Allan Peterkin

Visceral Resonance

Theology

“Traditionally, physicians have been taught that suffering was something to be ‘witnessed objectively’ and then ‘alleviated’ through action. Using the theological perspective of Thomas Aquinas and approaches from narrative-based medicine, Dr. Ann Sirek offers a model of care that prioritizes the removal of obstacles to personal agency and flourishing. This approach incorporates the traditional need for medical meaning making, while honoring the practical knowledge that only the body and the five senses can provide, for both patient and healer. The possibility of transformation occurs through a ‘visceral,’ embodied accompaniment. This book reminds us why theology should not be excluded from the company of bioethics and philosophy in our growing field of medical humanities.”