What are the political and economic implications of faith healing

The purpose of this analysis assignment is to explore the topic of FAITH HEALING. Faith healing is a practice whereby a patient seeking healing from a physical or mental malady will solicit intervention from divine sources. In faith healing often an intermediary is involved–an individual with a direct connection to the divine and whose intervention is pivotal in effecting the desired cure.

Faith healing has been practiced since ancient times. In ancient Egypt and ancient Greece there is much evidence of faith healing in the practices of finding healing power in natural springs and erecting temples to divinities believed to be able to intercede in resolving human maladies close to such springs. In this example, there is an aspect of animism involved, where the source of the divine power is related to an actual place in nature.

In Christianity, faith healing is exemplified by the miraculous cures brought about by Jesus and his apostles, as well as by the miracles of saints. In modern times, faith healing is alive and thriving among many religious practices, including Christian belief systems.

Instructions for assignment

For this assignment you will watch the film Holy Hustlers. The film explores the charismatic Christian reformation presently underway in Botswana’s time of AIDS, and the moral crisis that divides the church between the elders and the young, apostolic faith healers. Richard Werbner, the director of the film, focuses on Eloyi, an Apostolic faith-healing church in Botswana’s capital. Werbner shows how charismatic “prophets”—holy hustlers—diagnose, hustle, and shock patients during violent and destructive exorcisms. He also shows how these healers enter into prayer and meditation and take on their patients’ pain and how their ecstatic devotions create an aesthetic in which beauty beckons God.

After you watch the film, write a 750 word paper addressing the following topics:

What is charismatic Christianity?

How does faith healing work?

Who are the healers?

Why do people seek faith healers?

What are the political and economic implications of faith healing?

How does faith healing compare to other forms of healing like shamanism and curanderismo?

What are the tensions in this film between holiness and hustling?

Specifics of your Paper

750 words minimum

Typed in Times New Roman or Arial, 12 pt font, double spaced.

Two research sources (apart from the film) about the topic should be used to write this paper. Research sources could include books, magazine articles, scholarly articles, reputable websites, databases and journals.

References cited page should include citation of film.

This is an academic paper that should be written in a narrative style—no bullet points.

Need in-text citations whenever quoting film.

Make sure to have an introduction with a clear thesis statement (Links to an external site.)

Proof-read paper for grammatical/syntax errors.

MLA or APA format.