Faith and Medicine

I would like to share some of the thoughts coming out of a brief essay by Dale Matthews titled, Is Religion Good for Your Health? Mr. Matthews is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine (we will therefore assume he knows what he is talking about).

Mr. Matthews writes, ‘The medical benefits of faith are a matter not just of faith but also of science. More than three hundred scientific studies demonstrate the medical value of religious commitment (including worship attendance, prayer, Scripture study, and active participation in a spiritual community). These benefits include enhanced prevention and treatment of mental disorders (e.g. heart disease, cancer, sexually transmitted diseases), and addictions; reduced pain and disability; and prolonged survival. In addition, spiritual treatment (e.g. prayer, religiously based psychotherapy) enhances recovery.

He goes on to say that patients are demanding more from medical professionals. ‘They want more compassion and less dispassion, more listening and less lecturing; they seek healers of the mind and spirit, not just mechanics of the body. According to recent scientific studies and polls, two out of three individuals would like to address spiritual issues with their doctors, and half would even like their doctors to pray with them.’ He later adds, ‘while come clinicians may develop particular expertise in handling spiritual problems, physicians will not replace clergy; each role is unique, and both are needed in the care of the sick.’ As he puts it, ‘we need prayer and Prozac, clergy and clinicians, faith and medicine’.

I conclude on this note. The physical body is important, yes. But we have very few atoms in our bodies that were there five years ago. We are more than a collection of molecules. We also have a soul. Do not neglect it. Find a good Bible believing, Bible teaching Church and get some good ‘soul food’. As Jesus said, ‘…or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?’ You tell me.