Abstract:
This essay sketches a basic introduction to medical anthropology as a
key to understanding and interpreting the healing activity of the historical
Jesus described in the gospels. It presents select literature, leading
experts, fundamental concepts, and insights and models of special
value to biblical specialists. Only a cross-cultural discipline like medical
anthropology allows the investigator to interpret texts and events from
other cultures with respect for their distinctive cultural contexts in order
to draw more appropriate conclusions and applications in other cultures.
Applications to biblical texts are not included in this essay but may be
found in other articles published by the author and listed in the bibliography.
