Non Traditional healing

The healing stories found in the Gospels and Letters are generally dismissed by many modern scientists, physicians and heal care workers. And, any minister of counselor who prays for the sick is usually labeled as a primitive, unlearned, uneducated rube by the news media and others.

If this is true, and I can offer many examples, why are Eastern mysticism like Buddhism and Hinduism with their emphasis on Yoga mantras, breathing, nutrition, etc so popular at health workout centers, hospitals and medical clinics? They are considered "alternative healing" and training is often led by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility.

It may be because they seem to be exotic and no one really understands the theology behind them. The evangelists for Eastern Mysticism have been brilliant in their soft approach. Buddhism in its easily mastered western face has been "adopted" at least verbally by millions of people in the USA.

But we do not see classes and workshops on prayer, Bible reading, contemplation and so forth in many hospitals. Even those with Christian names are often hostile to Christian activities. A couple of decades ago I held a seminar at Bethesda Hospital on this topic. I asked the group of 50 or so nurses, clinicians, counselors, etc. where the name of the hospital came from and one or two knew its origin. It is obvious that the leaders of Bethesda were not proud of their Christian tradition that focused on the healing by Jesus of the lame man at the Pool of Bethesda.

In fact, much of the Old and New Testaments focus a lot on health, disease prevention, healing and human growth. Unfortunately, many Christian leaders and churches have left those parts of the New Testament out of their teachings and or practices. The Roman Catholic Church is huge, powerful and ubiquitous. Their influence is enormous. Thus, when they made the passage in the book of James that says sick people need to call for the elders of the church and receive prayer for healing into "Last Rites for the Dying" we can only imagine why so few looked at that rite as a positive intervention.

Protestant churches are even stronger because Catholics will indeed pray for healing. Many Protestants will not. No wonder even Christian scientists and doctors think we who do pray are off base. Steve Griebling and I wrote a book on inner healing several years ago. If you are interested let me know and I will send it to you.


The research about knowing Christ, following Christ and praying to Christ as The Great Physician shows positive outcomes in almost every situation. Why, then, is the research ignored and rejected when patients can really benefit from it?