When Dr. Jeff Levin first pointed out the link between spiritual faith and healing in Essentials of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, his theories were met with skepticism. Since then, more and more physicians and patients have come to accept this mysterious link, mostly because of the convincing studies and data that have since been released. Levine's pioneering work has even led to a new field of inquiry, one he calls the "epidemiology of religion." What makes Levin so credible is his detached approach that simply interprets research and never blames people for their illnesses. "Further, the illness, suffering, or death of a particular person in no way should be--or can be--attributed to a lack of faith or not enough spirituality," writes Levin. "Epidemiology is incapable of addressing such issues. What it can tell us--and does very clearly--is that religious involvement deserves to be recognized as one of the significant factors that promotes health and well-being among groups of people."

Unfortunately, what makes Levine credible is also what can make him inaccessible to the average reader. The book is sensibly organized into three parts: the health benefits of religious involvement and spiritual involvement, and then an examination of how these proven benefits will affect the future of medicine. Yet he spends much of the book citing studies and case histories, then listing point-by-point conclusions, making the writing stiffen into medical-journal prose. Levine tries to address the general reader by ending chapters with "Lessons to Consider" and "Questions to Reflect On." But this effort seems tagged on. If you're seeking a book that assembles and synthesizes groundbreaking studies on faith and healing, you'll be greatly rewarded with God, Faith, and Health. If you're looking for a practical guidebook on applying faith to personal healing, this one may be too academic and theoretical. --Gail Hudson


Harold G. Koenig, M.D., Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Medicine, Duke University Medical Center and author of The Healing Power of Faith
"Jeff Levin writes with incredible clarity, style, and passion. He is one of the first and finest scientists ever to brave this territory..."


Book Description
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.


From the Publisher
Praise for God, Faith, and Health "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 "A masterpiece for this exciting and challenging time of transformation . . . a beacon to all seeking to understand the connection between faith and health and our connection to the divine."––Elaine R. Ferguson, M.D., author of Healing, Health, and Transformation: New Frontiers in Medicine "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 "Dr. Levin brings to awareness what is essential for everyone to know about the role of religion and spirituality in creating health and recovery from illness. Without this knowledge, real healing cannot happen. Dr. Levin has done us all––clinician and patient alike––a real service."––Gerald Epstein, M.D., Director, American Institute for Mental Imagery, and author of Healing Visualizations and Healing into Immortality " God, Faith, and Health emphasizes the major scientific advances that tell us it is time to reintegrate spirituality into all aspects of our lives."––C. Norman Shealy, M.D., Ph.D., Founding President, American Holistic Medical Association, and President, Holos Institutes of Health, Inc. "Dr. Levin shows us––clearly, thoughtfully, comprehensively––that belief does matter. Spiritual practice and religious observance are powerful medicine."––James S. Gordon, M.D., Chairman, White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy, and author of Manifesto for a New Medicine "Jeff Levin writes with incredible clarity, style, and passion. He is one of the first and finest scientists ever to brave this territory and has had enormous influence on others due to his scientific rigor. Levin speaks powerfully as a true leader and authority in this growing field. 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


From the Author
Review: "Jeff Levin writes with incredible clarity, style, and passion. He is one of the first and finest scientists ever to brave this territory and has had enormous influence on others due to his scientific rigor. Levin speaks powerfully as a true leader and authority in this growing field. 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


About the Author
JEFF LEVIN, Ph.D., M.P.H., a social epidemiologist, is a Senior Research Fellow of the National Institute for Healthcare Research; an Advisory Board member of the Center on Aging, Religion, and Spirituality; a Board of Trustees member of the Shepherd’s Centers of America; and former Chairman of the National Institutes of Health Working Group on Quantitative Methods in Alternative Medicine. His research has been funded by major organizations, including the NIH, the American Medical Association, and the Institute of Noetic Sciences. He has been featured in Time, USA Today, Reader's Digest, JAMA, Newsday, and Maclean’s, and on NPR, PBS, CTV, and CBN. He lives with his wife, Dr. Lea Steele, in Kansas.

FROM THE PUBLISHER