The Science of the Good Samaritan

“In an era when the proliferation of social media gives greater awareness of and access to the needs of the people we get to do life with, it is stunning to watch us descend into cyber shouting matches. But this is why I cannot think of a timelier book than The Science of the Good Samaritan, which lovingly reminds us of the biblical call to love our neighbors tangibly and to right the wrongs that are within our power to rectify.”

Nona Jones

“When Jesus wanted to introduce folks to his way of life through neighbor love, he told a story that reflected his own time and place—the parable of the Good Samaritan. Emily Smith is a gifted storyteller who has found a compelling way to capture the heart of this story for our day. This book is a gift. Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove, author of Reconstructing the Gospel and assistant director for partnerships and fellowships at Yale University’s Center for Public Theology and Public Policy A courageous Christian and brilliant scientist, Dr. Emily Smith is willing to tell us the truth, no matter the cost. She takes the reader on a powerful journey of Christian witness during a global pandemic that compels us toward solidarity with the poor, the hungry, and the sick as an expression of love for our neighbors. She is an expert on mercy and inspires us to be the same.”

Jeremy K. Everett

“A timely and absolutely crucial work that defines, refocuses, and humanizes what it means to be a good neighbor—a goal we all need to strive for in our increasingly challenging landscape. It’s the only way to move toward a healthier, more resilient society.”

Katelyn Jetelina

“An excellent and much-needed exploration of the moral imperative of facing up to the realities of widespread inequalities and our shared histories as a way of being devoted to service to our neighbors and communities. In this book, Dr. Emily Smith makes a passionate and persuasive case for dismantling inequality.”

Dipo Faloyin

“Who is my neighbor?” he responded with one of his most famous parables. In her inspiring first book, Dr. Emily Smith reflects on what the parable of the good Samaritan means in the twenty-first century. Using science and stories, epidemiology and exposition, she explores what it means to center our neighbor, what that centering can cost, and the courage it takes to do it. This compelling book asks all of us to examine how we can be better neighbors.”

Dr. Mark G. Shrime

“Addressing global health inequities lives in a fragile space between understanding the science and history that drive health inequities and the faith that can support us to help make a more equitable world. It is from this place that Dr. Emily Smith writes a fascinating account of her own journey. She shares what “thinking bigger” about loving your neighbor really means through both epidemiology and faith lenses. She writes with a voice that is her own—authentic, friendly, insightful, courageous, and full of lessons learned from her own life experiences. Dr. Smith’s journey from her own kitchen table to some of the most challenging areas of the world will inspire your own path to add meaning to your life through loving your neighbors.”

Henry E. Rice

“The Covid-19 pandemic taught us many lessons applicable to future global health threats, but perhaps the overwhelming one was the harm caused by inequities in access to healthcare, non-pharmaceutical interventions, and, of course, vaccines and essential medicines. There were no shortages of inequalities based on income, race, or even political affiliations that produced devastating health outcomes. Dr. Emily Smith reminds us of the importance of kindness and compassion in addressing health inequities, as well as of the vital but often underappreciated role of religion as a healing force. She provides important guidance for facing future pandemic and other health threats.”

Peter Hotez

“Why do well-meaning people look away when they could be Good Samaritans? If we continue to walk by and ignore the plight of our fellow humans, can we survive as humankind? Dr. Emily Smith tackles these urgent questions in this timely book. She gets at the heart of what it means to be a good neighbor and what it will take to walk the path of solidarity and allyship. The book is a powerful reminder that we all sink or swim together. As Dr Smith eloquently declares, we need a world of people who will not walk by. Our collective future depends on it.”

Professor. Madhukar Pai

“Dr. Emily Smith reminds us that most people in our global community live on the margins—they are poor and overlooked and have limited access to healthcare and basic human rights. She uses her own faith journey to explore the complex, underlying issues contributing to this problem. She challenges our thinking and encourages us to use our unique gifts to make a positive difference. As a missionary surgeon working among marginalized populations, I can say confidently that Dr. Smith gets it. This is a must-read for those asking how they can use their skills to make a difference. Dr. Paul (MD) and Jennifer (RN) Osteen, associate pastor, Lakewood Church, and missionary surgeon Emily Smith offers a fresh hermeneutic for understanding what is perhaps the most important story of the Bible—the parable of the Good Samaritan. With a new vocabulary for rethinking how to love our neighbor, she challenges us to live fully into the parable for a better, safer world for all.”

Jenny Dyer

“We desperately need more conversations about faith and public life, and about what it truly means to be a neighbor. Dr. Emily Smith has given us a gift toward that end. She blends her captivating personal story with informative analysis of public health challenges and practical steps for the average person. A crucial and helpful book for anyone genuinely asking the question, “Who is my neighbor?”

Kaitlyn Schiess