A Practical Theology for Human Flourishing in Undergraduate Medical Education
Lucas Kaliszak, OMS II, Chase Thigpen, OMS II, Mason Hemstreet, OMS II, Peyton Howard, OMS II and William Pearson, PhD, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Auburn, GA
This paper presents the findings and outcomes of a comprehensive study aimed at constructing a practical theology of human flourishing within the context of medical education. Drawing upon the primary texts of the Old and New Testaments, the research endeavors to interpret and redeem contemporary concepts of human flourishing. Our objectives include creating concept maps from Hebrew and Greek words in the Bible, exploring patterns of flourishing and "anti-flourishing," finding examples of flourishing in biblical stories, and examining how these ideas relate to today's medical education. In the end, we aim to connect these insights and provide suggestions for a more theologically informed approach to promoting human flourishing in medical education.
The first objective of this study is to generate a concept map of flourishing by delving into the rich linguistic tapestry of the Hebrew words found in the Old Testament. By tracing the multifaceted meanings and nuances associated with these words, we gain a deeper understanding of the biblical perspective on human flourishing. This process enables us to uncover the foundational principles and values that underpin the concept.
In a parallel pursuit, the second objective involves constructing a concept map of flourishing based on the Greek words in the New Testament. These insights provide a complementary perspective, allowing us to explore the development and evolution of the concept across the biblical record.
The third objective focuses on the identification of an archetypal design pattern of flourishing and "anti-flourishing" within the biblical narrative. Drawing upon themes such as Eden and exile, this exploration sheds light on the nature of human flourishing and offers valuable lessons for contemporary contexts.
The fourth objective involves the identification of case studies of individuals and stories that exemplify the promotion of human flourishing within the biblical texts. Examples like King Solomon and St. Peter serve as points of reference for understanding the dynamics of flourishing and the factors that mitigate it.
Transitioning to the contemporary context of medical education, the fifth objective involves uncovering concepts of flourishing within the culture and practices of medical schools. This critical analysis helps us understand the challenges and opportunities faced by medical educators and students in fostering human flourishing.
The sixth objective involves synthesizing the theological insights gained from the study and placing them in dialogue with one another. This interdisciplinary approach encourages a holistic understanding of human flourishing, bridging the gap between biblical wisdom and modern educational practices.
Finally, the seventh objective aims to provide practical recommendations for a theologically informed approach to human flourishing within medical education. By offering the findings from the study for consideration, this paper seeks to contribute to the well-being and flourishing of future healthcare professionals in an openly pluralistic way.
In conclusion, this research represents a step toward constructing a practical theology of human flourishing in the context of medical education. By engaging with biblical texts, archetypal narratives, and contemporary realities, we offer a tradition-specific framework that has the potential to enrich medical educational contexts. Ultimately, our aim is to inspire a deeper dialogue about assumptions about human flourishing and how to form future physicians who will flourish within current healthcare ecosystems.
The first objective of this study is to generate a concept map of flourishing by delving into the rich linguistic tapestry of the Hebrew words found in the Old Testament. By tracing the multifaceted meanings and nuances associated with these words, we gain a deeper understanding of the biblical perspective on human flourishing. This process enables us to uncover the foundational principles and values that underpin the concept.
In a parallel pursuit, the second objective involves constructing a concept map of flourishing based on the Greek words in the New Testament. These insights provide a complementary perspective, allowing us to explore the development and evolution of the concept across the biblical record.
The third objective focuses on the identification of an archetypal design pattern of flourishing and "anti-flourishing" within the biblical narrative. Drawing upon themes such as Eden and exile, this exploration sheds light on the nature of human flourishing and offers valuable lessons for contemporary contexts.
The fourth objective involves the identification of case studies of individuals and stories that exemplify the promotion of human flourishing within the biblical texts. Examples like King Solomon and St. Peter serve as points of reference for understanding the dynamics of flourishing and the factors that mitigate it.
Transitioning to the contemporary context of medical education, the fifth objective involves uncovering concepts of flourishing within the culture and practices of medical schools. This critical analysis helps us understand the challenges and opportunities faced by medical educators and students in fostering human flourishing.
The sixth objective involves synthesizing the theological insights gained from the study and placing them in dialogue with one another. This interdisciplinary approach encourages a holistic understanding of human flourishing, bridging the gap between biblical wisdom and modern educational practices.
Finally, the seventh objective aims to provide practical recommendations for a theologically informed approach to human flourishing within medical education. By offering the findings from the study for consideration, this paper seeks to contribute to the well-being and flourishing of future healthcare professionals in an openly pluralistic way.
In conclusion, this research represents a step toward constructing a practical theology of human flourishing in the context of medical education. By engaging with biblical texts, archetypal narratives, and contemporary realities, we offer a tradition-specific framework that has the potential to enrich medical educational contexts. Ultimately, our aim is to inspire a deeper dialogue about assumptions about human flourishing and how to form future physicians who will flourish within current healthcare ecosystems.