'Compassion is the immune response of the body of Christ. ...What sets (the church) apart is not that its members suffer, but that the whole body responds to that suffering by sharing it'. Writing from personal experience, Meredith Long nevertheless draws upon an eclectic variety of African resources. This is a well researched and cogently argued book that addresses the paradigm shift from western models of health and disease to an alternative world-view.

We begin to understand the chasm in outlook between the scientific mind of a western-trained physician and the fundamental beliefs and expectations ingrained in a diversity of African cultures. Moreover, our attention is drawn to parallels in cultural norms of biblical society, thereby promoting a broader understanding of scripture.

There is much that is challenging but there are also attitudes to question. 'The doctor treats my disease. The nganga heals me', is a striking yet simplistic statement, particularly for those who have seen some of the repercussions, both physical and spiritual, of the ministrations of traditional healers. Fear and spiritual 'dis-ease' cannot be glossed over, nor can the fundamental need of men and women to be redeemed from the powers of darkness into knowledge of salvation through Christ be overstated. The power of traditional African religion is undoubtedly real, and Meredith Long recognises that this is essentially demonic. On the other hand, in a constructive analysis of healing in the context of Christian gifts, the author comments, 'The Holy Spirit does not intend to establish a branch of alternative medicine'!

This book deals with complex issues, but in an accessible style. It is richly illustrated from African experience with stories, proverbs and metaphor, whilst constantly bringing us back to a biblical perspective. W.Meredith Long's insights into traditional African views of disease and healing, and his constructive comments on how an understanding of this worldview can be brought into a distinctively Christian model of healing, make this book an invaluable resource for everyone involved in cross-cultural healing ministries. 'In our practice, we communicate that God's realm begins where the reign of science ends. Our challenge is to understand - and practically communicate - God as king of a healing kingdom, that embraces and integrates faith and science.'

Reviewed by:
Ian Pitt
General Practitioner in Southampton
Medical Advisor to Africa Inland Mission