RELIGION AND SOCIETY

Religion and Society

Religion and Society

Topic 1: Healing through faith and prayer

A. Listing of the first sources in APA formatting

Rebecca, Rosen Lum, (2007) Science taking hard look at healing power of faith HOPEFUL HEALING?: Walnut Creek man credits prayer with wifes recovery from brain hemorrhages, Tri-Valley Herald (CA).

B. Summary of the first source

Science is taking a hard look at the value of faith as an instrument in healing -- including the intercessory or healing prayers said on behalf of others. Numerous studies show a link between faith and outlook, faith and well-being, faith and healing times. Such prestigious institutions as California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, Duke University in North Carolina, and the George Washington University Institute for Spirituality and Health in the nations capitol are exploring the relationship of prayer and faith to healing. More than half of physicians in an April survey by a group at the University of Chicago said religion and spirituality significantly influence patients health. But the exact mechanism by which it works remains elusive. Does it change your blood markers? asked neuropsychiatrist James Duffy, president and CEO of the Institute of Religion and Health in Houston. Youre going to see a lot of research directed at that over the next few years.

C. Discussion of the content of the first source you just summarized

Religion can help those with chronic conditions, including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, stroke and arthritis, say the authors of a study at the University of Missouri at Columbia. Religion is infrequently discussed in rehabilitation settings and is rarely investigated in rehabilitation research, said Missouri health psychologist Brick Johnstone. To better meet the needs of persons with disabilities, this needs to change. Yoga, reading of religious texts, meditation or the laying on of hands have value in a clinical setting, the researchers concluded.

To inquire about a patients religious beliefs is no different than inquiring about their sexual, psychological, substance use and legal histories, said Johnstone, who directs the universitys Spirituality and Health Research Project. Our goal is to bring to the conversation that health is more than fixing your body, Duffy said. Health is a transformative process that involves healing the spirit. Hospitals have long left patients spiritual needs in the hands of chaplains, but increasingly are reaching out to faith communities. Parish, or faith community nursing, which combines spiritual and health service, has exploded since the American Nursing Association recognized the specialty in 2005.

D. Listing of the second source in APA formatting

Jones, Jim (1999), Doctor says prayer gaining wider acceptance as a healing power Fort Worth Star-Telegram (TX), Tue Sep 21 11:12:44.

E. Summary of the second source

Prayer and mental healing techniques fall into two main types. In Type I healing, the healer enters a prayerful, altered state of consciousness in which he views himself and the patient as a single entity. There need be no physical contact and there is no attempt to "do anything" or "give something" to the person in need, only the desire to ...