Conversionary Sites: Transforming Medical Aid and Global Christianity from Madagascar to Minnesota

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2018
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Drawing on more than two years of participant observation in the American Midwest and in Madagascar among Lutheran clinicians, volunteer laborers, healers, evangelists, and former missionaries, Conversionary Sites investigates the role of religion in the globalization of medicine. Based on immersive research of a transnational Christian medical aid program, Britt Halvorson tells the story of a thirty-year-old initiative that aimed to professionalize and modernize colonial-era evangelism. Creatively blending perspectives on humanitarianism, global medicine, and the anthropology of Christianity, she argues that the cultural spaces created by these programs operate as multistranded "conversionary sites," where questions of global inequality, transnational religious fellowship, and postcolonial cultural and economic forces are negotiated.

A nuanced critique of the ambivalent relationships among religion, capitalism, and humanitarian aid, Conversionary Sites draws important connections between religion and science, capitalism and charity, and the US and the Global South.

Britt Halvorson's book, Conversionary Sites, delves into the intricate interplay between religion, medicine, and globalization, offering a comprehensive exploration of the role of religion in the modern world. Through extensive fieldwork in the American Midwest and Madagascar, Halvorson has observed firsthand the impact of religious organizations and individuals on the delivery of healthcare and the promotion of well-being.

The book begins by examining the historical roots of Christian medical aid programs, which date back to the late 19th century. Halvorson argues that these programs were initially driven by a desire to bring healthcare to underserved communities and to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. However, over time, these programs have evolved to become more complex and multifaceted, incorporating elements of professionalization, modernization, and globalization.

One of the key themes of the book is the role of religion in the globalization of medicine. Halvorson argues that religious organizations and individuals have played a significant role in shaping the global healthcare landscape, particularly in the developing world. Through their medical aid programs, religious groups have been able to establish themselves as trusted providers of healthcare, providing care to those who would otherwise have no access to medical services.

At the same time, however, Halvorson also highlights the challenges and complexities associated with the globalization of medicine. She argues that the commercialization of healthcare, driven by profit motives, has led to a commodification of human life and has marginalized vulnerable communities. Moreover, the dominance of Western medical models and technologies has often resulted in a neglect of traditional healing practices and local knowledge, which can be crucial in addressing healthcare needs in diverse communities.

To address these challenges, Halvorson proposes a more nuanced and inclusive approach to the globalization of medicine. She advocates for a greater emphasis on collaboration between religious organizations, healthcare professionals, and local communities, recognizing the unique strengths and expertise of each stakeholder. She also suggests that the commercialization of healthcare should be regulated and that healthcare resources should be distributed more equitably to ensure that all individuals have access to quality healthcare services.

In addition to its analysis of the role of religion in the globalization of medicine, Conversionary Sites offers a rich and nuanced critique of the ambivalent relationships between religion, capitalism, and humanitarian aid. Halvorson argues that the commercialization of humanitarian aid has led to a concentration of power and resources in the hands of a few large organizations, while marginalized communities and local organizations are often left behind. She also highlights the ethical dilemmas associated with the use of aid, particularly in situations where it may be used to promote political or religious agendas rather than to address the root causes of poverty and inequality.

To address these ethical dilemmas, Halvorson proposes a more ethical and accountable approach to humanitarian aid. She advocates for a greater emphasis on transparency and accountability, as well as a more participatory and democratic approach to decision-making. She also suggests that humanitarian aid should be integrated with sustainable development initiatives, recognizing the interconnectedness of social, economic, and environmental factors in addressing poverty and inequality.

Overall, Conversionary Sites is a thought-provoking and insightful book that offers a valuable contribution to the field of medical anthropology and global health. Through its comprehensive analysis of the role of religion in the globalization of medicine, the book provides a nuanced and empathetic perspective on the complex relationships between religion, medicine, and society. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the role of religion in the modern world and the challenges and opportunities that it presents.

Weight: 486g
Dimension: 153 x 227 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226557267