Dr. Harold G. Koenig is the Director of Duke University's Center for the Study of Religion/Spirituality and Health. He is also Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University Medical Center. In this emphatic and inspiring work, the author presents scientific evidence of the positive role religion, faith in God, prayer, and worship can have upon health, healing, and well-being. The well-documented findings from more than 25 research projects should put to rest those skeptical of the so-called "anecdotal evidence" of remarkable mind-body-and-soul healings.
Koenig presents stories of Jews and Christians, both liberals and conservatives, whose faith, devotional practices, and reliance upon divine grace have enabled them to cope with stress, overcome depression, and combat disease. He shows how an empowering sense of spiritual value and purpose plays a positive role in developing a stronger immune system and protecting yourself from serious cardiovascular disease. According to his research findings, religious people live longer and physically healthier lives than their non-religious counterparts. Dr. Koenig ends the book with suggestions for helping yourself and your loved ones benefit from the power of faith.