The Faith Factor: Proof of the Healing Power of Prayer

The Story

Did you know that: 94 percent of Americans believe in God Three out of four Americans pray on a daily basis Four out of five believe in the healing power of faith Two out of three want their doctors to address spiritual issues In over 300 medical studies, three-fourths revealed that religion had a positive effect on their health Building on the work begun by Herbert Benson, and the huge success of Larry Dossey?s Healing Words and Prayer Is Good Medicine, Dr. Dale A. Matthews?armed with the best clinical and scientific data?confirms what many patients have long suspected but many doctors don?t know: faith and religious practice can be valuable medicine.In this comprehensive book, Dr. Matthews, a leader in the field, seeks to revive the ancient connection between science and religion, restoring them to their original roles as the twin traditions of healing. The neglect of religious values and practices in medical settings has serious implications?not only for doctors, patients, and national health policy, but also in the treatment of hypertension, drug abuse, depression, cancer, heart disease, and more. Solidly grounded in up-to-the-minute scientific evidence, The Faith Factor is filled with remarkable case histories from Dr. Matthews?s own practice, where he prescribes both faith and medicine, prayer and Prozac. The Faith Factor is sure to stimulate debate and arouse controversy with its bold attempt to demolish the wall separating medicine and religion, and create a new synthesis, rich with hope, of the twin traditions of healing.