God, faith, and health: exploring the spirituality-healing connection

A riveting exploration of the latest scientific evidence that spirituality is good for you-as covered in Reader's Digest Thanks in great part to the pioneering efforts of Jeff Levin, a quiet revolution has taken place in medical science over the past decade, and medicine has come to embrace the idea of the connection between faith and health. In God, Faith, and Health, Dr. Levin doesn't promote a particular spiritual point of view. Instead, he draws upon his original research as well as on studies conducted by researchers around the world to explore the latest compelling evidence of the connection between health and an array of spiritual beliefs and practices, including prayer, religious services, healing rituals, meditation, faith, and others. He also shares the dramatic stories of dozens of people who have been healed through their faith, and he discusses strategies for improving your own health through spiritual practice. Jeff Levin, PhD, MPH (Topeka, KS), is the leading pioneer in the emerging field of the epidemiology of religion. He has been featured in USA Today, Newsday, Reader's Digest, JAMA, Time, and Macleans, and on NPR, PBS, CTV, and CBN.

Foreword by Larry Dossey, M.D.

Acknowledgments.

Introduction.

PART 1. THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF PUBLIC RELIGION.

Religious Affiliation and a Healthy Lifestyle.

Religious Fellowship and Spiritual Support.

PART 2. THE HEALTH EFFECTS OF PRIVATE SPIRITUALITY.

The Emotional Impact of Worship.

Religious Beliefs, Healthy Beliefs.

Faith, Hope, and Optimism.

PART 3. GOD, SPIRIT, AND THE FUTURE OF MEDICINE.

Energy, Consciousness, and Mysticism.

To Heal Is Divine.

From Body Mind to Body Mind Spirit.

References.

Index.