Gary Gunderson

Religion and science are often portrayed as antagonistic fields. Most religious leaders do not pursue a science-heavy education, and most prominent scientists see too many ways that religion inhibits scientific exploration and healthcare. Public health and religion, however, have similar goals; they both seek to promote healthy living among their devotees. Why the fighting then? Generally, there exists walls of mutual ignorance and even stigma about the other side. The authors seek to show more address this problem by focusing on the overlap and how faith communities and public health officials can work together.

This book is heavy on public health but light on religion. They approach issues from their experiences in healthcare in Memphis, Tennessee, and Cape Town, South Africa. They highlight areas where faith is not antagonistic but helpful to the goals of public health. They address "boundaries" and "boundary leadership" between the two areas - that is, areas where leaders can work together to solve community problems.

We live in an era where social determinants of health is a topic commonly addressed and explored. We also live in an era where it's widely acknowledged that scientific practitioners must engage communities to push science forward in helpful ways. This book certainly fits within both of those conversations. It's highly academic and dissects the issues in finite detail. It's for highly educated readers. However, the overall gestalt presents a unifying vision of faith/health overlap.

I, for one, tire of fighting between the camps of science and religion. I wish for more points of light where we collaborate to address common needs, beyond occasional mission trips and blood drives. This book lights a vision towards that collaboration. After finishing it, I don't have all the answers or even a set of next steps, but I do believe it's possible if done in the right way. I will keep exploring how to find healthy models to address public health problems in religion and to address religious communities' health. This book has certainly kindled that interest. show less

If you get through the introductory section, you'll be okay. The problem is, the introductory section is very very badly written. For example, the first sentence of the first chapter: "I have not even one family in my parish that has so much as one brick in their home, they are so poor." But if you get through the first chapter it's much smoother sailing. I'm going to guess that Gunderson was pressed for time in getting an introductory chapter to his editor and it never really got properly show more examined. Let me say again, a rotten introduction and first chapter--just skip them.

Early problems aside, what Gunderson has to say about leadership is insightful. A leader isn't some jackass in an office, they are instead someone who by dint of happenstance or personality find themselves followed. A good book to read for people who think leadership means doing everything yourself. It points out that leadership doesn't occur in a void and that leaders must be among those they guide and be willing to delegate responsibilities. show less