The Reformations of Medicine

The sixteenth century witnessed unprecedented reformations in both religious belief and medical knowledge, marked by the rise of Protestantism, the Catholic reform movement, and the new approaches to the study of human anatomy, laying the groundwork for the emergence of evidence-based medicine. The Reformations of Medicine investigates the transformations of religious perspectives on medicine and healing during this era, with a particular focus on Martin Luther's thought. Lomperis explores the implications of these early modern developments for current intersections of spirituality and healthcare.

The study reveals how early Protestants reimagined the spiritual significance of medicine. It illuminates previously little-studied aspects of Luther's theological thought concerning physical suffering. Lomperis argues that Luther pursued a spiritual reformation of approaches to medicine and healing, informed by his theology of created means and idolatry. She demonstrates that Luther's theology challenged the long-standing tradition of viewing natural healing through medicine as spiritually inferior to supernatural, divine healing.

Lomperis develops strategies utilizing early modern thought as a resource for navigating the complexities of suffering in contemporary medical contexts, addressing religiously motivated suspicion of scientific medicine, and engaging Christian spiritualities of healing to promote more equitable healthcare systems.

With rigorous historical research and erudite contemporary analysis, this book provides an innovative exploration of early modern religious approaches to medicine and offers novel insights into the enduring interactions between medicine, spirituality, and religion.