An investigation into the phenomena and practices of spiritual ...

ideal state which has some similarities to the World Health Organization (WHO 1946)definition: „Health is a “Socratic” goal of perfect well being in every respect, an end initself and disease, illness handicap and social problems must be absence‟. This ideal state,however, is not compatible with human existence for any sustainable period. This state ofhealth would be achieved only when a person is in a state of complete optimality and atone with God and the universe.The second more pragmatic approach listed by Seedhouse is that: “health is the physicaland mental fitness to do socialized daily tasunction in the person‟s own society, ameans towards the end of normal social functioning” For this “all disabling disease, illnessand handicap must be absent”. This is probably why children who are born with an obviousabnormality are not allowed to live in certain societies; they are killed or hidden away in aninstitution specially prepared for those who are less than „healthy‟.The third approach is that health is a commodity which can be bought or given. Seedhouse(1999) proposes that this is the theory that now lies behind medical theory and practice,especially in the western and developed countries and is imposed by western market andeconomic forces. Insurance payouts and compensation for accidents where the person haslost their earning capacity attempt to place a value on the economic status of a person‟shealth within their community and within the market economy of the country.The fourth approach is a combination „where “health is a personal strength or ability;”which can be physical, metaphysical or intellectual. These strengths and abilities are notcommodities which can be given or purchased. Nor are they ideal states, they candeveloped as personal tasn be lost, or they can be encouraged‟. Blaxter (1999) also24