Realized Religion includes research that investigates the impact of spirituality in health and healing, faith healing, religion and mental health, religion and life satisfaction, religion and mental disorders, religion and martial satisfaction, the effect of religion on suicide, and the effect of religion on alcohol use and abuse. This book documents over 300 scientific studies published by reputable scientific journals demonstrating that religion has an ameliorating effect on the survival rate of surgical patients, on depression and anxiety, on suicide rates, and on promotion of a healthy lifestyle.

Realized Religion presents useful and helpful information to researchers and scholars who seek to understand the subtle connection between healing and spirituality. It will be an invaluable resource for libraries and others interested in the emerging field of spirituality and healing.

“The level of scholarship in Realized Religion is top quality, both in the scope of the review and the interpretation of the results. The review of the literature is comprehensive, and the writing style is easy to follow. Realized Religion is a scholarly book that does not claim to know the answers, and presents the known facts in an even-handed manner. This book will stimulate thinking about and research on the topic of religion and mental health—thus potentially increasing scientific research. The theological reflections in the final chapter are unique and it beautifully integrates New Testament theology with the research findings.”
-—Harold G. Koenig, M.D., author of The Healing Power of Faith

“Realized Religion is scholarly enough to ensure a following among readers who demand solid evidence and written with enough style to hold the interest of laypeople.”
—NAPRA Review

Highlights

Comprehensive review of literature on the relationship of religion and health

Integration of theological reflections with research findings

Valuable tool for health professionals, clergy, academic researchers, and general readers

About the Authors:
Dr. Theodore J. Chamberlain is associate professor of counseling psychology and vice president for student development at Eastern College, St. Davids, Pennsylvania. Dr. Chamberlain was the founding director and chair of the graduate program in Counseling Psychology at Eastern College.

Dr. Christopher A. Hall is associate professor of biblical and theological studies at Eastern College in St. Davids, Pennsylvania. Dr. Hall is author of a number of books including Studying Theology with the Church Fathers and senior editor for Christianity Today.