missions
Christ’s Skin for Mine: Autoimmune Disease and the Christian Life
By Noah Senthil at The Gospel Coalition
· June 5, 2026
· 8 min read
The skin on my scalp has cracked, peeled, and eroded for three years. I’m always aware of it, especially when the itching won’t let me sleep at night or when pretty girls are in the vicinity. Half my hair is gone now, mostly from pulling it out as I try to remove the chunks of skin entangled with my
Key takeaway There are more than 100 autoimmune diseases.
Why this matters
The prevalence of autoimmune diseases, such as psoriasis, affecting over 50 million Americans, highlights the need for Christian ministries to address the physical and emotional toll of these conditions on individuals and families. As the biblical narrative illustrates, skin has long been a symbol of human mortality and vulnerability, with God's provision of garments of skin to Adam and Eve serving as a reminder of His compassion and care. The numerous references to skin diseases in Leviticus, including leprosy, demonstrate the significance of physical affliction in the biblical story. Christian charities and relief organizations can play a critical role in supporting those affected by autoimmune diseases, providing access to medical care, counseling, and community support. By acknowledging the spiritual and emotional dimensions of these conditions, faith-based organizations can offer a more holistic approach to care, one that addresses the whole person, not just the physical symptoms.
About this story
Original reporting by The Gospel Coalition . Christgiving surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit The Gospel Coalition . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: missions ·
Published: June 5, 2026 ·
Source: The Gospel Coalition ·
Reading time: 8 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The skin on my scalp has cracked, peeled, and eroded for three years. I’m always aware of it, especially when the itching won’t let me sleep at night or when pretty girls are in the vicinity. Half my hair is gone now, mostly from pulling it out as I try to remove the chunks of skin entangled with my
When was this published? This article was first published on June 5, 2026 by The Gospel Coalition and curated for Christgiving readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Noah Senthil at The Gospel Coalition. To learn more about how Christgiving selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more missions coverage from Christgiving, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .