God Heals Through Doctors: How African Immigrants Interpret the Connection Between Religion and Health

• In Event: Sociology of Religion Section Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (60 minute): Table 5. Religion and the Experiences of Immigrants

Abstract

This study explores how individuals from non-western, less medicalized societies interpret the relationship between religion and health when they transition to a westernized and highly medicalized environment. Through qualitative interviews with 37 Christian African Immigrants, I find that they regard medicine and religion as complementary in addressing health issues. To discuss this, I coin medicalization of religion and religionization of health and medicine to explain how they interpret the relationship between religion and health. The African immigrants medicalized religion by blending religious practices with physical activity and referenced medical health recommendations to validate the beneficial effect of their religious practice like fasting on their health. They also use religious narratives to validate seeking healthcare and provide a positive perspective of health professionals and medication. These finding have implications for our understanding of the complementary relationship between religion and health.

Author

• Moses Ohene Biney, Rice University