THE ANCIENT CHURCH AND THE ORIGINS OF THE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE SYSTEM
THE ANCIENT CHURCH AND THE ORIGINS OF THE MEDICAL ASSISTANCE SYSTEM
Author(s): Leontin PopescuSubject(s): Christian Theology and Religion, Theology and Religion, Religion and science
Published by: Ideas Forum International Academic and Scientific Association
Keywords: Christ; doctor; hospice; hospital; care; philanthropy;
Summary/Abstract: The writings of the Holy Fathers reveal a variety of attitudes towards medicine, ranging from acknowledging it and displaying extreme trust in doctors' prescriptions to reasons for distrust; however, there is almost always a Christian concern to legitimize medicine as a useful tool for healing, but at the same time to consider it a gift of God who instituted it. Numerous testimonies also convey the metaphor of Christ "medicus", variously described and circulated in both East and West. The combination of Christian care and professional medicine gave rise to the first hospitals, also inspired by the Christian hospitality and philanthropy available in various establishments in both East and West. The new structures were established as centres of treatment and effectively assumed a monopoly on universal medical practice.
Journal: ICOANA CREDINTEI. International Journal of Interdisciplinary Scientific Research
- Issue Year: 10/2024
- Issue No: 20
- Page Range: 5-22
- Page Count: 18
- Language: English
