Excellent4.8 out of 5On Trustpilot
  1. Christian Health & Wellbeing/
  2. Diet and Health

Health as a Virtue: Thomas Aquinas and the Practice of Habits of Health

  • Paperback
  • Publisher: Pickwick Publications
  • 15 x 22.7 x 1.3 cm

£17.65

Free UK Delivery

Available - Usually dispatched within 6 days

Buying for a school or church? Upgrade to a FREE Eden Advance Account
How are we to care for our bodies and our health as part of faithful Christian living? Melanie Dobson excavates from Thomas Aquinas an answer for how contemporary Christians might live well in the midst of a very sick culture. Through a close reading of Aquinas's Treatise on Habit, Dobson reveals that the moral practice of habit does indeed include health. Thomas's keen understanding of the human person and of human longings supports the book's argument for a practice of health that directs us deep into the heart of God. Field research with clergy and missionaries offers concrete examples of the implementation of habits of health as part of the life of Christian virtue. The stories from the Clergy Health Initiative and Word Made Flesh missionary organization exhibit transformations that ushered Christian leaders into deeper love of God, neighbor, and themselves. In the end, the theology of habits of health means that our quotidian care of our bodies is not only faithful, but directs us into a life of flourishing. Melanie Dobson's book is not only a compelling scholarly presentation of Aquinas's account of health as habit, but it is also a constructive presentation of the difference Christian convictions might have for how we understand health. This book will be of great interest to scholars of Aquinas and anyone who wants to think theologically about the challenges of health care. --Stanley Hauerwas, Gilbert T. Rowe Professor Emeritus of Theological Ethics, Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC Taking those first steps toward a virtuous habit is daunting, but perhaps that's because we often take those steps alone or for selfish reasons. Melanie Dobson reframes the practice, demonstrating how forming a healthy habit can be the path toward greater connection with others and with God. Health as a Virtue is a very accessible and motivating read. --Rae Jean Proeschold-Bell, Assistant Research Professor, Duke Global Health Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC Melanie L. Dobson is an ordained pastor in the United Methodist Church. She holds a ThD in theology and ethics from Duke University and is currently serving at Myers Park United Methodist Church in Charlotte, NC.
Health as a Virtue: Thomas Aquinas and the Practice of Habits of Health and Gods Creative Power For Healing
Gods Creative Power For HealingHealth as a Virtue: Thomas Aquinas and the Practice of Habits of Health
  • Author

    Melanie L Dobson

  • Book Format

    Paperback / softback

  • Publisher

    Pickwick Publications

  • Published

    June 2014

  • Weight

    114g

  • Dimensions

    15 x 22.7 x 1.3 cm

  • ISBN

    9781620325612

  • ISBN-10

    1620325616

  • Eden Code

    4940095

Over 14,000 churches and schools have upgraded to an Advance Account and we‘d love to welcome you into this free program. We know that church volunteers and school teachers often use their own money, then have claim it back on on an expense form. We can take all of that hassle away by invoicing your church or school directly and delivering your order straight away.

Opening an account is quick and easy, with most accounts being approved and setup within a few hours of filling in the form below (on weekdays, not weekends). As soon as we‘ve approved the application we‘ll send you an email to let you know that its done.

Upgrade to a FREE Eden Advance Account