Grace Is a Pre-existing Condition: Faith, Systems, and Mental Healthcare

by David Finnegan-Hosey

Crucial conversations about mental health and mental healthcare, from a faith perspective.
Emerging from David Finnegan-Hosey’s personal experience of living with a diagnosis deemed a “preexisting condition” by insurance companies, Grace is a Pre-existing Condition 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 Pre-existing Condition can begin vital and creative dialogues at a crucial time for the church and the country.

Genres: Theology, Mental Health

152 pages, Paperback

Published February 17, 2020

About the author

David Finnegan-Hosey currently serves as College Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministry at Barton College, having previously worked in campus ministry at Georgetown University, American University, and the University of Hawaii. He holds an M.Div. from Wesley Theological Seminary and received training in Clinical Pastoral Education from the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. He is certified by Mental Health First Aid USA to provide initial help to people experiencing depression, anxiety, psychosis, and substance use disorders.

In 2011, David was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after a series of psychiatric hospitalizations. He now speaks and writes about the intersections among mental illness, mental health, and faith. You can read more of his writing on his website, davidfinneganhosey.com. David lives in Wilson, NC with his wife Leigh and their dog Penny Lane.

Reviews

[David Finnegan-Hosey · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, giving myself five star reviews is an act of self-care, don't judge me.

Second, I'm excited for this book to start crucial conversations, particularly among communities of faith, about mental healthcare and advocacy for a more just and equitable system of care for all.

Third, proceeds of this book have now helped forgive more than $60,000 in unpayable medical debt through the organization RIP Medical Debt, and I'm so incredibly grateful.

[Laura Kisthardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“In our current social and political crisis, it’s important to keep in mind that whole systems need to change. No single thing is going to be the one thing that does it. We need to acknowledge that and try not to get defensive about it. The one or three things that I can focus on today – the protest I can attend, the representative I can call – isn’t going to fix everything. We can’t all move everything at once. Care for yourself and for others, knowing that the struggle is both urgent and long-term. Pick a place you think you can intervene. Do it knowing that your actions are part of a larger system.” Page 92

This quote sums up what I thought was so incredible about David Finnegan-Hosey’s writing in Grace is a Pre-existing Condition. He writes with extraordinary clarity and care. He inspires and reflects. This book builds on many ideas that he touched on in his first book. You don’t need to have read his first book in order to read this one. But I bet you will want to! The ending was especially poignant with many paths forward and helpful actionable advice for clergy and congregations.