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01-08-2020 | Original Paper

Our Bodies are Temples: Health Programming in Christian Church Communities

Authors: Elizabeth L. Abbey, Stacy M. Keogh George

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 4/2020

Abstract

This exploratory research considers the ways in which Christian churches provide health and wellness programming to their congregations and the surrounding community. We investigated one community in the Pacific Northwest region of the USA. Here we examined the types of health-related programs promoted by the church community, to whom these programs are directed, and the theological motivations for providing such services. We also analyzed the sociocultural dynamics of each congregation that may lead some churches to promote health and wellness more than others. Findings suggest that many churches focus primarily on providing services to the community at large, rather than promoting healthy living within their own communities.

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Title: Our Bodies are Temples: Health Programming in Christian Church Communities
Authors: Elizabeth L. Abbey
Stacy M. Keogh George
Publication date: 01-08-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 4/2020
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-019-00905-8

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