.
http://healingagents.blogspot.com/2010/12/telos-for-christian-healing-agents.html
Berwick, D (2020) Moral Determinants of Health
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2767353
