Whole-Person Care in the Teachings of the Three Abrahamic Faiths

Abstract

This article focuses on the wholistic view of caring for human beings as taught by the three Abrahamic Faiths: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It deals with pertinent questions such as: What does it mean to be human in a wholistic sense? What are the key terms found in the texts sacred to the three great monotheistic faiths that express wholeness? Is it right to say that God is the source of illness and pain? Since human beings reflect God’s image and likeness, how do they experience wholeness and wellness? How does wholeness relate to spirituality and devotion?

The concluding points of the article show that, despite some differences, the teachings of the three Abrahamic faiths about whole-person care complement one another. All three faiths affirm that wholeness, wellness, and health are great gifts to humanity given by the Creator God. In addition to this, the three faiths view the practice of healthcare as being “prophetic” in character. This is because the calling and the ministry of both the prophets and healthcare practitioners are about complete healing and the restoration of wholeness.