ERIC Number: EJ1063898
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1536-3759
EISSN: N/A
A Developing Theology of Poverty and Health Applied to Nursing Education
Cone, Pamela M. H.
Christian Higher Education, v14 n3 p158-176 2015
Throughout history, the issue of poverty has been a problem in society. In this article, examination of Hebrew and Greek words related to poverty throughout the Bible revealed descriptions of the various types and causes of poverty. Historical research uncovered writings on poverty by several early Church Fathers and influential Christian scholars down through the ages, focusing mostly on the negative effects of poverty on life and society. In current literature, consensus exists regarding the negative effects of poverty on health. Nurses encounter these effects in the form of vulnerability and high risk for disease among their patients. Those who are poor have less access to care as well as limited resources for managing health and illness, often becoming invisible to healthcare providers and "falling through the cracks" of a flawed healthcare system. Even with the Affordable Care Act, illness as a direct result of poverty contributes to increased health risks and vulnerability. The development of a theology of the poor is discussed, along with the challenge that Christian nurses must promote social justice, address policies that promote disparities among vulnerable populations, mobilize resources, and serve as advocates for those with little or no voice--especially the vulnerable poor--in order to make a difference to their overall health and quality of life.
Descriptors: Poverty, Religion, Nursing Education, Christianity, Social Justice, Nurses, Role, Health, At Risk Persons, Access to Health Care, History, Church Role, Social Problems
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A