This important book gives insight into the work of the International Christian Medical and Dental Association (ICMDA) and its predecessor, the International Congress of Christian Physicians, over the past 35 years. It is a partial record of the ten world congresses and 50 regional conferences held during this time, containing 63 of the Bible addresses and papers given, and some short summaries of papers including such gems as Robert Twycross on euthanasia and Denis Burkitt on 'front line' research. The book's purposes are to affirm the Christian principles that underlie ICMDA's work and to inspire doctors, dentists and students as they consider healthcare into the next millennium.
The book starts by restating the aims, basis and beliefs of ICMDA and then papers are arranged in five sections. It ends with a short subject index and author list. The three papers by Arnold Aldis forming the first section entitled 'The Firm Foundation' set the tone for the book as a whole. As in the Bible, healing is seen as implying spiritual and bodily renewal and the relationship between physical and spiritual health is discussed in several papers. 'Relationships', 'Ethical Principles', 'Christian Practice', and 'Responsibilities' are the further sections. It is perhaps unfortunate that some Bible studies given as series at particular conferences are separated in the text. Inevitably too, themes of separate conferences are lost in the arrangement into five sections.
Nevertheless this is a very useful book which is well worth reading. Some papers are outstanding. I found those by Malcolm Jeeves, Paul Tournier and Hans Gruber particularly thought provoking. A few have less impact in print than they probably had at the conference and all are weakened by the absence of any discuss-ion. However, many provide useful analyses, advice and pointers to further study and the transcultural and broad healthcare approach inherent in ICMDA is appreciated.
Topics covered include medical, surgical, hospital, community and dental practice; lifestyle issues including family, marriage, sexuality and drug abuse; suffering, disability and dying; education, poverty, affluence, and duty to the state; and reference to the healing ministry in the church. In view of the dates of the conferences, some more recent problems in genetics and infertility receive little attention. No doubt future accounts will correct this deficiency. Again, the wide spread of topics addressed prevents in-depth analysis of any particular area. The star is the internationality of ICMDA, so clearly portrayed. One looks forward to similar publications, hopefully before another 35 years go by!
Finally, the joint editors have been outstandingly successful in drawing the material together retrospectively. The book illustrates how well the aims of ICMDA have been met and should appear in several translations to enhance access to it.
Reviewed by
Harold Jones
(Former Professor of Oral Medicine, University of Manchester)
