Grace is a Pre-Existing Condition: Faith, Systems, and Mental Healthcare

Publisher Description

* A theological perspective on mental health and mental health care * Offers hope, transformation, and practical guidance for people of faith to respond to the brokenness of this country's mental health system Emerging from David Finnegan-Hosey's personal experience of living with a diagnosis deemed a "preexisting condition" by insurance companies, this book explores the theological and spiritual dimensions of our public discourse around mental healthcare and mental illness and finds there the transformative reality of grace. The author's insights will be of benefit to anyone concerned about creating a more just healthcare system, but particularly those who struggle with-and care for those who struggle with-mental health. Though focusing on mental health, including preexisting conditions and medical debt, his observations are equally applicable to people dealing with a variety of physical and chronic illnesses. While intentionally approaching the subject through the lens of Christian theology, this book is a contribution to a broader conversation about healthcare policy; a conversation which is likely to be in the spotlight in future political debates. Combining the accessibility of personal narrative with issues receiving attention on the national scale, Grace Is a Preexisting Condition can begin vital and creative dialogues at a crucial time for the church and the country.