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John wesley on health as wholeness

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Abstract

This paper explores John Wesley's concept of health as wholeness. Three themes gleaned from the medical community of his day-the idea of the well-working of the body as a whole, the view of “sympathy” throughout one's total being, and a belief in the natural means of promoting health-were critical for Wesley. Moreover, the themes were interconnected. Because of the symbiotic relation between body and spirit, a well-working body was fundamental to Wesley's wholistic view of health. Furthermore, sensible regimen was viewed as the natural way of realizing a life of health and wholeness.

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  1. University of Evansville, Evansville, Indiana

    Philip W. Ott Ph.D. (professor of philosophy and religion)

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Ott, P.W. John wesley on health as wholeness. J Relig Health 30, 43–57 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00986678

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