God, Faith, and Health : Exploring the Spirituality-Healing Connection

A study shows that frequent church attendees report higher levels of well-being and experience less disability, fewer days in bed, and fewer physical symptoms than less frequent attendees . . . Johns Hopkins University researchers learn that monthly religious attendance more than halved the risk of death due to heart disease, emphysema, suicide, and some cancers . . . A study finds that Coronary Care Unit patients who were prayed for by strangers fared better than patients who did not receive prayer. These are just some of the startling connections between spirituality and health revealed in this inspiring, groundbreaking new book by Dr. Jeff Levin, the scientist who has conducted much of the original research in this increasingly influential area of health and medicine. In God, Faith, and Health, Dr. Levin explores the latest compelling evidence of the connection between health and an array of spiritual beliefs and practices, including prayer, attending religious services, meditation, faith in God, and others. With examples from spiritual traditions as diverse as Christianity, Judaism, and yoga, he looks with an open mind and perceptive eye at the many ways that religious involvement and belief can prevent illness and promote health and well-being. Drawing on his own and other published studies, Dr. Levin shows how religions emphasis on healthy behaviors and supportive relationships influences ones overall health and how the optimism and hopefulness of those who profess faith promote the bodys healing responses. Taking us into the fascinating realm of such "paranormal" healing modes as noncontact therapeutic touch, distant prayer, and mystical experiences, Dr. Levin asks if other forces could be at work in many cases of healing. Sharing compelling evidence from recent research, he offers an exciting vision of a new era in modern medicine, one in which body, mind, and something "beyond" mind–call it spirit, a higher power, or God–are brought together to promote health, prevent illness, and bring about healing. Filled with dramatic personal stories, God, Faith, and Health will alter the way you think about your body and your faith, and will show you the path to improving your own health through spiritual practice. In this groundbreaking book, Dr. Jeff Levin explores the latest compelling evidence of the connection between health and an array of spiritual beliefs and practices, including prayer, attending religious services, meditation, and faith in God. Drawing on his own and other published studies, Dr. Levin shows how religion's emphasis on healthy behaviors and supportive relationships influences one's overall health and how the optimism and hopefulness of those who profess faith promote the body's healing responses. Filled with dramatic personal stories, God, Faith, and Health will alter the way you think about your body and your faith and will show you the path to improving your own health through spiritual practice.

"Jeff Levin writes with incredible clarity, style, and passion. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the religion-health connection, especially those wondering if such a connection exists at all."
-Harold G. Koenig, M.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, and author of The Healing Power of Faith

"Beautifully written and packed with compelling scientific evidence for the spirituality-health connection . . . . With the precision of a scientist, the courage of a true pioneer, and the artistry of a storyteller, Levin reminds us of what we can no longer afford to ignore: that our spiritual life matters mightily to our health and well-being at every level."
-Janet F. Quinn, Ph.D., R.N., Associate Professor, University of Colorado School of Nursing In God, Faith, And Health, Dr. Levin Explores The Latest Compelling Evidence Of The Connection Between Health And An Array Of Spiritual Beliefs And Practices, Including Prayer, Attending Religious Services, Meditation, Faith In God, And Others. With Examples From Spiritual Traditions As Diverse As Christianity, Judaism, And Yoga, He Looks With An Open Mind And Perceptive Eye At The Many Ways That Religious Involvement And Belief Can Prevent Illness And Promote Health And Well-being. Drawing On His Own And Other Published Studies, Dr. Levin Shows How Religion's Emphasis On Healthy Behaviors And Supportive Relationships Influences One's Overall Health And How The Optimism And Hopefulness Of Those Who Profess Faith Promote The Body's Healing Responses.--jacket. Pt. 1. The Health Effects Of Public Religion. Religious Affiliation And A Healthy Lifestyle -- Religious Fellowship And Spiritual Support -- Pt. 2. The Health Effects Of Private Spirituality. The Emotional Impact Of Worship -- Religious Beliefs, Healthy Beliefs -- Faith, Hope, And Optimism -- Pt. 3. God, Spirit, And The Future Of Medicine. Energy, Consciousness, And Mysticism -- To Heal Is Divine -- From Body-mind To Body-mind-spirit. Jeff Levin. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 225-247) And Index. "In God, Faith, and Health, Dr. Levin explores the latest compelling evidence of the connection between health and an array of spiritual beliefs and practices, including prayer, attending religious services, meditation, faith in God, and others. With examples from spiritual traditions as diverse as Christianity, Judaism, and yoga, he looks with an open mind and perceptive eye at the many ways that religious involvement and belief can prevent illness and promote health and well-being. Drawing on his own and other published studies, Dr. Levin shows how religion's emphasis on healthy behaviors and supportive relationships influences one's overall health and how the optimism and hopefulness of those who profess faith promote the body's healing responses."--BOOK JACKET. A riveting exploration of the latest scientific evidence that spirituality is good for you. Did you know that people who pray or attend religious services have less illness and better physical and mental health than those who do not? This is just one of the startling facts about the connection between spirituality and health revealed in this fascinating, inspiring, groundbreaking new book by scientist Jeff Levin, who has conducted much of the original research that proves the connection This title draws on studies that claim that spirituality is good for you. It is aimed at those interested in the religion-health connection, especially those wondering if such a connection exists at all.