In a few months, I will teach a short course on the topic of
"alternative medicines."
The students will be freshmen (not necessarily science majors) at a
Christian liberal arts college.
I would very much like to find one or two books which I can use for
reading assignments and classroom discussion. The books do not have to be
written from a Christian perspective. But it would be helpful if the
books are NOT written from a reductionistic anti-religious standpoint.
(References to good journal articles and websites are also be welcome.)
Course goals include: Students should learn about
--a Christian perspective on science and medicine.
--a Christian view of human beings as both biological creatures and
God's image-bearers
--critical thinking skills
--how "regular" medical treatments are tested for safety and efficacy
--many kinds of "alternative medicines"
--ways to evaluate various alternative medicines in terms of probable
efficacy, probable safety, scientific plausibility, and underlying
philosophical/religious assumptions.
--psychological and social aspects of the wide-spread (and growing) use
of alternative medicines
I wouldn't expect to find a book hitting all those topics, but the more
topics the book hits, the better.
Thanks for your help.
Loren Haarsma
Calvin College
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