A Developing Theology of Poverty and Health Applied to Nursing Education

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Cone, Pamela M. H. (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Taylor & Francis [2015]
In: Christian higher education
Year: 2015, Volume: 14, Issue: 3, Pages: 158-176
IxTheo Classification:CG Christianity and Politics
CH Christianity and Society
HA Bible
KAA Church history
NCC Social ethics
Online Access: Volltext (Resolving-System)
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1539-4107
Contains:Enthalten in: Christian higher education
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1080/15363759.2015.1033898