WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR: A critical reflection on the relationship between science, theology and health care delivery using theological ethnography and a womanist ethic of care

Abstract

In this thesis I offer a critique of the United States health care system and posit that a better relationship between the social sciences and theology could pave the way for better public health programs and services. My argument uses texts from ethnographic and womanist theologians Christian Scharen and Emilie Townes as well as psychoanalyst D.W. Winnicott. My critique echoes the work of other scholarship in religiously based approaches to healing that critique health systems medical care for people with illnesses in the Black communities. My addition creatively uses culture, and specifically Black culture when possible, to offer an unfeigned rally cry for the academy and Christian community to join in reviving Black health. I will explore how communal lament coupled with the concept of everyday people engaging in communion with their neighbor has the potential to provide healing in Black life and ignite a revival within Black communities of care. The rally cry calls for the community to join in a revival to revitalize Black health.