health through faith and community a study resource © 1998 ed canda

Health Through Faith Health Through Faith and Communityand Community

A Study A Study ResourceResource

© 1998 Ed Canda

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsClick on a session name below to jump to that sessionClick on a session name below to jump to that session

Session 1 – A Holistic Christian Vision of Health Session 1 – A Holistic Christian Vision of Health Through Faith and CommunityThrough Faith and CommunitySession 2 – Faith and Physical HealthSession 2 – Faith and Physical HealthSession 3 – Faith and Mental HealthSession 3 – Faith and Mental HealthSession 4 – Faith and Spiritual HealthSession 4 – Faith and Spiritual HealthSession 5 – Faith and the Well-Being of the ChuSession 5 – Faith and the Well-Being of the Church Communityrch CommunitySession 6 – Faith and the Well-Being of SocietySession 6 – Faith and the Well-Being of SocietySession 7 – Faith and Global Well-BeingSession 7 – Faith and Global Well-BeingSession 8 – The End is Just the BeginningSession 8 – The End is Just the Beginning

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and Community

Session 1Session 1

A Holistic Christian A Holistic Christian

Vision of Health Vision of Health

Through Faith Through Faith

and Communityand Community© 2001 Aaron Ketchell

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 1.1 - Study Guide PrinciplesOverhead 1.1 - Study Guide Principles

IntentionIntention: Each session begins with a prayer to : Each session begins with a prayer to reinforce the group’s intention to learn.reinforce the group’s intention to learn.

InformationInformation: Pertinent information from spiritual, : Pertinent information from spiritual, scholarly, and other sources is presented to increase scholarly, and other sources is presented to increase knowledge and present topics for exploration.knowledge and present topics for exploration.

InspirationInspiration: Material is included from pertinent : Material is included from pertinent Christian sources, scriptures, personal stories, and Christian sources, scriptures, personal stories, and other materials as a way to inspire participants other materials as a way to inspire participants spiritually, intuitively, and emotionally.spiritually, intuitively, and emotionally.

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 1.1 - Study Guide PrinciplesOverhead 1.1 - Study Guide Principles

IntrospectionIntrospection: Moments of quiet and self-reflection : Moments of quiet and self-reflection exercises are offered in order to help participants to exercises are offered in order to help participants to be in touch with their inner responses to the material.be in touch with their inner responses to the material.

InteractionInteraction: Each session includes time for : Each session includes time for discussion and interactive exercises so participants discussion and interactive exercises so participants can learn from each other.can learn from each other.

IntegrationIntegration: A Christian perspective on faith and : A Christian perspective on faith and health will infuse the study guide and integrate many health will infuse the study guide and integrate many aspects of health.aspects of health.

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 1.2 - Values to Guide Our GroupOverhead 1.2 - Values to Guide Our Group

Trust:Trust: To be open and honest, participants must be able To be open and honest, participants must be able to trust one another to keep these values within the to trust one another to keep these values within the sessions and after the sessions are completed. A sense sessions and after the sessions are completed. A sense of trust means that things said in confidence should of trust means that things said in confidence should remain in confidence.remain in confidence.

Sincerity:Sincerity: All our communications should be honest and All our communications should be honest and sincere. When we sense one another’s sincerity, we will sincere. When we sense one another’s sincerity, we will know that we have a real commitment to one another and know that we have a real commitment to one another and the community.the community.

Respect: Respect: We must treat one another with respect at all We must treat one another with respect at all times, in both speech and action. No one should times, in both speech and action. No one should monopolize the time of the group. Everyone should have monopolize the time of the group. Everyone should have an equal opportunity to participate.an equal opportunity to participate.


Willingness to learn: Willingness to learn: We need to be willing to learn, to We need to be willing to learn, to increase our awareness of both our strengths and our increase our awareness of both our strengths and our limitations, and to work on issues at hand. Everyone is limitations, and to work on issues at hand. Everyone is engaged in learning in different ways at different levels. It is engaged in learning in different ways at different levels. It is a lifelong process. Let’s support each other in our learning.a lifelong process. Let’s support each other in our learning.

Agreement to disagree:Agreement to disagree: Real maturity and respect in Real maturity and respect in communication go beyond being comfortable with like-communication go beyond being comfortable with like-minded people. We need to acknowledge and respect minded people. We need to acknowledge and respect differences and disagreements. If we agree to disagree, we differences and disagreements. If we agree to disagree, we can search for a common understanding that is deeper than can search for a common understanding that is deeper than the disagreement but that also respects our right to be the disagreement but that also respects our right to be different.different.


Commitment to work through issues:Commitment to work through issues:

If disagreements or challenges arise, we need to be If disagreements or challenges arise, we need to be persistent in working them through. Otherwise, tension persistent in working them through. Otherwise, tension can develop and linger. Working through issues leads can develop and linger. Working through issues leads to insight and nurturing relationships.to insight and nurturing relationships.

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 1.3 - Preliminary DefinitionsOverhead 1.3 - Preliminary Definitions

Overall well-beingOverall well-being: A sense that a person has a : A sense that a person has a general positive condition of life that results from general positive condition of life that results from harmonizing the physical, mental, social, and spiritual harmonizing the physical, mental, social, and spiritual areas of one’s life.areas of one’s life.

Physical healthPhysical health: A good condition and functioning of : A good condition and functioning of the body such as physical vitality, healthy diet, balanced the body such as physical vitality, healthy diet, balanced lifestyle, ability to accomplish daily activities, and lifestyle, ability to accomplish daily activities, and possession of good skills to address physical limitations.possession of good skills to address physical limitations.

Mental healthMental health: Peace of mind, clear thinking, and : Peace of mind, clear thinking, and emotional balance.emotional balance.


Social healthSocial health: Well-being of one’s community and : Well-being of one’s community and society and one’s relationship to them as an active society and one’s relationship to them as an active member.member.

Spiritual healthSpiritual health: Heightened awareness of one’s : Heightened awareness of one’s spirituality and ongoing spiritual growth.spirituality and ongoing spiritual growth.

FaithFaith: A belief and trust in God and awareness of : A belief and trust in God and awareness of God’s loving presence in the world. This can act as a God’s loving presence in the world. This can act as a source of daily insight and encouragement and as a base source of daily insight and encouragement and as a base for strength and hope in times of difficulty.for strength and hope in times of difficulty.


ReligionReligion: A formally organized institutional framework : A formally organized institutional framework of beliefs, values, and practices for remembering, of beliefs, values, and practices for remembering, honoring, and growing faith through both public and honoring, and growing faith through both public and private expressions.private expressions.

SpiritualitySpirituality: A way of exploring and developing the : A way of exploring and developing the deep meaning, purpose, and values of life in relationship deep meaning, purpose, and values of life in relationship to ourselves, others, and God. This yields a commitment to ourselves, others, and God. This yields a commitment to live responsibly and lovingly in relation to loved ones, to live responsibly and lovingly in relation to loved ones, other people, communities, and the world. For most other people, communities, and the world. For most Americans, this includes a life of faith and participation in Americans, this includes a life of faith and participation in religious groups.religious groups.


All of these terms imply:All of these terms imply:

Reliance on Reliance on relationshipsrelationships (personal and (personal and communal)communal)

JourneyJourney or or processprocess of life and faithof life and faith

InterconnectionInterconnection of person, society, world, and Godof person, society, world, and God

Balance and harmonyBalance and harmony between different aspects of between different aspects of well-beingwell-being

Session 2Session 2

Faith and Physical HealthFaith and Physical Health


© 2001 Aaron Ketchell

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 2.1 – Scientific Connections Between Faith & Physical HealthOverhead 2.1 – Scientific Connections Between Faith & Physical Health

In a 1998 study, 440 patients at a suburban family In a 1998 study, 440 patients at a suburban family medicine clinic were randomly surveyed. Participants medicine clinic were randomly surveyed. Participants were asked about their level of healthfulness and their were asked about their level of healthfulness and their personal connection with God or a Higher Power. personal connection with God or a Higher Power. Results demonstrated that persons with a high or Results demonstrated that persons with a high or moderately high relationship with God were much more moderately high relationship with God were much more likely to experience better health. As the research team likely to experience better health. As the research team noted:noted:

““Differences in health were greatest between patients Differences in health were greatest between patients having a low level of spirituality and those with either having a low level of spirituality and those with either moderate or high levels.” moderate or high levels.” (McBride, Arthur, Brooks & Pilkington, 1998, pp. 122-126)(McBride, Arthur, Brooks & Pilkington, 1998, pp. 122-126)


Question: Question: In your opinion, how can a In your opinion, how can a relationship with God promote overall relationship with God promote overall well-being?well-being?


In a 1998 study, researchers examined nearly 4,000 In a 1998 study, researchers examined nearly 4,000 people aged sixty-five and older. They discovered that people aged sixty-five and older. They discovered that people who both attended religious services at lease once people who both attended religious services at lease once a week and prayed or studied the Bible at least daily had a week and prayed or studied the Bible at least daily had consistently lower blood pressure than those that did so consistently lower blood pressure than those that did so less frequently or not at all: less frequently or not at all:

““Furthermore, regular participants in religious activities Furthermore, regular participants in religious activities were 40 percent less likely to have diastolic were 40 percent less likely to have diastolic hypertension, a leading contributor to heart attacks and hypertension, a leading contributor to heart attacks and strokes.”strokes.”(Koenig et al., 1998, pp. 189-213) (Koenig et al., 1998, pp. 189-213)


Question: Question: In your opinion, why might In your opinion, why might attending religious services or being attending religious services or being involved in a faith community lead to involved in a faith community lead to health benefits such as lower blood health benefits such as lower blood pressure?pressure?


In a 1999 study, a sample of more than 21,000 American In a 1999 study, a sample of more than 21,000 American adults tracked over a nine-year period was examined. adults tracked over a nine-year period was examined. Researchers found that attending a religious service more Researchers found that attending a religious service more than once per week raises the possibility of greater than once per week raises the possibility of greater longevity. Dr. Robert Hummer and colleagues at the longevity. Dr. Robert Hummer and colleagues at the Population Research Center at the University of Texas at Population Research Center at the University of Texas at Austin reported that:Austin reported that:

““For overall population, the life expectancy gap For overall population, the life expectancy gap between those who attend more than once a week between those who attend more than once a week and those who never attend is over seven years.”and those who never attend is over seven years.” (Hummer, Rogers, Nam & Ellison, 1999, pp. 1-13)(Hummer, Rogers, Nam & Ellison, 1999, pp. 1-13)


Question: Question: In your opinion, why would In your opinion, why would involvement in a spiritual community involvement in a spiritual community increase one’s longevity?increase one’s longevity?


Session 3Session 3

Faith and Mental HealthFaith and Mental Health


Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 3.1 – Connection Between Religious Participation & Mental HealthOverhead 3.1 – Connection Between Religious Participation & Mental Health

2001 book examined 100 studies that analyzed 2001 book examined 100 studies that analyzed relationship between religiousness and mental well-relationship between religiousness and mental well-being.being.

79 percent reported at least one positive 79 percent reported at least one positive correlation between religious involvement and correlation between religious involvement and greater happiness, satisfaction, etc.greater happiness, satisfaction, etc.

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 3.1 – Connection Between Religious Participation & Mental HealthOverhead 3.1 – Connection Between Religious Participation & Mental Health

Religious commitment and participation have Religious commitment and participation have been shown to be associated with:been shown to be associated with:

Less likelihood of depressionLess likelihood of depressionLess likelihood of suicideLess likelihood of suicideDecreased severity of psychological distressDecreased severity of psychological distressLess likelihood of alcohol or illicit drug useLess likelihood of alcohol or illicit drug useReduced juvenile delinquencyReduced juvenile delinquencyIncreased marital satisfactionIncreased marital satisfactionIncreased sense of optimism and hopeIncreased sense of optimism and hope

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 3.2 – Scientific Connections Between Faith & Mental HeathOverhead 3.2 – Scientific Connections Between Faith & Mental Heath

A 1991 study conducted in New Haven, Connecticut, A 1991 study conducted in New Haven, Connecticut, randomly sampled 720 adults to examine how randomly sampled 720 adults to examine how religious association and attendance affected levels religious association and attendance affected levels of psychological distress. Researchers concluded of psychological distress. Researchers concluded that persons who attend religious service regularly that persons who attend religious service regularly reported lower levels of psychological distress than reported lower levels of psychological distress than those attending infrequently or not at all: those attending infrequently or not at all:

““Our findings indicate that religion may be a Our findings indicate that religion may be a potent coping strategy that facilitates adjustment potent coping strategy that facilitates adjustment to the stress of life” to the stress of life” (Williams, Larson, Buckler, Heckmann & Pyle, 1991, pp. 1257-1262)(Williams, Larson, Buckler, Heckmann & Pyle, 1991, pp. 1257-1262)


Question: Question: In your experience, how In your experience, how might prayer or attending a might prayer or attending a religious service lower levels of religious service lower levels of psychological distress?psychological distress?


In a study of the effects of depression on hospitalized In a study of the effects of depression on hospitalized patients published in 1998, researchers at Duke patients published in 1998, researchers at Duke University found that the more religious a patient was, University found that the more religious a patient was, the more quickly he or she recovered from depression. the more quickly he or she recovered from depression. The researchers examined eighty-seven patients aged The researchers examined eighty-seven patients aged sixty or older who were diagnosed with a depressive sixty or older who were diagnosed with a depressive disorder. They found that as the level of religious disorder. They found that as the level of religious intensity increased, so did the speed of recovery from intensity increased, so did the speed of recovery from illness. David B. Larson, MD, of the National Institute for illness. David B. Larson, MD, of the National Institute for Healthcare Research, observed:Healthcare Research, observed:

““This study indicated that we physicians should This study indicated that we physicians should encourage our patients to draw on their religious encourage our patients to draw on their religious beliefs to work through such a crisis.” beliefs to work through such a crisis.” (Koenig, George & Peterson, 1998, pp. 536-542)(Koenig, George & Peterson, 1998, pp. 536-542)


Question: Question: In your experience, how In your experience, how has your faith been particularly has your faith been particularly useful for cultivating positive useful for cultivating positive mental health?mental health?


A study conducted at the University of New Mexico A study conducted at the University of New Mexico found that the risk for alcohol dependency is 60 found that the risk for alcohol dependency is 60 percent higher among drinkers with no religious percent higher among drinkers with no religious affiliation. According to the author of the study, Dr. affiliation. According to the author of the study, Dr. William R. Miller: William R. Miller:

““The abuse of alcohol, which interestingly came The abuse of alcohol, which interestingly came to be called ‘spirits,’ is in some manner to be called ‘spirits,’ is in some manner incompatible with spirituality.” incompatible with spirituality.” (Miller, 1998, pp. 979-990)(Miller, 1998, pp. 979-990)


Question: Question: In your experience, how In your experience, how can religious values, faith, and can religious values, faith, and spirituality help prevent abuse of spirituality help prevent abuse of alcohol and harmful drugs?alcohol and harmful drugs?

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 3.3 – Symbolism of the Cross Overhead 3.3 – Symbolism of the Cross and Recovery from Addictions and Mental Illnessand Recovery from Addictions and Mental Illness

Vertical length of cross – Vertical length of cross – human-divine relationshiphuman-divine relationship

Horizontal width of the cross – Horizontal width of the cross – human-human relationshipshuman-human relationships

Necessary to stress both parts for Necessary to stress both parts for treatment of and recovery from treatment of and recovery from addiction and mental illnessaddiction and mental illness

© 1997 Canda

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 3.3 – Symbolism of the Cross Overhead 3.3 – Symbolism of the Cross and Recovery from Addictions and Mental Illnessand Recovery from Addictions and Mental Illness

Churches and congregations must Churches and congregations must stress the common human stress the common human condition, rather than difference condition, rather than difference between those with addictions or between those with addictions or mental illness and others, if hope mental illness and others, if hope and health are to be encouragedand health are to be encouraged

© 1997 Canda

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 3.4 – Mental Health & the Serenity PrayerOverhead 3.4 – Mental Health & the Serenity Prayer

Dr. Reinhold Niebuhr may have written the Serenity Dr. Reinhold Niebuhr may have written the Serenity Prayer in 1932.Prayer in 1932.

It came to the attention of an Alcoholics Anonymous It came to the attention of an Alcoholics Anonymous member and brought to Bill Wilson, co-founder of member and brought to Bill Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, in 1939. The prayer was Alcoholics Anonymous, in 1939. The prayer was adopted as part of the movementadopted as part of the movement

Other theories claim that Niebuhr himself shared the Other theories claim that Niebuhr himself shared the prayer with Wilson. Regardless of its origin, the Serenity prayer with Wilson. Regardless of its origin, the Serenity Prayer is the most well-known example of prayer meant Prayer is the most well-known example of prayer meant to facilitate mental healthto facilitate mental health

The Serenity PrayerThe Serenity Prayer

God, Give us grace God, Give us grace

To accept with SerenityTo accept with Serenitythe things that cannot be changed, the things that cannot be changed,

Courage to change the things which Courage to change the things which should be changed, should be changed,

and the Wisdom to distinguish the and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.one from the other.

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 3.4 – Mental Health & the Serenity PrayerOverhead 3.4 – Mental Health & the Serenity Prayer

Living one day at a time, enjoying one Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time; moment at a time;

Accepting hardship as a pathway to Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace, taking, as Jesus did, this sinful peace, taking, as Jesus did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it, world as it is, not as I would have it,

Trusting that You will make all things Trusting that You will make all things right, if I surrender to Your Will, right, if I surrender to Your Will,

So that I may be reasonably happy in this So that I may be reasonably happy in this life, and supremely happy with You life, and supremely happy with You

forever in the next. forever in the next. AmenAmen

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 3.4 – Mental Health & the Serenity Prayer (continued)Overhead 3.4 – Mental Health & the Serenity Prayer (continued)

CC 2006 Mark Barkaway


Session 4Session 4

Faith andFaith andSpiritual HealthSpiritual Health

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 4.1 – Stages of Faith DevelopmentOverhead 4.1 – Stages of Faith Development

1.1. Primal faithPrimal faith (infancy): This stage arises from (infancy): This stage arises from relations, care, and nurturing love as first experienced relations, care, and nurturing love as first experienced by the infant. Caregivers constitute our first by the infant. Caregivers constitute our first experience of omnipotent power and wisdom.experience of omnipotent power and wisdom.

2.2. Intuitive-projective faithIntuitive-projective faith (early childhood): This (early childhood): This stage begins with the child’s awakening to the world stage begins with the child’s awakening to the world of symbols and stories of a religious tradition. These of symbols and stories of a religious tradition. These symbols enrich the child’s sense of meaning and symbols enrich the child’s sense of meaning and provide guidance and reassurance.provide guidance and reassurance.


3.3. Mythic-literal faithMythic-literal faith (middle childhood): In this (middle childhood): In this stage, faith involves a reliance on the stories, rules, stage, faith involves a reliance on the stories, rules, and implicit values of the caregiver’s culture and and implicit values of the caregiver’s culture and religion. Knowing the stories of “our people” religion. Knowing the stories of “our people” become important for defining self and others.become important for defining self and others.

4.4. Synthetic-conventional faithSynthetic-conventional faith (adolescence): This (adolescence): This stage may emerge as a strongly felt worldview and stage may emerge as a strongly felt worldview and sense of self. In this stage one draws together sense of self. In this stage one draws together (synthesizes) stories, values, and beliefs in a (synthesizes) stories, values, and beliefs in a worldview. One composes a “story of my stories” – worldview. One composes a “story of my stories” – a sense of meaning and purpose for one’s life.a sense of meaning and purpose for one’s life.


5.5. Individuative-reflective faithIndividuative-reflective faith (young adulthood): In (young adulthood): In this stage, a person examines and makes critical this stage, a person examines and makes critical choices about his or her identity and faith, for choices about his or her identity and faith, for example, whether to retain, modify, or change one’s example, whether to retain, modify, or change one’s commitment to the faith tradition in which a person commitment to the faith tradition in which a person was raised.was raised.

6.6. Conjunctive faithConjunctive faith (early midlife): This stage involves (early midlife): This stage involves combining personal and societal experiences that combining personal and societal experiences that may contain contradictions. Conjunctive faith brings a may contain contradictions. Conjunctive faith brings a sense of truth that is multifaceted and complex; it sense of truth that is multifaceted and complex; it includes a genuine openness to the truths of includes a genuine openness to the truths of traditions and communities other than one’s own.traditions and communities other than one’s own.


7.7. Universalizing faithUniversalizing faith (midlife to late life): Letting (midlife to late life): Letting go of divisive attitudes and behaviors, the person go of divisive attitudes and behaviors, the person easily transcends self-oriented thinking and easily transcends self-oriented thinking and establishes a sense of deep communication with establishes a sense of deep communication with God. God.

Universalizing faith is recognizable in any culture Universalizing faith is recognizable in any culture or spiritual tradition. While upholding the or spiritual tradition. While upholding the importance of one’s own particular faith importance of one’s own particular faith commitment, the person has a sense of commitment, the person has a sense of compassionate and respectful acceptance of the compassionate and respectful acceptance of the worth and unity of all people.worth and unity of all people.

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 4.2 – Brief History of Christian PrayerOverhead 4.2 – Brief History of Christian Prayer

The origins of Christian prayer can be found in the The origins of Christian prayer can be found in the prayers of Judaism. prayers of Judaism.

The Psalms constituted the core of early Jewish prayer, The Psalms constituted the core of early Jewish prayer, beginning in the fifth century BC. Psalms were most beginning in the fifth century BC. Psalms were most likely the regular prayers of Jesus.likely the regular prayers of Jesus.

Jesus made two personal contributions to widely used Jesus made two personal contributions to widely used forms of the Christian prayer: The Lord’s prayer and his forms of the Christian prayer: The Lord’s prayer and his words at the Last Supper.words at the Last Supper.

The version of the Lord’s Prayer found in the Gospel of The version of the Lord’s Prayer found in the Gospel of Matthew (6:9-13) is the prayer most widely used by Matthew (6:9-13) is the prayer most widely used by Christians. Christians.


““Giving thanks” (Giving thanks” (eucharistiaeucharistia) in the memory of Jesus, as ) in the memory of Jesus, as was done at the Last Supper, has remained the central was done at the Last Supper, has remained the central public prayer of the Christian community.public prayer of the Christian community.

In addition to the important public prayers, Christianity In addition to the important public prayers, Christianity has also developed a tradition of personal private has also developed a tradition of personal private prayer.prayer.

Eastern Christianity developed a body of spiritual Eastern Christianity developed a body of spiritual writings for use during personal prayer beginning in the writings for use during personal prayer beginning in the sixth century AD.sixth century AD.

This style of private prayer began to influence Western This style of private prayer began to influence Western Christianity widely during the twelfth century AD.Christianity widely during the twelfth century AD.


Important figures for this tradition in the West include Important figures for this tradition in the West include Anselm, Bernard, Richard Rolle, Meister Eckhart, Anselm, Bernard, Richard Rolle, Meister Eckhart, Teresa of Avila, and Thomas Teresa of Avila, and Thomas àà Kempis. Kempis.

All these writers emphasized communion of the soul All these writers emphasized communion of the soul with God through practice of prayer.with God through practice of prayer.

The major texts of the art of private prayer in the The major texts of the art of private prayer in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were almost all sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were almost all written by Roman Catholics, such as Ignatius Loyola written by Roman Catholics, such as Ignatius Loyola and Francis de Sales. In the modern day, however, and Francis de Sales. In the modern day, however, such works are read by the faithful across the Christian such works are read by the faithful across the Christian spectrum.spectrum.

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 4.3 – Excerpt from Overhead 4.3 – Excerpt from Imitation of ChristImitation of Christ

When God gives you spiritual comfort, When God gives you spiritual comfort, receive it gratefully, but know it to be a receive it gratefully, but know it to be a gift from God, not something you gift from God, not something you deserve. Do not be puffed up with deserve. Do not be puffed up with pride, overly glad, or vainly pride, overly glad, or vainly presumptuous, but be all the more presumptuous, but be all the more humble because of the gift….humble because of the gift….


When you no longer feel the comfort When you no longer feel the comfort of God’s presence, do not despair of God’s presence, do not despair right away. With humility and right away. With humility and patience, wait for the heavenly visit, patience, wait for the heavenly visit, for God will return a richer comfort to for God will return a richer comfort to you than you had before….you than you had before….


Usually, temptation is a sign of comfort Usually, temptation is a sign of comfort to follow, for heavenly comfort is to follow, for heavenly comfort is promised to those who are tried by promised to those who are tried by temptations: “He who overcomes,” temptations: “He who overcomes,” says the Lord, “shall eat the tree of says the Lord, “shall eat the tree of life.” life.” (Kempis, 1989, pp. 44-45)(Kempis, 1989, pp. 44-45)


Session 5Session 5Faith and theFaith and the

Well-Being of theWell-Being of theChurch CommunityChurch Community


Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 5.1 – Examining LeadershipOverhead 5.1 – Examining Leadership

In taking the role of a leader, a person adopts a In taking the role of a leader, a person adopts a particular style. Jesus modeled various leadership particular style. Jesus modeled various leadership styles at different times in his ministry. styles at different times in his ministry.

Jesus expressed the qualities of prophet, priest, Jesus expressed the qualities of prophet, priest, and king, and each demanded a different and king, and each demanded a different leadership style. leadership style.

To be most effective, a leadership style should To be most effective, a leadership style should arise based on the context of a situation – for arise based on the context of a situation – for each style has both its strengths and each style has both its strengths and weaknesses: weaknesses:

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 5.1 – Four Leadership StylesOverhead 5.1 – Four Leadership Styles

One style is that of One style is that of kingking: : When the leader wields great decision making When the leader wields great decision making

power, a hierarchical system may be put into place to power, a hierarchical system may be put into place to carry out those decisions. carry out those decisions.

This style’s strength is that it is effective in promoting This style’s strength is that it is effective in promoting the work of a congregation. It is also time efficient, the work of a congregation. It is also time efficient, as decisions can be made quickly. as decisions can be made quickly.

This style’s weakness is that it does not encourage This style’s weakness is that it does not encourage the diversity of viewpoints and talents that comes the diversity of viewpoints and talents that comes when others are involved in directing congregational when others are involved in directing congregational life.life.


A second style is that of A second style is that of father/motherfather/mother:: The community that thinks of itself as a family. The community that thinks of itself as a family.

The parental image itself, however, may be The parental image itself, however, may be perceived positively or negatively depending on one’s perceived positively or negatively depending on one’s earliest family experiences. earliest family experiences.

This style’s strength is that it promotes a welcoming This style’s strength is that it promotes a welcoming and comforting tone. and comforting tone.

Its weakness is that it does not easily offer members Its weakness is that it does not easily offer members the opportunity to contribute as equals. the opportunity to contribute as equals.


A third style is that of A third style is that of servantservant: : One models leadership by associating with those One models leadership by associating with those

who are given little opportunity to voice their who are given little opportunity to voice their concerns. concerns.

This style’s strength is that it offers the greatest This style’s strength is that it offers the greatest opportunity for empowering members, viewing them opportunity for empowering members, viewing them as talented and active contributors. as talented and active contributors.

Its weakness is that decision making is less timely Its weakness is that decision making is less timely and efficient—everyone’s viewpoint is important and and efficient—everyone’s viewpoint is important and must be considered.must be considered.


A fourth leadership style is that of A fourth leadership style is that of steward:steward: The steward is responsible for important decisions The steward is responsible for important decisions

about things that he or she does not own. about things that he or she does not own.

The steward makes decisions in the owner’s absence The steward makes decisions in the owner’s absence with authority (guest authority) given for a period of with authority (guest authority) given for a period of time. Stewards carry an inner authority that is time. Stewards carry an inner authority that is expressed in the absence of the owner. expressed in the absence of the owner.


A fourth leadership style is that of A fourth leadership style is that of steward:steward: The strength of this style is that it offers a trustworthy The strength of this style is that it offers a trustworthy

way to delegate authority, allowing multiple projects to way to delegate authority, allowing multiple projects to be attended to personally. be attended to personally.

Its weakness is that it relies on the steward to correctly Its weakness is that it relies on the steward to correctly guess the intentions of the owner, and the steward may guess the intentions of the owner, and the steward may guess wrong.guess wrong.

(Whitehead and Whitehead 1986)(Whitehead and Whitehead 1986)

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 5.2 – New Testament on FellowshipOverhead 5.2 – New Testament on Fellowship

The New Testament instructs Christian communities to: The New Testament instructs Christian communities to: ““Encourage one another” – Encourage one another” – 1 Thessalonians 5:111 Thessalonians 5:11

““Be hospitable to one another” – 1 Peter 4:9Be hospitable to one another” – 1 Peter 4:9

““Teach and admonish one another” – Colossians 3:16Teach and admonish one another” – Colossians 3:16

““Be kind to one another” – Ephesians 4:32Be kind to one another” – Ephesians 4:32

““Pray for one another” – James 5:16Pray for one another” – James 5:16

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 5.2 – New Testament on FellowshipOverhead 5.2 – New Testament on Fellowship

The New Testament instructs Christian communities to: The New Testament instructs Christian communities to: ““Bear one another’s burdens” – Galatians 6:2Bear one another’s burdens” – Galatians 6:2

““Welcome those who are weak in faith” – Romans 14:1Welcome those who are weak in faith” – Romans 14:1

““Look not to your own interests, but to the interests of Look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others” – Philippians 2:4others” – Philippians 2:4

““Regard each other as better than yourselves” – Regard each other as better than yourselves” – Philippians 2:3Philippians 2:3

“ “Become slaves to one another” – Galatians 5:13Become slaves to one another” – Galatians 5:13


Session 6Session 6Faith and Faith and

Well-Being Well-Being of Societyof Society


Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 6.1 – Insights about Social Factors of HealthOverhead 6.1 – Insights about Social Factors of Health

Scientific research on social factors affecting population Scientific research on social factors affecting population health suggest the following:health suggest the following:

Higher income levels are associated with better levelsHigher income levels are associated with better levelsof physical health.of physical health.

The experience of poverty, even beyond the level ofThe experience of poverty, even beyond the level ofaccess to basic needs, is a powerful negative influenceaccess to basic needs, is a powerful negative influenceon health.on health.

Countries with a wide gap between rich and poor, suchCountries with a wide gap between rich and poor, suchas the United States, have a as the United States, have a lowerlower life expectancy than life expectancy thancountries with a lesser gap (such as Sweden andcountries with a lesser gap (such as Sweden andJapan).Japan).


Social factors that may have a major negative influence on Social factors that may have a major negative influence on physical health of community members:physical health of community members:(Adapted from Tarlov & St. Peter, 2000)(Adapted from Tarlov & St. Peter, 2000)

A greater experience of discrimination, oppression, andA greater experience of discrimination, oppression, andlow social statuslow social status

Lesser access to health care resources and materialLesser access to health care resources and materialconditions that support health (such as quality nutrition,conditions that support health (such as quality nutrition,housing, and sanitation).housing, and sanitation).


Social factors that may have a major negative influence on Social factors that may have a major negative influence on physical health of community members:physical health of community members:(Adapted from Tarlov & St. Peter, 2000)(Adapted from Tarlov & St. Peter, 2000)

Less availability of education and social skills preparationLess availability of education and social skills preparationfor planning and achieving life goals.for planning and achieving life goals.

Lesser experience of positive social support networks,Lesser experience of positive social support networks,such as family, friends, neighborhood, religious groups,such as family, friends, neighborhood, religious groups,and community institutions.and community institutions.

Lower rates of employment and sense of satisfaction withLower rates of employment and sense of satisfaction withemployment. employment.

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 6.1 – Connections Between Health Risks and Social SituationsOverhead 6.1 – Connections Between Health Risks and Social Situations

According to statistics taken from the National Center for According to statistics taken from the National Center for Health Statistics report titled Health Statistics report titled Health, United States Health, United States (2002):(2002):

In 1998, In 1998, infant mortalityinfant mortality rates were higher for infants of rates were higher for infants ofblack, Hawaiian, and Native American mothers (13.8, 10.0, black, Hawaiian, and Native American mothers (13.8, 10.0, and 9.3 deaths per 1,000 live births) than for infants of other and 9.3 deaths per 1,000 live births) than for infants of other race groups. Infant mortality rates for Hispanic and race groups. Infant mortality rates for Hispanic and non-non-Hispanic white mothers were similar (5.8 and 6.0 per 1,000 Hispanic white mothers were similar (5.8 and 6.0 per 1,000 life births).life births).

Infant mortalityInfant mortality decreases as the mother’s level of decreases as the mother’s level of education increases. This trend is greater for white mothers education increases. This trend is greater for white mothers than for mothers in other racial and ethnic groups. In 1998, than for mothers in other racial and ethnic groups. In 1998, mortality for infants of non-Hispanic white mothers with less mortality for infants of non-Hispanic white mothers with less than a high school education was double that for infants than a high school education was double that for infants whose mothers who had at least a high school education.whose mothers who had at least a high school education.


According to statistics taken from the National Center for According to statistics taken from the National Center for Health Statistics report titled Health Statistics report titled Health, United States Health, United States (2002):(2002):

In 1999, In 1999, overall mortalityoverall mortality was one-third higher for black was one-third higher for black Americans than for white Americans. Preliminary age-Americans than for white Americans. Preliminary age-

adjusted death rates for the black population exceeded adjusted death rates for the black population exceeded those for the white population by 38 percent for stroke, 28 those for the white population by 38 percent for stroke, 28 percent for heart disease, 27 percent for cancer, and percent for heart disease, 27 percent for cancer, and

more than 700 percent for HIV disease.more than 700 percent for HIV disease.

The risk for The risk for suicidesuicide is higher for elderly white males than is higher for elderly white males than for other groups. In 1999, the preliminary suicide rate for for other groups. In 1999, the preliminary suicide rate for white males eighty-five years of age and over was more white males eighty-five years of age and over was more than three times that for young white males fifteen to than three times that for young white males fifteen to

twenty-four years of age.twenty-four years of age.


According to statistics taken from the National Center for According to statistics taken from the National Center for Health Statistics report titled Health Statistics report titled Health, United States Health, United States (2002):(2002):Between 1992 and 1999, the Between 1992 and 1999, the occupational injuryoccupational injury death death

rate increased 15 percent to 4.4 deaths per 100,000 rate increased 15 percent to 4.4 deaths per 100,000 employed workers. employed workers.

–The industries with the highest death rates were The industries with the highest death rates were mining, agriculture, forestry, and fishing (22 to 24 mining, agriculture, forestry, and fishing (22 to 24 deaths per 100,000). deaths per 100,000).

–Construction, with the death rate of 14 per 100,000 Construction, with the death rate of 14 per 100,000 accounted for the largest number of deaths, 20 accounted for the largest number of deaths, 20 percent of all occupational injury deaths. percent of all occupational injury deaths.

–The risk of fatal occupational injury was highest among The risk of fatal occupational injury was highest among workers aged sixty-five years and over.workers aged sixty-five years and over.

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 6.2 –Mobilizing to Reduce PovertyOverhead 6.2 –Mobilizing to Reduce Poverty

Action - Writing to Your Congressional Action - Writing to Your Congressional Representative and Senators:Representative and Senators:

Action alerts are e-mail telegrams put out by lobbying Action alerts are e-mail telegrams put out by lobbying organizations to alert concerned individuals about organizations to alert concerned individuals about upcoming debates on particular issues. They are upcoming debates on particular issues. They are used at both the state and federal levels. They allow used at both the state and federal levels. They allow you to share your views with your legislators in a you to share your views with your legislators in a timely manner.timely manner.


Action - Writing to Your Congressional Representative Action - Writing to Your Congressional Representative and Senators:and Senators:

For example, as recently stated by theFor example, as recently stated by theNational Council of Churches:National Council of Churches:

““A movement is underway to confront the persistent A movement is underway to confront the persistent challenge of poverty in America. It’s a joint venture of challenge of poverty in America. It’s a joint venture of the National Council of Churches’ (NCC) 36 member the National Council of Churches’ (NCC) 36 member denominations, dozens of local and regional councils of denominations, dozens of local and regional councils of churches, and national partner organizations such as churches, and national partner organizations such as Children’s Defense Fund, Habitat for Humanity, Families Children’s Defense Fund, Habitat for Humanity, Families USA, and Call to Renewal.”USA, and Call to Renewal.”((http://http://www.ncccusa.orgwww.ncccusa.org))


Action - Writing to Your Congressional Action - Writing to Your Congressional Representative and Senators:Representative and Senators:

Ending poverty in the United States is among the NCC’s Ending poverty in the United States is among the NCC’s top priorities. Your advocacy with your U.S. Senators top priorities. Your advocacy with your U.S. Senators and Representatives can help.and Representatives can help.

Contact information:Contact information:

National Council of Churches National Council of Churches Communication DepartmentCommunication Department

475 Riverside Drive, Suite 880475 Riverside Drive, Suite 880New York, NY 10115New York, NY 10115

212-870-2227212-870-2227Web site: www.ncccusa.orgWeb site: www.ncccusa.org

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 6.3 – Putting Faith into ActionOverhead 6.3 – Putting Faith into Action

Action: Donating One’s Labor Action: Donating One’s Labor

According to Habitat for Humanity International:According to Habitat for Humanity International:

Habitat’s ministry is based on the conviction that to Habitat’s ministry is based on the conviction that to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ we must reflect follow the teachings of Jesus Christ we must reflect Christ’s love in our own lives by loving and caring for Christ’s love in our own lives by loving and caring for one another. Our love must not be words only – it one another. Our love must not be words only – it must be true love, which shows itself in action. Habitat must be true love, which shows itself in action. Habitat provides an opportunity for people to put their faith and provides an opportunity for people to put their faith and love into action, bringing diverse groups of people love into action, bringing diverse groups of people together to make affordable housing and better together to make affordable housing and better communities a reality for everyone. communities a reality for everyone.

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 6.3 – Putting Faith into ActionOverhead 6.3 – Putting Faith into Action

Action: Donating One’s Labor Action: Donating One’s Labor

Contact information:Contact information:

Habitat for Humanity International Habitat for Humanity International

121 Habitat St.121 Habitat St.

Americus, GA 31709-3498Americus, GA 31709-3498

229-924-6935, ext. 2551 or 2552229-924-6935, ext. 2551 or 2552

Web site: http://www.habitat.org Web site: http://www.habitat.org

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 6.4 – Acting Together for Respect & JusticeOverhead 6.4 – Acting Together for Respect & Justice

Action: Walking for a CauseAction: Walking for a Cause

The National Conference for Community and Justice The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), founded in 1927 as The National Conference for (NCCJ), founded in 1927 as The National Conference for Christians and Jews, is a human relations organization Christians and Jews, is a human relations organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry, and racism. The NCCJ dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry, and racism. The NCCJ promotes understanding and respect among all races, promotes understanding and respect among all races, religions, and cultures through advocacy, conflict religions, and cultures through advocacy, conflict resolution, and education.resolution, and education.


Action: Walking for a CauseAction: Walking for a CauseAs recently stated by the NCCJ:As recently stated by the NCCJ:

““Want to find a way to express your commitment to ending bias, Want to find a way to express your commitment to ending bias, bigotry, and racism in your own community? Well, put on your bigotry, and racism in your own community? Well, put on your most comfortable walking shoes and join us as we Walk As One!most comfortable walking shoes and join us as we Walk As One!While meeting new friends and getting some fresh air and While meeting new friends and getting some fresh air and exercise, walkers are able to demonstrate their commitment to a exercise, walkers are able to demonstrate their commitment to a community that is inclusive and just. Through the Walks, community that is inclusive and just. Through the Walks, individuals, companies, organizations, and community leaders individuals, companies, organizations, and community leaders can support NCCJ and promote respect and understanding can support NCCJ and promote respect and understanding among all people. Together, we can celebrate our progress in among all people. Together, we can celebrate our progress in fighting bias, bigotry and racism and take a stand against ongoing fighting bias, bigotry and racism and take a stand against ongoing issues of intolerance.” issues of intolerance.”


Action: Walking for a CauseAction: Walking for a Cause

Contact information:Contact information:National Conference for Community and JusticeNational Conference for Community and Justice

475 Park Avenue South, 19th Floor475 Park Avenue South, 19th FloorNew York, NY 10016New York, NY 10016

212-545-1300212-545-1300Web site: www.nccj.orgWeb site: www.nccj.org


Session 7Session 7

Faith and Global Well-BeingFaith and Global Well-Being

© 2004 Canda

© 2004 Ketchell

© 1999 Canda

© 2000 Canda

© 2004 Ketchell

© 2003 Canda

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 7.1 – Questions Regarding Moral CodeOverhead 7.1 – Questions Regarding Moral Code

1.1. In what ways does your moral code (ethics, In what ways does your moral code (ethics, moral principles, standards of right and wrong moral principles, standards of right and wrong or justice and injustice) guide your behavior or justice and injustice) guide your behavior regarding the treatment of others? How has regarding the treatment of others? How has your faith influenced these values? Share your faith influenced these values? Share some examples.some examples.


2.2. In what ways does your moral code guide In what ways does your moral code guide your behavior regarding the treatment of your behavior regarding the treatment of others who are different from you (e.g., others who are different from you (e.g., people with disabilities, different races)? How people with disabilities, different races)? How has faith influenced these values? Share has faith influenced these values? Share some examples.some examples.


3.3. In what ways does your moral code guide In what ways does your moral code guide your behavior regarding others who are in your behavior regarding others who are in need (e.g., living in poverty, suffering need (e.g., living in poverty, suffering injustice)? How has your faith influenced injustice)? How has your faith influenced these values? Share some examples.these values? Share some examples.

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 7.2 – Poverty and HungerOverhead 7.2 – Poverty and Hunger

PovertyPoverty

The wealthiest one-fifth of the world’s people consume The wealthiest one-fifth of the world’s people consume 86 percent of all goods and services, while the poorest 86 percent of all goods and services, while the poorest one-fifth consumes 1 percent. one-fifth consumes 1 percent. (United Nations Development Programme, (United Nations Development Programme, Human Development Report 1998.Human Development Report 1998.))

Of the 6 billion people living in 2000, 1.2 billion live with Of the 6 billion people living in 2000, 1.2 billion live with less than $1 per day. less than $1 per day. (World Bank, (World Bank, World Development Report 2000/2001World Development Report 2000/2001))


PovertyPoverty

The amount of money that the richest 1 percent of the The amount of money that the richest 1 percent of the world’s people makes each year equals what the poorest world’s people makes each year equals what the poorest 57 percent make. 57 percent make. (United Nations Development Programme, (United Nations Development Programme, Human Development Report 2002.Human Development Report 2002.))

Approximately 2.4 billion people lack access to basic Approximately 2.4 billion people lack access to basic sanitation, and 900 million people lack access to sanitation, and 900 million people lack access to adequate health services.adequate health services.(UNICEF, (UNICEF, State of World’s Children 2002; State of World’s Children 2002; United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Development Programme, Human Development Report Human Development Report 19981998))


HungerHunger

In developing countries, 91 children out of 1,000 die In developing countries, 91 children out of 1,000 die before their fifth birthday. By comparison, in the United before their fifth birthday. By comparison, in the United States, 8 children in 1,000 will die before turning five States, 8 children in 1,000 will die before turning five years old.years old.(UNICEF, (UNICEF, The State of the World’s Children 2000The State of the World’s Children 2000))

More than 800 million people in the world are More than 800 million people in the world are malnourished – 777 million of them are from the malnourished – 777 million of them are from the developing world.developing world.(Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, The State of Food Insecurity in the World, 2000; The State of Food Insecurity in the World, 2000; UNICEF, UNICEF, The State of the World’s Children 2001)The State of the World’s Children 2001)


HungerHunger

Virtually every country in the world has the potential of Virtually every country in the world has the potential of growing sufficient food on a sustainable basis. growing sufficient food on a sustainable basis.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has set the minimum requirement of United Nations has set the minimum requirement of caloric intake per person per day at 2,350. caloric intake per person per day at 2,350.

Fifty-four countries fall below that requirement. Fifty-four countries fall below that requirement. Most of these countries are in sub-Saharan Africa.Most of these countries are in sub-Saharan Africa.(Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Mapping of the Food Supply Gap 1998Mapping of the Food Supply Gap 1998))


HungerHungerMalnutrition can severely affect a child’s intellectual Malnutrition can severely affect a child’s intellectual

development. development.

Children who have stunted growth due to Children who have stunted growth due to malnutrition score significantly lower on math and malnutrition score significantly lower on math and language achievement tests than do healthy language achievement tests than do healthy children.children.(UNICEF, (UNICEF, State of the World’s Children 1998State of the World’s Children 1998))

Health Through Faith and CommunityHealth Through Faith and CommunityOverhead 7.3 – Faith and the Mission of HelpingOverhead 7.3 – Faith and the Mission of Helping

Every faith tradition is actively involved in doing Every faith tradition is actively involved in doing good works that help to contribute to society’s good works that help to contribute to society’s health. In addition, each elaborates a set of health. In addition, each elaborates a set of principles that stem from their faith that then serve principles that stem from their faith that then serve as a moral guide for their actions. as a moral guide for their actions.

The following example reflects a general statement The following example reflects a general statement of principles regarding social actions as offered by of principles regarding social actions as offered by the United Methodist Church:the United Methodist Church:((www.umc.orgwww.umc.org).).


The Natural WorldThe Natural World

All creation is the Lord’s, and we are responsible All creation is the Lord’s, and we are responsible for the ways we use it and abuse it. Water, air, soil, for the ways we use it and abuse it. Water, air, soil, minerals, energy resources, plants, animal life, and minerals, energy resources, plants, animal life, and

space are to be valued and conserved because space are to be valued and conserved because they are God’s creation and not solely because they are God’s creation and not solely because

they are useful to human beings.they are useful to human beings.


The Nurturing CommunityThe Nurturing Community

The community provides the potential for The community provides the potential for nurturing human beings into the fullness of their nurturing human beings into the fullness of their

humanity. We believe we have a responsibility to humanity. We believe we have a responsibility to innovate, sponsor, and evaluate new forms of innovate, sponsor, and evaluate new forms of

community that will encourage development of the community that will encourage development of the fullest potential in individuals.fullest potential in individuals.


The Social Community The Social Community

The rights and privileges a society bestows on The rights and privileges a society bestows on or withholds from those who comprise it indicate or withholds from those who comprise it indicate the relative esteem in which that society holds the relative esteem in which that society holds particular persons and groups of persons. We particular persons and groups of persons. We

affirm all persons as equally valuable in the sight affirm all persons as equally valuable in the sight of God.of God.


The Economic CommunityThe Economic Community

We claim all economic systems to be under the We claim all economic systems to be under the judgment of God no less than other facets of the judgment of God no less than other facets of the

created order.created order.


The Political CommunityThe Political Community

While our allegiance to God takes precedence While our allegiance to God takes precedence over our allegiance to any state, we acknowledge over our allegiance to any state, we acknowledge

the vital function of government as a principal the vital function of government as a principal vehicle for the ordering of society. Because we vehicle for the ordering of society. Because we

know ourselves to be responsible to God for social know ourselves to be responsible to God for social and political life, we declare the following relative to and political life, we declare the following relative to governments: basic freedoms and humans rights, governments: basic freedoms and humans rights,

political responsibility, freedom of information, political responsibility, freedom of information, education, civil obedience and civil disobedience, education, civil obedience and civil disobedience,

criminal and restorative justice.criminal and restorative justice.


The World CommunityThe World Community

God’s world is one world. We commit ourselves God’s world is one world. We commit ourselves to the achievement of a world community that is a to the achievement of a world community that is a

fellowship of persons who honestly love one fellowship of persons who honestly love one another.another.


Session 8Session 8

The End is Just the BeginningThe End is Just the Beginning

CC 2005 David Wise

health through faith and community a study resource © 1998 ed canda

Documents

session session

spiritual health session

physical health session

mental health session

growing faith

church community session

aspects of health

beginning session