A Examination Discussion 0

Abstract

The Spirit, Science, and Health book is a read regarding the practices

of society and how they related to spirituality and religion. Within

the book Thomas G Plante and Carl E. Thoresen discus diverse

forms of religion, meditation, and spiritual rituals that may help or

hinder a person’s life. Within this working discussion examination I

will give a response to the diverse indexes that are discussed in ‘The

Spirit, Science, and Health’ book and give my opinion, advice, and

collegiate debate regarding aspects of the book on an analytical

level. This working discussion essay paper; the reader will be able

to examine the book for self and review with their own

measurements using balance and options that utilize readers

‘opinions through their own observation, reading, and hypothesis.

\

A Examination Discussion of

Literature

Spirit Science and Health

{How the Spiritual Mind Fuels

Physical Wellness}

By: Thomas G. Plante and Carl E. Thoresen

Tunisia I.E. Al-Salahuddin/BSHS/RMT/MS

Doctor Ph.D. Ayurveda-Wellness & Health Degree Program

Natural Health Science Department-

Bircham International University

By

Running Head: A EXAMINATION DISCUSSION

A Examination Discussion 1

Table of Contents (1)

Authors Notes……………………………………………………………………………...Pg.3

Introduction………………………………………………………………………………..Pg.4

A Examination Discussion of Literature {Spirit, Science, and Health}…………………..Pg.6

Spirituality and Studies Regarding Health………………………………………………...Pg.6

Freedom and Religious Practice…………………………………………………………...Pg.7

Anything Can Be Sacred…………………………………………………………………..Pg.9

Seeking…………………………………………………………………………………….Pg.9

What’s Good for You?.........................................................................................................Pg.11

NIH (National Institutes of Health)……………………………………………………….Pg.12

The Agenda ……………………………………………………………………………….Pg.13

What Came First Prayer or Religion?...................................................................................Pg.14

Safe or Saved……………………………………………………………………………....Pg.15

Religious Service…………………………………………………………………………..Pg.16

Discussion of Intercessory Prayer……………………………………………………….....Pg.16

Diverse Forms of Prayer…………………………………………………………………...Pg.17

Why Auxiliary is Needed?...................................................................................................Pg.17

Off Protocol Prayer………………………………………………………………………...Pg.19

The Importance of Believing………………………………………………………………Pg.20

Doctors and God…………………………………………………………………………...Pg.20

Coping (Prayer or the Pill)…………………………………………………………………Pg.21

A Few Good Measures……………………………………………………………………..Pg.23

Measurement in Specific Religious and Spiritual Domains Related to Health……………Pg.25

Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale (DSES)………………………………………………...Pg.27

Religious Orientation Scale (ROS) ……………………………………………………….Pg.28

Duke Religious Index……………………………………………………………………....Pg.29

Why It is Important for Patients to Believe While Healing………………………………..Pg.31

Meditation……………………………………………………………………......................Pg.33

A Examination Discussion 2

Table of Contents (2)

Analysis Research…………………………………………………………………………Pg.34

The Eight Point Program…………………………………………………………………..Pg.35

Compassion, Promoting Greater Health, Religion/Spirituality............................................Pg.36

Spirituality and Dealing with Sickness and Death...............................................................Pg.37

Spirituality, Religion and the Quality of Care at the End of Life…………………………Pg.39

Findings……………………………………………………………………………………Pg.40

Conclusion…………………………………………………………………………………Pg.41

Annotated Bibliography…………………………………………………………………...Pg.44

References.…………………………………………………………………………….......Pg.44-46

A Examination Discussion 3

Authors Notes

As a current student at Walden University in the study and Major of Psychology and also Bircham

International University in the Major of Ayurveda-Holistic Wellness. It has been a great pleasure for me to

have the opportunity to study at University of Phoenix where I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Human

Services where I learned about superseding the slave mind in reality to rise as the Phoenix. I was able to meet

great talented people and teachers who really taught me how to Master the art of presentation by standing and

delivering within presenting and speaking formally. It was at Colorado State University-GC where I learned the

meaning of Mastering the knowledge of business and also where I obtained my Masters in the Science of

Organizational Leadership with emphasis in Innovation and Strategic Leadership. Being the Granddaughter of

the late Floyd. Pearson and Great Granddaughter of Alice Pearson Spiegler it is innately within me and my

lineage to write and give composition on many levels which I am still Mastering within observation and study

in a University setting. I also pay homage to my Rahman, Le’Avington (Avington) family, and my late Uncle

Prophet Elijah Muhammad and his wife my Aunt Clara (Evans) Muhammad. I must say that my life Mandala

has not yet been completed but I only just begun. I have obtained my collegiate degrees not just for myself but

for the benefit of my two birth daughters, my nieces, myself, and to complete my Magnum Opus in life and

society in the now and for the future! It is truly a pleasure for me to be able to read, analyze, discus, and give

constructive criticism on the Spirit, Science, and Health text read for the appointed university class. Powerful

words that must be recited when it comes to college, students, and education ‘This is not a game.’ I wish all

college students well who are not playing about education for knowledge is key and essential for life.

Education is the best water you will drink next to the water coming out of your faucet at home!

‘I am Mother, Wife, Sister, Student and Friend not one who was thrown to the dogs!’

-Tunisia I.E. Al-Salahuddin-BSHS/RMT/MS/Ph.D. Ayurveda Holistic Wellness/Psychology-progress-

Thanks to My mother for teaching me to read, thanks to Spike Lee who reminded me to start reading again, and Thanks to Russell

Simons who told me to become Vegan (I have yet to Master Vegan, but working on it through Holistic Studies)!

A Examination Discussion 4

Introduction

Spirit, Life, and Health is a book that give insight and also informative approaches into the realm of

religion and spirituality and the effects of meditation, prayer, belief systems, and practice. Thomas G. Plante

and Carl E. Thoresen two researches use many of the religious indexes that are being used within religious

organizations today along with religious cataloging in the sense of indexing religious behavior and practices in a

subject’s life. Harold G Koenig, M.D. a professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Associate Professor of

Medicine Duke University stated, “Spirit Science and Health, edited by two of the top researches and authorities

in this growing field, covers a wide range of key topics on the frontier of the discipline of spirituality and health.

It is an outstanding contribution to the literature that is a must read for skeptics and believers alike” (SSC,

2007). Being a Pearson Spiritual indexes have been known to be extremely controversial based on the fact that

they use controlled religion and may induce hardship or no hardship at all within a participant’s life. They also

may involve un-wanted controlled auditing and other brutal consequences imperiled on people’s lives for

controlled matters.

Within the read per Plante & Thoresen who noted that many of the index studies where done on those

with type ‘A’ personalities as a social study. As I explain the diverse concepts, indexes, and religious aspects

within society today and why people may choose to practice or not practice. The discussion will also give the

reader more of an in-depth look at the world of controlled religion, spirituality and why many medical

professionals today think that it is necessary to use indexes or not. Religious indexes are usually cataloged with

in a Librarian system in most collegiate organizations which are also questionable not the collegiate group, but

the proper indexing practices. There must be more research into that system as well to ensure that all studies are

properly cataloged and indexed in the accurate classification. In this examination discussion paper it will

clearly be up to the reader and discussion groups to make their hypothesis for self into the moral value, aspects,

and validity within the content of the Spirit, Science, and Health book and the professional sources involved. I

will do my best to give an constructive feedback in regards to the collegiate read and opinion in regards to the

A Examination Discussion 5

indexes used along with the experiments. Each chapter will also have to carry value, measurement into the

content, and I will attempt to convey to the readers the concepts, metrics, and thought process of many of the

professional researchers involved, and what they have gathered within many of the studies to create diverse

religious indexes like, ROS, NIH, NIA, DSES, RII, DUREL, PRSS, and many more indexes.

A Examination Discussion 6

A Examination Discussion of Literature

{Spirit, Science, and Health}

Behavioral health and medicine started creating more indexes back in 1980 one of the first religious

index studies involved heart attack patients whom had type A personalities. Thoresen stated, “Could our

approach to helping them avoid future heart attacks and other problems been more effective if we had at least

inquired about their spiritual and religious beliefs in ways that clearly respected them yet allowed them, if they

were interested to access these beliefs and traditions in coping more effectively with their health problems”

(Thoresen, 2007, p. 3). The index was created as a help for patients to ease their pain and suffrage that was

caused by emotional and behavioral issues. The study was done to give a hypothesis but at the same time teach

patients about spirituality and religion as supposed to being angry and upset which caused them to have heart

attacks and other adverse behavior and reactions within their life.

Spirituality and Studies Regarding Health

Much of today’s spirituality does involve religion or what one may call the great awakening of some

kind. Religions which include; Buddhist, Christian, Agnostic, Muslim, Hebrew, and Believers are all followers

of some sort of spirituality that may be similar but are different in many ways to get to the source of their beliefs

system. Many whom practice religion or spirituality find out at some point in time there is only one source but

diverse way or sources. “Several studies have reported, for example, that persons attending some kind of

religious or spiritual service or ceremony regularly (e.g., once weekly or more) compared to non-attenders live

longer. Living longer is equated with living roughly 7 years longer than non-attenders when random samples of

the general public are used” (Thoresen, 2007, p.4). I must say that this study was done with subjects that where

controlled by some organization or religious cult. Many who used controlled indexes as a way to keep people

under some rule or order that is unknown to the members or those who join their group.

A Examination Discussion 7

Freedom and Religious Practice

Even though the indexes and the research was created for the purpose of study and possibly to control

people along with some aspects of society there is still a thing called free will. When many people read the

Bible or Holy Koran the books give reference to man/woman who was created in the likeness or image of God

be given free will. The Bible stated, “Free will is a precious gift from God, for it lets us love him with our

“whole heart”—because we want to.—Matthew 22:37 and “All that your hand finds to do,” says the Bible, “do

with your very power.”(Ecclesiastes 9:10) It also says: “The plans of the diligent one surely make for

advantage.”—Proverbs 21:5, God created humans in his image. (Genesis 1:26) Unlike animals, which act

mainly on instinct, we resemble our Creator in our capacity to display such qualities as love and justice. And

like our Creator, we have free will.

In the Holy Koran in the regards to free will and the book called Free Will Predestination The Surah

61:5 states, “Then when they went wrong, Allah let their hearts go wrong…”You are free to feel, think or

desire, the initiative in your inner self is entirely yours. God’s intervention takes place at a later stage and

accords with your intentions. He increases the disease of those who already have sickness in their hearts, but if

you would be guided, God will certainly support your effort. God would never predestine you to harbor evil

intentions or a desire to do harm to people” (Holy Koran, 2016). I remember growing up and my father always

telling his children that God gives you free will and not to believe anything else for God Allah gave us free will

to live how we wanted, but to always have moral qualities. One of the many questions within this examination

paper that may be answered is. How much free will was given to the subjects to live and heal properly?

In life the patient must have their compass, map, and watch for the betterment of their healing this can

be done through life professional life coaching in reality. Indeed some note that their religiousness or

spirituality offers them a kind of moral compass or framework” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007, p.4). Considering I

am not part of any religious index that creates a deplorable PIE (person in environment) or creates hardships

A Examination Discussion 8

within people’s lives I have always decided to use my own free will with the ability to do through moral

standards. This is one of the many questions that have to be answered by the subject and professional alike

while conducting indexes and experimentations to insure accuracy and that humane treatment was present.

Question: Was there any feedback given by the subjects in regards to treatment and participation? Often many

go on religious quest and spiritual retreats as a humbling experience to teach or train the ego or inner soul. It

can also be used in diverse methods within society as a way to shrink the ego or even uplift the inner IG or ego.

“Some might call this downsizing the demands of excessive, “fill the room” ego” (Thoresen, 2007, p.5).

However the I am ‘ego’ has to be feed some type of spiritual way to create a functioning person in whatever the

person does to ensure the moral character and fiber is there. Thoresen stated on page 5 of Spirit, Science, and

Health, “Positive with their religious beliefs nor conflicted about them. Those who endorsed spiritual factors

tended to be somewhat more compassionate, accepting of others, wand universal in their outlook” (Plante &

Thoresen, 2007, p.5). Time and again this factor is due to understanding, having moral value, and life

experiences! Upon examining the University read I had to bring upon moral character, ethics, and value to

ensure that all subjects where properly treated in a humane and decent way. Reference: The Bureau of

Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL): This thought is often forgotten by many researchers which is

law in the United States of America for all educational facilities where research is conducted.

As I grew older within life I always knew that I was not one to sale my soul to the devil and give my

lively hood away along with the keys to my soul as you see cruelly portrayed within Hollywood’s movies on

television. I left the churches, mosque, and Synagogues temples in the past to become a true believer. “When

patients face a terminal illness, religious and spiritual factors often figure into their coping strategies and

influence important decisions such as the employment of advance directives, the living will and the Durable

Power of Attorney for Health Care. Considerations of the meaning, purpose and value of human life are used to

make choices about the desirability of CPR and aggressive life-support, or whether and when to forego life

support and accept death as appropriate and natural under the circumstances” (Puchalski et al., 2009;

A Examination Discussion 9

McCormick et al., 2012; Ai, 2008). Patients’ rights are always number one when conducting experimentations

and always have to be enforced.

Anything Can Be Sacred

In spirituality anything can be made sacred in the seekers own life. Rather it be a relationship, a God, a

book, a person, place, or even a thing. Making something sacred is usually done by people or a person. Within

the teaching of Islam many Muslims take a sacred pilgrimage to Mecca or to the Mountains in Medina. Within

Buddhist, Christ, and Hebrew belief many worshipers go to church or the temple on Sunday as a sacred gathers

and to fellowship. “Sacred often refers to what is divine or holy or most meaningful and significant” (Plante &

Thoresen, 2007, p. 5). Sacred is made by man through intention and thought!

Seeking

Within most spiritual or religious book the readers or doers are told to be seekers of understanding,

wisdom, and knowledge. For me this is usually through education, elders, awakening, reading, doing, listening,

and learning. According to the Bible Matthew 7:7-8 in regards to seeking, “Ask, and it will be given to you;

seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who

seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened” (ESV, 2016). Many truly do not understand the word

seek within the Bible for it is a man or woman called a Sheikh which according to Webster dictionary is a

leader within a Muslim community often of male status, but they also have woman leaders within the Muslim

community who are also seekers. These people where often referred to as the Mohr/Moors. Within the spiritual

quest of many we are taught that these things have and will be revealed to them for those who seeks the

knowledge. “In many ways the task of religious institutions, or groups outside of a formal religion, is to provide

the knowledge, understanding, skills, and motivation needed to help individuals make progress on their spiritual

pathways. Some evidence suggests that religious institutions and other community groups are not providing the

needed teaching and learning of spiritual skills and practices that can be used in daily life” (Plante & Thoresen,

A Examination Discussion 10

2007, p. 7). I truly agree with Plante &Thoresen within this topic the tools of healing are always to be given to

those who seek them or ask for them within any educational and health institution, but it is up to the patient

subject to use them for healing purposes.

Many people within religion are still on milk when it comes to any spiritual teaching. I am truly one

who is not a captive of religion or any trickery within religion, but believe in the truth of teaching as do many

others. Often many do not understand the holistic value of the Bible, Torah, Holy Koran, or any Buddhist

teachings which all incorporate Ayurveda (ic) which is the pure science of life. Often too many spiritual leaders

hinder their members or followers by allowing them to sit in the realm of un-educated and mental slavery. What

I learned through study and education on a spiritual level is that each house or group of religious denominations

has something to offer and once you take off the coat of religion, by participating in fellowship and learning

then more will be revealed to the seeker that is part of spirituality and religion. As I too went on my own

spiritual quest I learned the phrase “what difference does it make” and the truth is what difference does it truly

make if it does not make my life better or give me the understanding, knowledge, or wisdom that one truly

needs to make a difference in life or another’s life.

Religion and Spirituality is the Science of Life and can be beautiful if you learn properly. If a spiritual

leader does not know himself how can he teach you to swim and not sink! Within my own spiritual quest I

would often see ministers rub the forehead of members assuming that was the anointing of the head according

to the Bible, but later came to find out that the practice was wrong and many Preachers and Pastors did not

know that the anointing of the head was a Ayurveda massage done to clean out impurities within the mind and

the body. According to the Holy Bible within Mathew 26:6-7 “While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of

Simon the Leper a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on

his head as he was reclining at the table” (NIV, 2016). My studies within Ayurveda teach me that the process

that Jesus went through was Shirodhara massage which is part of the ‘Science of Life’ for cleaning the body and

some aspects of the soul (mind). I never knew this knowledge until I step out of the same old teaching and

A Examination Discussion 11

became a seeker. The lack of skills in using spiritual practices may be the single missing in gradient that

inhibits the kind of spiritual growth that leads to better health and well-being. The question is still to be

answered by the practicing person or the seeker; Are you spiritual or religious?

What’s Good for You?

Many religions do use dogma, ritual practices, control, money, and abusive power to lure people into

their own hyped up teachings that usually fall off into the category of Jim Jones, Bishop-King Louis H.

Narcisse, and a whole variety of other religious leaders who prey on their members’ poverty, vulnerability, free

will, and lively hood. “Others may view organized religion as anti-spiritual in nature” (Plante & Thoresen,

2007, p.6). The truth of the matter is those who choose to seek become more successful rather than those who

dwell. As a true believer that you should never be shifty like wheat but rather a seeker of knowledge to obtain

the truth, what you need in life to live, and friendship. Thoresen stated, “While many church members may be

called dwellers rather than seekers, those comfortable with traditional religion focused on the attending church

as a place of worship” (2007, p. 6). Often times many within religion do not understand that worship can be

done anywhere at home if that is what you choose to do is worship or do many seek to get their souls and life

into a spiritual order. As dominion was given to man and woman I clearly had a good understanding that

seekers are the movers and shakers within society or also referred to as the bees for the teachings within the

Holy Koran tells you that Allah loves the Bees, and you do not have to be Muslim to acknowledge this teaching

nor do you have to be Muslim to be a Bee! Many within religious text do not understand why the Bees get so

much love from Allah called the all in all in the Bible. Reference: 1 Corinthians 15:28. If you have ever read

books on Constructive Living which clearly teaches you, ‘If you put in the work you get the good fortune out’

(Reynolds, 1995). As a woman who lives guilt free and not a wishing well for others. I do believe that when

you put the work in you do get the good fortune out this means with the sweat of your own brow and the work

of your own hands in reality. I have never been one to buy into the amped up false teachings of many

evangelist, preachers, and ministries that teach members deceptively that they can live through others’ for this is

A Examination Discussion 12

not the teachings of the bees, movers, shakers, and doers within society today and not part of spirituality but

maybe some form of religious teachings. In fact this is a lazy theology that teaches members how to lie, cheat,

rob, and steal! Often times many religious organization forget about spirituality and religion and they end up

becoming thief rings heading toward self-destruction which always come to a horrific end. What any person

must know and understand when it comes to religion and spirituality is ‘Seekers move and do and dwellers may

lose focus and never do or grow within their walk in life.’ One should never misconstrued spiritual seeking with

spiritual thief for one walks and the other does not walk or grow!

NIH (National Institutes of Health)

This study was done to examine the number of deaths from attendance verses non-attendance and per

the study, “Frequent religious service attendance (i.e., once weekly or more) predicted lower mortality rates

when compared to those who attended less often or not at all” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007, p. 7). Now from what

I have read is this is from service attendance, but service attendance within spirituality and your God is called

service, but it did not mention if it were an actual building or not. I also gathered that this is a form of

controlled religion. As adults having to be forced to attend any religious service would make anyone spiritualist

hesitate and also a person may assume that the leader would be hesitate to have those people as members. For

eager followers and members create more of a vital spiritual experience. Spirituality and religion is a seeking

substance that is full of ‘ah hah’ moments and is like looking for treasure called wisdom, understanding, and

knowledge it should be refreshing, educating, and joyous for all student learner.

Learning about self within spirituality through diverse forms of religions should be exciting, warming,

and gratifying. When student pupils learn about Allah they learn about the Beneficent, Beneficences,

Benefactor, and Benefits which all come from the All in All according to the Ayurveda studies and Bible.

Allah also referred to as the All in All the energy for the mind produces energy which manifest in reality called

the Buddhi, which is your best friend and your Master Intelligence which Jesus told us to follow when he stated

A Examination Discussion 13

follow MI (me) your mind. Reference: Mathew: 16:24. According to Berean Study Bible “27-God has put

everything under His feet.” Now when it says that everything has been put under Him, this clearly does not

include the One who put everything under Him. 28-And when all things have been subjected to Him, then the

Son Himself will be made subject to Him who put all things under Him, so that God may be all in all” (2016).

As a woman, student, teacher, and learner one thing that I never conformed to become is a subject or a thing,

but one who was taught to have dominion as a woman which is a teaching not taught to all but rather many are

told they are animals or creatures slayed in the spirit. Within their spirituality as a practice called superstition

which also hinder the spiritual walk in life. Meaning examine a person first i.e. their intention and motives

before giving them your trust, belief, or word.

Now within the National Institutes of Health study, “This evidence was seemed “persuasive’ based on

using a set of rigorous criteria to identify well-designed and controlled studies. These findings were provided

by an Expert Panel of the National Institutes of Health” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007, p. 7). Being the Universalist

is a great way to conform within a spiritual and religious walk. This thinking and theology allows for the

person to encirclement diverse cultures and religious aspects for learning and development. This will be a form

of lifelong learning that will carry them and help them to walk on water and keep them from sinking without

obtain or enduring shaky times (nervous disease and sickness) for faith means well and in the Bible is a form of

holistic measurements. “Positive relationships to health were found among students who were not struggling

with their religious beliefs nor conflicted about them. Those who endorsed spiritual factors tended to be

somewhat more compassionate, accepting of others, and universal in their outlook” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007,

p. 5). Parking at one religious port without studying, learning, or growing will never allow the person to excel

or learn about their neighbor or their fellow man in society.

A Examination Discussion 14

The Agenda

In any person’s spirituality, religion, and health quest it is truly up to the person to set the agenda for

what they want and need to incorporate into their gumbo pot or melting pot called a regimen. Truth be told

what works for one person may not work for another. If it is prayer or even a DUA prayer, what prayer is

intended for one person life may not be needed in another man/woman’s life at a particular point in time or

ever? Thoresen clearly states on page 5 of Spirituality, Religion, and Health, “Understandably, there has been a

tendency to confuse if not sometimes misrepresent the evidence by people who have an agenda to promote

(either pro or con) about spiritual and religious benefits. Given all of these studies, why is there such limited

evidence linking spiritual and religious factors with health? I do believe that many people who actually obtain

healing, good health, and excellent living through religion and spirituality keep quiet due to nay sayers and

negative comments about healing and welling being or even believing. The question should be ‘Is it safe to say

you got healed because someone prayed for you or through spiritual quest?

What Came First Prayer or Religion?

From many teachings rather it be Islamic, Christian (Veda), or Buddhist I would say that prayer came

first which turned to ritual, and then formed a religion. Praying or meditating and then assuming ritual will

always cultivate a practice of some kind that forms a religious group or cult then cultivates some form of

energy. Without knowing which came first (e.g., did prayer come before or after the reduction in depression?)

or the relationship reported stable one? Would the same relationship be found if the person’s spiritual

experiences scale score and blood pressure were measured 3 months later compared to just one time?” (Plante

& Thoresen, 2007, p.7). I know for me going to church and praying was something that I learned and choose to

do, but never was forced to attend Sunday service except for when I went to my Grandmother’s home during

vacation and holiday. From what I have learned is when you force someone to do something they will reject it

verse allow a person to make their own choices on what religious teaching they want to choose or even if they

A Examination Discussion 15

want to choose religion at all. Today many organization are using religious indexes that cultivate harsh

punishment on the members which I do believe is illegal in all its forms, but it is also based off the society that

you live along with the country. To me signing up to be part of a torment or chastising religious experiment that

creates a deplorable living environment and conditions would be out of the question, and I always tried to get a

understanding of whom these people are who would sign up for these types of experimentations that indexed

them in some sort of brutal and in-human way? There are also experimentations that do the complete opposite,

but at what cost and penalty?

When Muslims do prayer they do prayer as a ritual, but when believers do prayer is it different, and less

intense because he or she has become a believer and does not have to prove to God that he/she is faithful and

trust him? When Muslims do prayer in the morning, noon, and evening they uses a mat or prayer rug, but a mat

is also considered to be a deity in some religions. According to the Berean Bible the healing at the pool and the

story goes as such, “For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: who so

ever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of what so ever disease he had. 5-One

man there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6-Jesus saw him lying there and realized he had already

been there a long time. “Do you want to get well?” He asked. 7”Sir, replied the sick man, ‘I have no one to help

me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am on my way, someone else goes in before me. 8-Then

Jesus told him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk” (Bible Hub, 2016). This refers to the time when you

cannot just pray but you have to become a busy Bee and do not waste prayers but pick up your mat and walk for

self! Prayer is powerful because of the energy, but there will be a time when you cannot waste any prayer!

Safe or Saved

Many religious educator do not teach their members and flock about the differences between safe and

saved. Much of the belief practices and rituals which include behavior and psychological factors encompass

around the perimeter of the Act. Within Islam the teaching is those whom sit upon raised couches are the winner

A Examination Discussion 16

and also they teach that Allah will put you in a safe place so you can continue on your journey within life.

Within Christianity they teach about the rapture and being caught up or saved up. What is the difference

between the two?

Religious Service

Many people do not understand that service can be 1 of 1 you and your deity, God, or just your family

when it comes to service and praising however you choose to serve. “Currently, the search for possible

mediators of spiritual and religious factors that link such factors indirectly to health is a hot topic. A mediating

factor can be thought of something that helps explain why one factor, such as religious attendance, predicts a

health factor indirectly, such as changes in mortality risk” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007, p. 8). When most people

usually practice religion the order usually goes from; Spirituality, Service, Fellowship.

Discussion of Intercessory Prayer

Intercessory Prayer which means precari is usually a way of being able to pray for someone that you

care for through meditation, energy work, and persistent prayer. “Some connections do exist between spiritual

and religious factors and the health and well-being of people. Just how and in what way these connections

function is a challenging problem, but one well worth the effort? (Plante & Thoresen, 2007). Intercessory pray

I believe can work for your benefit or against you as well. Many people do not know that prayer is thought and

thought is energy which can shape and form any situation. It is through manifestation within reality we create

healing, innovation, creation, and society. A thing called a thought! “The growing collaborations of empirical

scientist with professional religious and spiritual scholars and practitioners bode well. All have much to learn

from each other yet each has a sphere of theory and practice that merits respect and may remain distinctively

different” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007, p.9). Teachings may be diverse from varied religions, but they still

incorporate some form of the same theology when it comes to intercessory prayer.

A Examination Discussion 17

Taking care of the soul and essence is usually done through prayer, meditation, relaxation, proper diet,

and exercise. This involves physical and psychological development which encompasses mind, body, and soul.

“Among religious, prayer has long been considered a central practice. Highly regarded psychology and religion

scholar William James, in his oft quoted passage, noted that prayer is”…the very soul and essence of religion”

(Plante & Thoresen, 2007, p.11). Through prayer you have to be affirmative and also have supplication which is

similar to taking vitamins or your supplements. Supplication is usually through the help of some organization

auxiliary board at a Church, Mosque, Temple, or Synagogue. Many people within religious practice believe

that you can petition God, the High Priest, and Highest through prayer, but Catholic believe that you usually go

to the Priest or the Bishop for supplication. Complementary and alternative therapies in the form of yoga and

chanting is another form of meditation and prayer by using sound to channel or tap into a source. Many today

believe that prayer and intercessory prayer can cure and heal mental illness called relief and belief healing.

Diverse Forms of Prayer

There are diverse forms of prayer that people use for different life situations. Thoresen stated “One

hypothesis to explain the latter finding is that perhaps people who pray more often are prone toward avoidance

methods of coping with stress. Thus, they may fail to take proper action to remedy difficult situations and

perhaps become more focused on their poor health through their concentration on it during prayers that ask for

healing” (2007, p. 13). The belief is pray but take action for when a believer or someone on a spiritual and

religious quest prays they must act, but being a doer of whatever word it is they read. Pray and keep walking is

the theology of most religious until you see the manifestation of the prayer. This theology reverts back to the

Constructive Living quote, “When you put in the work you will get out the fortune” just like working and obtain

a paycheck or going to college and earning the degrees.

Why Auxiliary is Needed?

A Examination Discussion 18

Auxiliary is what you call the support system within spirituality and religion. It is similar to the story

within the Bible of how God took Adams rib to make him a wife called Eve. Auxiliary is; Supplementary,

supportive, ancillary, and assisting it is the backup prayer to assist the main prayer. “In 1991 Poloma and

Pendleton published the results of an interview survey they conducted with over 500 residents of Akron, Ohio.

Based on these data they were able to use statistical methods to identify four distinct types of prayer” (Plante &

Thoresen, 2007, p 14). These forms of prayer are;

(1) Petitionary prayer-requesting that God meet specific material needs of self and friends

(2) Colloquial prayer- a type of conversation with God

(3) Ritual Prayer- recitation of prepared prayers from prayer books i.e. Dogma and Dua prayers

(4) Meditative Prayer- Which involves 1on 1 service or 1 of 1 service focused on God or tapping into a source.

Many light workers, spiritual healers, and energy workers also use another form of healing called Reiki

or Pranic healing which is also known as laying of the hands within the Christian community. Reiki which goes

by many names as; Chi, Kei, Rei, Manna, Barak, and Orenda are diverse names for the word energy or life

force energy that can be used in conjunction with intercessory prayer to promote healing within the body, mind,

and soul. “Strictly speaking, intercessory prayer is prayer said for someone else, that is one individual serves as

the “intercessor” (i.e., one interceding or intervening) for another by offering up prayers on the other’s behalf.

Thus, an intercessory prayer could be said in the presence of the other person, as is done during rituals such as

laying on of hands for healing, or it may be offered from a distance, that is, without the presence of the person

who is the object of the prayers” Muslims usually do a form of Dua prayer as a intercessory prayer for

protection and healing.

Prayer is powerful when you put in the work, and from what I have read controlled prayer or religious

practice has no standing as those whom are not controlled. My question would be why would it be controlled

A Examination Discussion 19

when God gives us free will to do as thy wilt, and even then we can only Do As Thy Wilt after you Know Thy

Self from what you have found out about whom your are and no more than that! Even within prayer it is not

within your will to do and map then prayer may or may not work. Within Dr. Byrd’s experiment, “The

intercessors themselves were all born- again Christians who maintained an active prayer life. The most widely

cited finding from the study was that, on an overall measure of patients’ hospital course, 85 percent of the

prayer group had a good hospital course versus 3 percent of the control group and only 14 percent of the prayer

group had a bad hospital course versus 22 percent of the control group” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007, p. 16). Even

though these studies where done based off the mortality rate and attendance of service goers the fact still

remains of the issue of Deeds. Many fail to realize that the system of judgment is based off of your deeds

which are sins good or bad and within that you get your measure of a man or woman called the balance!

According to Dr. Byrd, “Similarly, the intercessors prayed that the patients would avert death but the data

revealed that there were no differences in mortality, that is a patient in the prayer group was just as likely to die

during the study as a patient in the control group” (Byrd, 1988, p. 16). I am a believer that it truly makes a

difference in whom prays for you and knowledge they have about energy healing. “A response to these

challenges can be found in the work of Harris and colleagues who conducted a somewhat more sophisticated

replication of the Byrd study” (Harris, 1999, p. 16). Within the study the Harris study according to Thoresen

showed no evidence of anything different nor did it show evidence of mortality.

Off Protocol Prayer

Usually off protocol prayer happens when there is a break through and the patient did not know anyone

was praying for them. This usually happens when there is no index or experiment going on. Off protocol

prayer can also be done when there is an urgent stat need for a patients healing or recovery. “Recently the

scientific literature on intercessory prayer was significantly enhanced by two studies that are particularly

noteworthy for both their scientific methods and the fact that both included multiple centers in their

investigations” (Krucoff and colleagues, 2005, p. 17). Within this study their where 748 patients that

A Examination Discussion 20

participated within this study 374 from nine different health centers and 374 whom may have received treatment

from another study or based on other diagnoses and treatments, and once again the patients where cardiac

patients. Within the study patients did know that prayer was being done for them, but however there was no

complications. The off protocol prayer is evident when patients are not told that they are receiving prayer but

acknowledge that someone is praying for them. Within Herbert Benson’s study he as well noted findings within

intercessory prayer for patients. Herbert Benson’s from Medical School findings where as such, “The results

demonstrated that prayer itself had no effect on complication free recovery from the surgery, but in an

interesting twist, the group of patients who were certain that they would receive intercessory prayer form the

research team had a higher incidence of complications than did the patients who received prayer but were

uncertain about it” (2006, p. 17). Within the study there where 3 groups; 1. They may or may not receive

prayer, but obtained prayer 2. They may receive prayer but in actuality they did not receive prayer 3. Those told

they would receive prayer and do receive prayer.

The Importance of Believing

Within prayer and healing it is extremely important for the proper energy work to be done along with

prayer. Word without work are just dead words. What I have found is this; Prayer, Energy Healing, and

Believing work together in conjunction. There is a systematic way of obtaining and achieving healing.

Encouraging the patient to believe that the healing and prayer can and will work is the study that needs to be

done. The 2006 study by Masters (K.S) was a null and void study that did not included Dr. Benson’s analysis.

The Masters study did not show any evidence on the effects of prayer. Masters (K.S.) stated, “When the results

were analyzed, including the one study that had suspicion of false findings, a small effect for intercessory

prayer was obtained; however, when this suspect study was excluded no effect for intercessory prayer was

found” (2006, 18). Many of the practitioners whom give energy healing i.e. Reiki, Pranic healing, and Laying

on of the Hands also incorporate energy and encourage the patient to believe. The teaching that should go along

with the healing should also include “Mind Over What is the Matter.”

A Examination Discussion 21

Doctors and God

In society today many patients make a profound complaint that many Doctors are attempting to play

God. Indeed God is created in the image of man (woman), but it is also up to the patient to seek their God and

put in the work of taking care of self. God in the form of Doctor for God can also be a doctor if you give him

that power or rather seek his council for help and yes indeed I am talking about a medical M.D. In science there

are always medical research break through that can help the patient, but I would never tell a patient just to give

up according to a M.D. but always seek the advice from other medical council and the highest power. Believe

for a Break Through can be profound within discovery and healing and the patients even within the study do not

have to accept the study findings but become a seeker of healing. “The data that are analyzed in each study

consist of grouped findings; the average result for one group is compared with the average result from the other

group. But within each group some individuals go better than others and across groups some of those in the

control group do better than some in the prayer group” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007, p. 19). The studies where

completely incorrect and wrong! The groups forgot to incorporate healing by energy and believing that you are

healed. The study also forgot to incorporate holistic health and nutrition for all these things work together when

it comes to healing and a patient’s quality of care. Things that should have been incorporated are; Prayer,

Energy Healing, Human Touch, Love, Friendship, and Believing in self, and a Higher Power!

Coping (Prayer or the Pill)

Prayer or the pill is a big factor when you are dealing with patients who use prayer vs over indulging in

over the counter medications and they also utilize the power of prayer. Pain medications and other medications

that patients are prescribed are ok, but along with the prayer, and energy healing the entire system of healing

needs to be holistic (being made whole). When you do a prayer study and do not incorporate the entire regimen

of holistic health then you take short cuts and only get less than half the results. Within the city of Berkeley

California and also San Francisco, California you can find a treasure chest of holistic practitioners and Doctors

A Examination Discussion 22

that incorporate Holistic healing along with prayer. This entire process indeed is collaborative of diverse

methods of healing, holistic health by making or attempting to make someone whole, and prayer. “Other

investigators noted that prayer may indeed be part of a passive or deferring coping style, however, it may

alternately be part of what has been called a collaborative coping strategy, one in which the individual

beseeches God’s help with the situation but also recognizes that she/he must be an active partner in solving the

problem” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007, p. 20). Becoming the believer for deleterious effects of illness within the

body! According to Plante & Thoresen on page 21 of ‘Spirit, Science, and Health,’ “In a separate analysis of the

same sample, Krause found that feelings of self-worth were highest when individuals believed that only God

knows when and how to best answer prayer.

In contrast, self-esteem was lower among individuals who believed that prayers were answered

immediately and believed that they get what they ask for” (Krause, 2003, p. 21). The study should of also

incorporated, walking and not waiting, but teaching the patient to push through the illness and recovery, not

thinking lower of yourself, because healing involves higher thinking which also incorporates believing, and also

taking account of your actions, spiritually standing & walking and never generating a Violet the Grape type of

attitude within healing. The slave mind will not generate healing of self when a patient is ill and trying to

survive even within prayer the patient has to also pray in a collaborative effort with whomever is praying for

them, but most importantly praying for self for self-preservation is key, vital, and law for survival! Dr. Julie

Exline and colleagues the use of prayer was found to predict better mood among posttraumatic stress disorder

patients” (2005, p. 21). This is truly when supplication comes in and plays a vital role including auxiliary

within the patient’s life within the church this can be the Missionary board, Mothers Board, Nuns in the

Catholic Diocese, Outreach Committee, Deacons, Deaconesses, and the Prayer Team. Within praying for a

subject or patient with any research study that involves prayer teams there should always be scriptures, Dua’s,

and Surah’s to be adhered to and administered for optimal health.

Surah

A Examination Discussion 23

‘And no bearer of burdens will bear the burden of another. And if a heavily laden soul calls [another] to

[carry some of] its load, nothing of it will be carried, even if he should be a close relative. You can only

warn those who fear their Lord unseen and have established prayer. And whoever purifies himself only

purifies himself for [the benefit of] his soul. And to God is the [final] destination’ (Surah Fatir 35:18).

Bible

In the time of his disease did he trespass yet more (Mohr/Moor)? 2 Chron. 28.

To intrude; to go too far; to put to inconvenience by demand or importunity; as, to trespass upon the

time or patience of.

Buddhist

Man is not a fallen creature who begs for his needs as he awaits mercy. According to Buddhism, man is

a potential master of himself. Only because of his deep ignorance does man fail to realize his full

potential. Since the Buddha has shown this hidden power, man must cultivate his mind and try to

develop it by realizing his innate ability (Thera, 2016).

Within all teachings of all religions the practice of walking and doing within mind, body and soul is

required to obtain healing and excellent health. The patient has time to reflect, atone, and act on their own

health condition to better their situation by believing and becoming the Doer! The patient should be taught

to pray in whole not in part meaning; pray to become a whole person not just for a mending.

A Few Good Measures

Every man and woman have their own spiritual measurements and no two are alike. “One lesson learned

that day by runners and marathon officials was that measurement is very important. In research too,

measurement is very important. Without good measurement, the data that are collected in the process of doing

a research study are of little, if any, value. During this time the patient must answer the quest. Do you want to

be saved or safe? During the patient’s recovery and treatment he or she must understand that their greatness

A Examination Discussion 24

measurements will be different. They will not be measured by their wealth, but rather a system of how they

believe, pray, feel, attitude, values and behavior. The measure or a man within healing and Buddhist text is the

mind and the Buddhi. How can the patient use his mind and thoughts through prayer to heal himself/herself?

These measurements usually fall into the category of alternatives to self-report measures and guidance for

choosing a measure. How far in-depth within the research does the patient want to go, how much prayer will he

need, and how long will the research and intercessory praying last? Other measurements within these

researches and indexes that were used are; general measurement issues and RS variables and related measures

of importance to health researchers.

Within the study the measurements are done in calculations or metrics or by using mathematics calculus

using balance & options which measure the distance of the patient’s ability to sustain. Which is calculated and

given value which equals out to the power of prayer or notating how much prayer the patient used. “Though

measurement issues are inherently important to empirical researchers, they are also relevant to healthcare

providers, social workers, clinical psychologist, and virtually any applied professional in the helping

disciplines, which, in the case of the RS variable, would include religious leader such as clergy, youth leaders,

spiritual directors chaplains, and the like” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007, p. 26). When doing a research so once all

data is collected the measures are by law and by are the measurements like religious policies that carry weight

and value, so must be the measurement findings. “Therefore, when beginning the search for RS measures,

theoretical clarity is imperative” (Hill, 2000, p.27). Within measures you use pros and cons to measure and

balance equally so the beams must be accurate. “The two most important technical issues to consider are the

scale’s reliability and validity. The more reliable and valid a measure is, the more useful it is for conducting

scientific research” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007, p. 27). Within the research study there will be measurements

that will be done in a permitted amount of time for measurements in a certain time and space within the study is

also a theology and time is truth and gives accurate measurements, so all research must be accurate within these

indexes and truthful or they are called mull or null research reports with no standing ground. In due time the

A Examination Discussion 25

truth of the experiment will manifest or be a null hypothesis! “In inferential statistics, the term "null

hypothesis" usually refers to a general statement or default position that there is no relationship between two

measured phenomena, or no association among groups.[1] Rejecting or disproving the null hypothesis—and thus

concluding that there are grounds for believing that there is a relationship between two phenomena (e.g. that a

potential treatment has a measurable effect)—is a central task in the modern practice of science, and gives a

precise criterion for rejecting a hypothesis” (Wikipedia, 2016). Because these index experiments are being

done on people there would be no need for a Beta research based on the severity of the health of the patients in

which the majority of them where cardiac disease patients. “Internal consistency is most often measured by a

statistic called Cronbach’s alpha, which ranges from 0 to 1.0 with a higher value indicating greater consistency.

Alpha levels of RS constructs preferably are above 0.80 but frequently are acceptable around 0.70” (Hill, 2005,

p. 27). When the index and report is created there must be accurate validity or value along with content validity.

This will encompass every aspect of the person spiritual health. There is also constructive validity which is a

form of formulation and formation of a person’s religious & spiritual make up.

Measurement in Specific Religious and Spiritual Domains Related to Health

When you deal with spiritual domains you deal with realms, “Religion and spirituality are complex

multidimensional phenomena. These phenomena’s are realms. When you are using intercessory prayer you

deal with realms and the energy healing. Scales within the spiritual realm can deal with music and levels of

realms and the depth of these realms. Just like the Science of Life called Ayurveda which teaches about life and

death and activation of realms there is also measurements. The question should have been what are the

measurements of the scales and realms of a person if they have no religion at all. “Though numerous

multidimensional measures exist (Hill & Hood devote an entire section of their compendium to

multidimensional measures), one deserves special mention here. The Fetzer Institute/National Institute of

Aging Working Group created a 38 item Multidimensional Measure of Religion and Spirituality that includes

items from 10 different RS domains (8 of which are the domains around which this section is later structured)”

A Examination Discussion 26

(Fetzer,1999). Even though the Fetzer Institute did a study that eventually created an index it carries no validity

or weight if it cannot give a full hypothesis that includes the measurement of someone whom may leave religion

or recovers after leaving the hospitals care facility.

Being a pure believer, college student, and professional whom is not warped or Semantic in such a way

that I do not see the bottom and top line of the research. For I do not get involved in arguing the fact of

incomplete and indecisive indexes, or experimentation within my own personal life, but as a college student

learner and professional I would like to see the research and hypothesis within a study of those who do not have

religion and what would they do and how would they get healing from prayer or energy work? “The Fetzer-NIA

scale has adequate reliability and validity and has been included in the 1997-1998 General Social Survey (GSS),

A random annual survey of Americans conducted by the National Opinion Research Center, Where the

generalizability of the measure-at least to the U.S. population-was established” (Fetzer,1999). The key name

and phrase is ‘National Opinion Research Center” The information is based mainly on opinions not all facts, but

the facts that where gather leave to many open end questions within the hypothesis that still need to be

answered. Thoresen stated, “Plante and Boccaccini designed the Santa Clara Strength of Religious Faith

Question-naire, which utilizes language open enough to be applicable for the general public, not simply the

“religious.” A short form of the Santa Clara measure has also been developed. Similarly, Piedmont’s Spiritual

Transcendence Scale and Hood’s Mysticism Scale measure a general spiritual orientation that is not limited to

any specific religious tradition. (Piedmont, 1999). Scales also involve balances and within religions and

measurements the scales of religion deal with principalities that a person may struggle with or for and some do

not struggle at all, but within the index their must always be options because God is free will. Many Christian

Believe, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against

the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12,

BSB). Within the treatment, recovery, and healing of a patient he or she may be going through their own

problems and grief’s, so it is always best that those who monitor and pray for the patient know exact ly what it is

A Examination Discussion 27

the patient needs prayer for and in which areas of the patients life. Every aspect of life including the spice aka

the quality of the patient’s life also has to be taken into consideration the total man or woman. “Hill and

Pargament suggested that those who see the world in largely spiritual terms will likely have a greater

appreciation for the sacred and will see the sacred as encompassing the totality of life” (Hill, P.C. & Pargament,

KI, 2003). When the realms of spirituality are revealed to the patient or person then they respect the power of

the realms within healing and the ones delivering the intercessory prayer. Never the less the patients must still

be able to learn how to tap into the realm of healing and energy for self for becoming a person who can access

multidimensional is something that can actually be taught to the patient in a non-detrimental ways through

access. Purposes for doing research include;

(1) You must be interested in doing the research

(2) You must be clear on what the research is for

(3) Determine the population you plan on targeting for your hypothesis

(4) Always use measurements that include balance, scales, and options

(5) Have a concept and be flexible with your patients. You want to also be analytical where you see both

sides of the spectrum of things. This is usually used within the scale measurements of perception.

Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale (DSES)

The Daily Spiritual Experiences Scale was created to measure an individual’s interaction with the

transcendent on a daily basis. Within the scale there are diverse ranges, “A 38-item scale designed to measure

individual faith and spiritual journey which aims to avoid questions associated with any specific religious

tradition. Respondents answer each question using a 6-point Likert-type scale, ranging from Strongly Disagree

to Strongly Agree” (Underwood, 2002). This scale allows the research team to have a better understanding on

how the patient communicates with the transcendent, how they pray, what they think in regards to a Superior or

Supreme Being, and do they believe in God. Much of this research was pure observation and data collection

with a hypothesis statement “With a respect for theistic traditions built into it, as well as inclusion of items that

A Examination Discussion 28

are often more widely accessible, the DSES has the capacity to both bridge differences and find common

ground. The experiences addressed have importance to many people and can provide a connection to other

aspects of life. As religious connections becomes stronger for many, and at the same time many people become

alienated from organized religion, this instrument can address the religiousness/spirituality of a variety of kinds

of people. The focus on experience rather than belief helps this, and its intercultural utility has been confirmed

in a variety of cultures world-wide. Differences and similarities may influence various features of life.”

(Underwood, 2011). The DSES scale gives a better understanding of when people become closer to God

when they are sick verses not being sick at all. The DSES monitored the sacred moments of the 83 patients

involved to measure the spirituality which included prayer, belief, practice, and intercessory. To see if there

were any undeviating changes within the patients belief and prayer.

Religious Orientation Scale (ROS)

The ROS experimentation was designed to monitor religious motivation intrinsic and extrinsic

measurements that are commonly used within religion that may encourage a person’s religious participation

and what may make the patient keener to worship and praise. Gorsuch and McPherson applied several decades

worth of research on the ROS to create the 14 Item Revised Religious Orientation Scale (what they called I -

E/R), which is perhaps the best measure of intrinsic and extrinsic religious orientation available: (Gorsuch &

McPherson, 1989). The shortcomings of the research may contribute to factors of not having enough data that

is informative to after the experimentation of what may happen to the patient’s condition, health, lively hood,

and outcome. The measurement of a conversion of religion, a person becoming a believer, or atheist is also a

major factor within the scale. This information contributes to how the person depends and does not depend on

religion as a person or dedicated parishioner, believer, and petitioner. In regards to the ROS index Thoresen

wrote, “This willingness to enter into “an open-ended, responsive dialogue with existential questions raised

by the contradictions and tragedies of life” exemplifies what they refer to as a quest religious orientation for

which they have developed a specific measure” (Gorsuch & McPherson, 1989). The measurements that are

A Examination Discussion 29

collected through written data and calculated from beginning to end of the experiment measure the patients’

spiritual belief from start and make note if any changes occur during the patient’s treatment.

Duke Religious Index

The Duke Religious Index which is also called the- DUREL – is used by private spiritual practices

whenever they request a spiritual study be done on a patient. According to Thoresen whom stated within his

book Spirit, Science, and Health, “The Duke Religious Index (DUREL) has a “non organizational or private

religious expression” scale consisting of one item. The entire DUREL consists of five items, measures

organizational and intrinsic religiousness in addition to non organizational religiousness, and has good

psychometric properties” (Thoresen, 2007). Other scales that may have been used in conjunction with the –

DUREL- scale is the (CRS) The Centrality of Religiosity Scale which was formed by Stefan Huber 1,* and

Odilo W. Huber; Faculty of Theology, Interreligious Studies, University of Berne, Unitobler,

Länggassstrasse 51, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland, Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Rue de

Faucigny 2, CH-1700 Fribourg, Switzerland; When we think or learn about Dianetics which is a conditional

state (pertaining to going through the net of the mind). When does the Dianetics and the build and

manifesting within the mind make a person ill turning into possible Diabetics (pertaining to what makes the

mind stupid · unintelligent · ignorant · dense · brainless). Often we see within bodily illness a form of mental

illness evident within that patient state of being whom have developed diabetes and other diseases like cancer,

hepatitis, pancreatic cancer, gallbladder disease, and sometime from too much fungus within the blood that

spreads through a sinus infection. Sickness and illness can also affect the relationship a person has with God,

religion, and their spirituality. Much of these religious scales can monitor the mind and how it manifest,

changes, or develops over time. This can also be done through aging, life changes, and religious practice

changes for willing coessential patients.

A Examination Discussion 30

Rather you are a religious group or denomination the support while going through any religious index is

required if not then the index should be voided. “Kahn and Antonucci speak of a suppon convoy, which

consists of a group of like-minded people who share similar worldview and values and who will walk through

life together” (Kahn & Antonucci, 1980). Qualitative research is an excellent way to collect data in regards to

the quality of the experiment and elevated spirituality that a patient may obtain during their experimentation.

How Doctors fail when putting a patient into an index scale experiment is by not choosing the correct

experiment for that patient.

One the patient has to fully understand that they will be included into an experimentation and what will

happen this includes legal documentation and all with no hidden agenda i.e. no thief of any kind, forged

signature, or deplorable state of condition unless this is explained to the willing patient in person and writing.

Many researchers learned about bad research practices through the Kaiser Tribunal Trials, The Immortal Life of

Henrietta Lacks, and the Tuskegee Experiments These measures must be taken to prevent the patient from

obtain harm, poverty, and un-willing practices by the Doctors and contributors. Like before there must always

be a purpose for the research. With all research we learn by watching and then doing through what is called trial

and error within the medical field. Religion can be an extreme sensitive thing to many and others who are

learning it may not be taken in such a solemn way.

Much of the influence of the research is also the PIE of the person which is considered the (Person in

Environment). How does the person’s environment influence their religious belief and their healing and

recovery process? The learning process of children and adults are contributed much through the environment

they live in and work in. Within learning standards make up much of the cognitive learning process and these

standards are usually given to us by teachers, peers, and parents. This also is the norm for religious and

spiritual beliefs as well! Muslims and some believer believe, “Islam celebrates Muhammad as a “beautiful

exemplar” (uswa hasana, Qur’an 33:21). Hindu scriptures affirm that “What the outstanding person does, others

will try to do. The standards such people create will be followed by the whole world” (Bhagavad Gita 3:21).

A Examination Discussion 31

The Bhagavad Gita went on to say, “9. Endowed with eight special qualities Kalki Avatar will be endowed

with eight special qualities. These qualities are wisdom, respectable lineage, self-control, revealed knowledge,

valour, measured speech, utmost charity and gratitude. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) had all these eight special

qualities.a) Wisdom – He was very wise. It is no wonder that several people approached him for guidance, even

before he claimed to be a prophet. Peace be Upon the Prophet Muhammad!

Much of the standards of religion consist of; Belief, practices, and models this all helps the child and the

adult to put spirituality into a perspective within their own life through growth spiritual and physical and health

wise. To sum is “A spiritual modeling perspective seeks to understand the combined implications of these two

principles” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007). Good understanding for the patient and the Doctor; why taking blood

has nothing to do with spirituality, but clean and unclean behavior does, so standards and moral character

always play a vital influence within any experimentation data collection and notation.

Why It is Important for Patients to Believe While Healing

Once again it is mind over what is the matter. The mind being a powerful tool that can heal the entire

body if the patient believes and is taught the proper way to heal themselves through classes i.e. Pranic healing,

Reiki, Holistic studies, energy healing, light workers, and alternative medicine. The patient can also learn how

to meditate properly to even see the source of sickness and heal that way. When it comes to believe there really

does not have to be any practice to become a believer. Believing is usually done through doing and seeing or

even a great phenomenon of some kind. When it comes to believe ritual does not have to even exist most

patients just KNOW! Some may believe or become believers through spirituality which may come through or

from isolation, comfort, awakening, or a near death experience like illness. “In the SMHF framework, effects

from spiritual models are not seen as arising totally independently of a person’s spiritual beliefs and practices.

Rather, spiritual models, beliefs, and practices are seen as interacting and mutually supportive, perhaps akin to

different food groups within a balanced diet” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007). Usually within religion there are;

A Examination Discussion 32

Spiritual Models (A person, place, or thing), Spiritual Practices (ritual), and Beliefs (facts, seeing, doing,

miracles, and phenomena’s). When it comes to meditation do what works because repetitive ritual that gives

temporary fixes calls for better measurements. The patient the person must find their religious stick or what

works best for self their mind body, and soul In spirituality there are always cue words that can cause healing

maybe a time in your life when you felt good, maybe a song or poem. What can trigger spiritual awakening

healing etc. can also involve DUA prayers, Mantras’ for meditations and possible Biblical Passages. Even

reading many of the Holy Books like the Bible, Koran, Torah (Tanach), Ayurveda, and Veda Books can give

the patient insight on holistic healing. Bases: Every plant and food within these books where mentioned only for

holistic properties for healing purposes!

Teaching the patient I n I which is inspiration and integrated meditation! Thoresen stated, “A fourth

intervention that supports learning from spiritual models is a well-studied form of meditation called

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), or Mindfulness Training, developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the

University of Massachusetts Medical School. MBSR teaches a type of sitting meditation, which involves

focusing the mind on the breath. Considerable evidence now suggests that MBSR fosters better health outcomes

among patient groups” (2007, p. 50). The patient themselves can also create a list of Biblical text that they may

want to integrate into their life (what they want) to help them heal per the patient. This is what you call

integrated meditation. From chanting a mantra or through reciting a Biblical text, Surah, or Dua prayer it is up

to the patient. “A final intervention that supports learning from spiritual models involves an integrated set of

practices, called the Eight Point Program (EPP). The EPP provides many opportunities to learn from spiritual

models, as described in detail by Flinders, Oman, and Flinders (this volume). The core of the EPP is a form of

sitting meditation, termed passage meditation” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007, p. 50). Often vibration sounds along

with, intention cause healing but the patient stull must believe in conjunction with the meditation.

A Examination Discussion 33

Meditation

Meditation can become perennial simply for the reason of comfort, healing, and preventative

measurements, “The importance accorded meditation by the perennial philosophy-the common core of wisdom

and worldview that lies at the heart of each of the great religions –is based on three crucial assumptions;

assumptions that speak to vital aspects of our nature and potential as human beings” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007,

p. 56). Meditation is a state that cause awareness on something and helps the person to focus in a state of being.

The meditation of a person can be done to foster; joy, happiness, bliss, relief and self-awareness. Meditation

can also be done to manifest a reality into existence. “A common division is into concentration and awareness

types of meditation. Concentration practices attempt to focus awareness on a single object such as the breath or

a mantra (internal sound)” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007, p. 59). Breathing exercises help the patient client from

drawing inward and help them to focus on the more important things within life rather than what may be

bothering them within their mind and body. “The type of attention: Concentration meditations aim for

continuous focus primarily on one object, such as the breath or an inner sound. Awareness or open meditations

aim for fluid attention to multiple or successively chosen objects” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007, p. 59). This form

of medication helps with oxygen flow within the body helping the cells to breathe and rejuvenate the molecular

cell structure often damaged from sickness and disease.

Meditation is a form of waking up to body, mind, and soul within the reality to what is in the now.

According to Abraham Maslow who’s theology I do not use, “…what we call ‘normal’ in psychology is reality

a psychopathology of the average, so undramatic and so widely spread that we don’t even notice it ordinarily”

(1968). The meditative state makes you look a bit deeper into the Psych or subconscious mind to find the

problem or the solution to your problem. Meditation is a form of making yourself whole. Even when you are

working and focusing on a project that is a form of meditation. “Walsh identified traditional aims of meditation

practice as including “the development of deep insight into the nature of mental processes, consciousness,

A Examination Discussion 34

identity, and reality, and the development of optimal states of psychological well-being and consciousness”

(Walsh, 1999, p. 19). The total aim is to achieve optimal health and well-being.

This would be body, mind, and soul which is focusing on self and self only during the time of healing.

Teaching the patient I n I which is inspiration and integrated meditation! Thoresen stated, “A fourth

intervention that supports learning from spiritual models is a well-studied form of meditation called

Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), or Mindfulness Training, developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the

University of Massachusetts Medical School. MBSR teaches a type of sitting meditation, which involves

focusing the mind on the breath. Considerable evidence now suggests that MBSR fosters better health outcomes

among patient groups” (2007, p. 50). The Doctor and involved Medical Center/University should always allow

the patient participant to create their own model if need be to find out what works for them. People are different

based off weight, height, skin color, and hair type. What condition one man/woman has may not be the case of

patient number 2. If you quote the 23 psalms that may not be needed for the 1st patient my motto is ‘every

person is not walking through the valley of the shadow of death, so why use that bible verse. Vibrational

meditation may be needed for patient number 2.

Analysis of Research

When doing an analysis of recent research there are factors to take into consideration like cognition and

creativity, interpersonal relationships, long term retreats, self-concept, empathy, and spirituality. “One hundred

and fifty-four Chinese high school students were randomized into a TM group or a napping group. At 6 month

follow-up the TM group showed improvement on creativity, anxiety, information processing time, and practical

intelligence as compared to the contemplation group” (So, 2001, p. 61). What the experiment proved is how

rest helped the condition of the mind to help students’ better focus, create, and think.

A Examination Discussion 35

The Eight Point Program

A program that was created at the University of California, Berkeley which was developed specifically

to help students particularly college students who were planning on entering into the working world. The

program was created and developed in 1960, but it was later structured in 1910-1999 by Eknath Easwaran. “The

EPP enlist classical contemplative practices likes meditation and mantram repetit ion to support laypeople as

they address the daily challenges of today’s time-pressured, multitasking, relentlessly competitive workplace”

(Easwaran, 1991/1978, p.72). The points within the eight point program to help students focus are: 1. Passage

Meditation; distractions, 2. Mantram Repetition; negative thinking 3. Slowing Down; chronic hurry, 4. One

Pointed Attention; compulsive, 5. Training the Senses; sensory overload, 6. Putting Others First; self-absorption

7.Spiritual Association; social and spiritual isolation, and 8. Inspirational Reading Total EPP program;

disillusion. “The Epp Systematically reconciles a householder’s need for daily coping supports with a deep

contemplative engagement with wisdom traditions, traditionally a prerogative of monastics and religious

orders” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007, p. 90). To this date I am not certain if Easwaran still teaches classes at UC

Berkeley but after the enrollment of over 500 students who needed to deal with the stress of everyday life. The

current yoga classes available that deal with meditation and breathing are; Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa Yoga,

Restorative Yoga, and Sports Yoga.

When Yoga is performed often meditation works in conjunction with Mantrams/Mantrans which are

words or phrases that create a vibrational sound. In this regard, mantram repetition is similar to “thought

stopping,” a well-known technique from behavioral therapy. Furthermore, by interrupting rumination or other

maladaptive (“fight or flight”) responses to stress, a mantram may help elicit the opposite of a physiological

stress response, the relaxation response” (Benson, 1997, p.97). This is done to create a heighten awareness of

body, mind, and soul. The three philosophical assumptions of Mantrams are: (1) all humans inherently possess

access to a reservoir of spiritual resources experienced as peace, loving kindness, compassion, goodness,

altruism, joy, health, and wholeness. (2) These resources often go untapped because our minds are agitated and

A Examination Discussion 36

unaware of them. (3) Mantram repetition is a tool to focus, calm, and quiet the mind, enabling us to tap these

spiritual resources. Within the Eastern Philosophy of Islam they use DUA which are recited repeatedly that

have the same affect but work to help the student/patient with clarity of self and life.

Compassion, Promoting Greater Health, Religion/Spirituality

Often times people mistake compassion as feeling someone else’s pain when it is the complete opposite!

Compassion can be defined as, “(1) an awareness of another’s pain perception of reality, an d psychological

state; (2) a feeling of kindness; (3) a desire to alleviate the suffering; and (4) doing what is within one’s power

and ability to alleviate the suffering” (Plante &Thoresen, 2007, p. 116). Within Spirit, Science, and Health

Thoresen elaborated in-depth about compassion and the mind and how the mind reacts to compassion. He also

gave more depiction in regards to compassion and world religion, compassion and health, compassion and

negative emotions, positive emotions and health, religion/spirituality and health, volunteering, and forgiveness.

Thoresen stated, “Helping others was significantly correlated with the compassionate view of others subscale on

the Ironson-Woods Spirituality/Religiousness Index. Having a compassionate view of others was also correlated

with healthier psychosocial status, increased social support, helping others, disclosing HIV status to partners,

and longer survival status” (2007, p. 122). Those who give compassion must understand the importance of

‘Self Preservation’ take care of self-first then you can take care of others.

Having too much compassion is often seen by care givers, community workers, and family members

taking care of love ones with health issues. For some people, demonstrating a high level of compassion for

others can lead to feeling overwhelmed by their suffering, and can result in emotional and physical costs rather

than benefits. “Compassion fatigue” or “caregiver burnout” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007, p. 123). Compassion

for self as well as others is needed. Often times you see this caregiver burnout when woman are taking care of

their husbands that may be sick and ailing often times people forget to ask the caregivers are they ok and how

are they doing as well. The caregivers need compassion as well! Having good understanding that empathy and

A Examination Discussion 37

sympathy are necessary within practice and experimentation along with caregiving of patients and clients this

lets the patient have an understanding of, ‘I do not feel your pain, but I have compassion for you and

understand somewhat of what you are going through.’ Being of the healing world I understand compassion, but

I understand caring for self as well as a Reiki Master Teacher.

Spirituality and Dealing with Sickness and Death

The call in life is of extreme importance and it helps people find their place within their calling! Even

through sickness a person may find out what their calling in life is and what is required of them i.e. maps and

compass. “Whenever we face new challenges or complain of anxiety, depression, or a host of other problems,

we have another opportunity to discover our callings, to ask, “What should I do with my life? “A calling or

vocation (from the Latin, vocare) originally meant to be called by God to celibate religious life?” (Plante &

Thoresen, 2007, p. 129). The protocol that must be involved even when doing research must involve;

Discovery; of self, Detachment; things that make us sick or not well in life, Discernment; be aware of self,

people, and our surroundings, and Direction; which way are you going in life?

When researchers do conduct their experimentation in regards to religion and spirituality it is always

best to address the patient’s total life to find solutions and resolution of the illness. To make the patient a whole

they want to find out about past life issues which include; work, relationships, education, life style i.e. drugs &

alcohol and other factors that may help or hinder healing. “Commonly used measures such as strength of

religious faith, spiritual salience, and private or public religious activities might be considered in part as

reflections of an individual’s R/S orienting system” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007, p. 156). Factors to take into

consideration when dealing with preventative measurements and screening are; Health Behaviors, Screening

Practices, and Treatment Decisions. “Other investigators have begun to explore religious responses to care at

the end of life rather than during earlier phases of diagnosis and treatment (see Chapter 12 for a more extensive

discussion). End-of-life care has become a topic of considerable concern in both medical and public discourse,

A Examination Discussion 38

as reflected most poignantly in the recent Terri Schiavo case” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007, p. 162). Within Spirit,

Science, and Health Thoresen went on to elaborate on; General R/S Orientation and Adjustment to Cancer,

Initial Approaches to Studying Religious/Spiritual Coping, Multidimensional Approaches to Studying

Religious/Spiritual Coping, Spiritual Outcomes, Religious/Spiritual Interventions. “Other investigations have

focused on patients with advanced disease. Among patients receiving palliative care, religious struggle was

related to poorer overall QOL, while positive religious coping was tied to better QOL, after controlling for

demographics and self-efficacy” (Thoresen, 2007). Within any study the patient’s quality of life must always

be taken into consideration and the humane values must be present within the research and the care of the

patients.

Do you have direction, a map, and a compass? What is your life plan? “Helping people develop their

own vital balance, the calling protocol draws upon their natural resources-their personal strengths and values-to

help them find greater joy and purpose in life” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007, p. 139). Furthermore Thoresen stated

on page 139 of Spirit, Science, and Health, “Finally, the calling protocol turns research in positive psychology

into positive action, for as psychologists Martin Seligman and Christopher Peterson have affirmed, “The best

therapists do not merely heal damage: they help people identify and build their strengths and their virtues”

(Seligman, M.E.P. & Peterson, 2003). “The key word is ‘Action’ taking into action the protocol of the research

which will help the patient to make it through as much as possible, so compassion is needed by the researchers

and the research team. “Longitudinal studies using both quantitative and qualitative approaches are needed to

further our understanding of how and for whom spiritual changes unfold over the trajectory of illness.

Additionally, there is a need to explore changes in other related constructs such as spiritual strivings, spiritual

doubts, and found meaning (i.e., order and purpose)” (Emmons, 2005, p. 168). The questions that must still be

answered within religion and spirituality are; Relationship, How do relationships and health change, and

dimensions of health.

A Examination Discussion 39

Thoresen went onto speak on the topic of HIV/Aids in regards to spirituality and HIV/AIDS. According

to spirituality in the face of HIV as a life-threatening disease, “Few studies examined the role of spirituality in

longevity with HIV. Barosso et al. Discovered themes among long-term non-progressors with HIV to which

they attributed their health. The four themes were: finding meaning in HIV/AIDS, taking care of their health

(physical and mental), perceiving human connectedness (supportive relationships and helping others), and

spirituality (belief in a supportive, protective higher power, and surrender to a higher power” (2007, p. 176).

Thoresen went on to discuss; Antiretroviral Treatment-The Quantum Change in the History of HIV, Spirituality

in the Face of HIV as a Chronic Disease, Spirituality, Depressive Symptoms, and the Health of People with

HIV/Aids, Spiritual Coping as a Path to Turning HIV into a Positive Life Change, Spirituality as a Source of

Hope and Coping with HIV, Spiritual Growth and HIV Disease Progression. “In contrast to Ironson et al.,

Milam did not find a relationship between posttraumatic growth and HIV disease progression over 19 months in

412 people with HIV (87 percent male; 40 percent Latin, 39 percent white, 15 percent African American).

However, all participants were taking ART and the observational period was too brief to expect meaningful

disease progression. In addition, spiritual change is just one aspect of the Posttraumatic Growth Index, which

also includes new possibilities, relating to others, personal strength, and appreciation of life” (Plante &

Thoresen, 2007, p. 184). Teaching the patient themselves to tap into the scale of the realms for healing through

meditation, chants, vibrational sound, energy, and believing changing their though process can help reverse

diagnoses, and conditions!

Spirituality, Religion and the Quality of Care at the End of Life

Within the majority of the studies that were used as an example within Thoresen Spirit, Science, and

Health book focus on patients who are ill or at the end of their life cycle. The majority of these patients have

cardiac disease, cancer, Aids, and other life threating diseases and ailments. The bottom-line question is do

patients become more spiritual when faced with death or do they stray away from spirituality, religion, and what

man calls God! “Spirituality is a term that has proven difficult to define. Despite this elusive quality, the notion

A Examination Discussion 40

resonates in our postmodern world, as a past sources of authority such as religious traditions are called into

question and individuals are left to construct meaning as best they can” (Plante & Thoresen, 2007, p. 191).

Remarking Thoresen writings he made note on specific topics to reiterate what he was elaborating on in regards

to spirituality, religion, and the quality of care at the end of life. Within research and development many

scholars and collegiate students will have to also put emphasis on specific topics, phases, along with stages of a

person’s health, healing, and death based on religion, race, and culture. Topics of discussion, study, and

elaboration would be;

The Meaning of Death in Western Tradition and Contemporary Practice

Specific Spiritual Issues at the End of Life

Suffering and Wholeness

Human Finitude and Destiny

Hope and Hopelessness

Best Practices: Suggestions for the Care of Dying People

Findings

Within the studies they did not give enough information on what the patient implemented into their daily

life, they did not tell readers about life style living after the experiment, they did not tell readers if the patients

where in prisons, or what type of torment and chastisement was given for not cooperating while being imperiled

to forced religion, and they did not let us the collegiate reader know how they were tapping into the

patient/subjects realm of worship, praise, health, spirituality, and holistic state of becoming whole. What I and

other collegiate students would more than like to know is who these people are before the study and what made

them want to become part of such a study during illness? A person that does not believe in giving your life to

Jesus, but being one who may fellowship, and give thanks to a higher power or source within the realms, my

question is did these people give their lives to Jesus? For many do not know that you can be Christian or a

A Examination Discussion 41

believer without giving their life to Jesus or being raised to become whole! Another question that needs to be

answered is where these patients promised something and where they properly compensated. All aspects of

these questions must be answered truthfully in full report honestly in order for professionals, researchers, and

students to have the proper and accurate accounts of the indexes and experiments for study purposes. I am not

attempting to denigrate the research teams by any means at all, but all reports and research in this magnitude

must full, complete, and honest in all it’s worth. The questionnaire must be more in depth to be accurate and

honest.

Conclusion

Within this collegiate book of study which is very informative in all its right. Thoresen went in-depth to

give full detail in regards to the diverse indexes that where mentioned including the diverse experimentations

that were also given review and analytical debate. More researchers would make more of a profound statement

and hypothesis if they included holistic measurement and also gave more of a clear report in regards to follow

up of patient’s life and care. Another part of the indexes and data collected is the truth of the patients, and the

quality of their care that is being administered to them while they are obtaining treatment, and also a participant

in the study. Today many organization are using religious indexes that cultivate harsh punishment on the

members which I do believe is illegal in all its forms, but it is also based off the society that you live in along

with the country. To me signing up to be part of a torment or chastising religious experiment that creates a

deplorable living environment and conditions would be out of the question.

As a collegiate person who studied other researches with analytical review I always tried to get a good

understanding of whom these people are who would sign up for these types of experimentations that indexed

them in some sort of brutal and in-human way? There are also experimentations that do the complete opposite,

but at what cost and penalty? After you given the patient these chores to do (reading, praying, meditation,

chanting, and healing by the way they eat and exercise) then do an assessment of their condition in part to make

A Examination Discussion 42

a whole report. Something else I would recommend for patients while they are still capable is to work (paid

work), volunteer, and always get a breath of fresh air (smell the flowers). This information should also be noted

on the data report to see if them getting out the house, working, and enjoying life makes a difference. Any

isolation index or experimentation I would consider null unless the patient agreed upon this. Note: I would

never recommend this for any patient, researcher, or myself! I know for me going to church and praying was

something that I learned and choose to do, but never was forced to attend Sunday service except for when I

went to my Grandmother’s home during vacation and holiday.

Being a woman who is non bias in regards to the experimentation, atheist, or even religion I was able to

take an in-depth look into some aspects of religion. What I have learned is when you force someone to do

something they will reject it. Allowing a person to make their own choices on what religious teaching they

want to choose or even if they want to choose religion at all this includes prayer during healing and how one

prays or mediates to their Supreme God or Being. Thoresen touched on two experimentations that seem to carry

grounds for truth and not possibly not be considered a null hypothesis (TM group p. 61 and Mrs. X p. 65). How

a person calls in the energies of the All in All is completely on the patient that is dying or healing. In other

words for a researcher to get the upmost results allow the patient to live as normal as possible, but add to their

regimen what they want and like and seeing what worked and did no work. Research studies should never force

anyone within any experiment to accept religion for the patient will be a fraudulent follower. During dying or

healing the person may be fighting for their life and it is always best to ask or see what works best for survival

of the subject. The patient must remember along with the researcher is self-preservation is key and law to life

and as a college person and student I would not give up my preservation of a well life nor would I request one

of my subject.

Spiritual and healthcare integration is unlikely to be a trendy fad. People have been interested in

spiritual and religious matters for thousands of years. It is only more recently that modern medicine and

healthcare as professions and as disciplines has evolved to better accommodate and accept these interests and

A Examination Discussion 43

perspectives into their professional work. True enough God is not disrespectful any shape, form, and fashion

and healing is a form of respect in the utmost! Plante & Thoresen’s book was so informative in regards to

indexes that are usually indexed by librarians some whom are stationed at University of Arlington, Texas who

were involved in the indexing of these patients’ results. I would have to call the majority of the Index

experiments reported in the book tossed to the dogs as null and mull hypothesis at most. The studies were not

complete at all and cannot be taken into full consideration without full informative factors being answered.

This does not mean Librarians do not do a well job, but the majority of the data that needs to be collected is by

the researchers so the fault falls on them until they revise the research properly with the needed information in

depth by following all guidelines and humane rules and regulations and the Librarians index properly.

Within the studies they did not give enough information on what the patient implemented into their

daily life, they did not tell readers about life style living after the experiment, they did not tell readers if the

patients where in prisons, or what type of torment and chastisement was given for not cooperating while being

imperiled to forced religion, and they did not let us the collegiate reader know how they were tapping into the

patient/subjects realm of worship, praise, health, spirituality, and holistic state of becoming whole. What I and

other collegiate students would more than like to know is who these people are before the study and what made

them want to become part of such a study during illness? As a student and later researcher I myself truthfully

would never subject myself to any blighted and deplorable research that would make me frontline for lack of a

quality of life (Q&L). Another question that needs to be answered is where these patients promised something

and where they properly compensated. All aspects of these questions must be answered truthfully in full report

honestly in order for professionals, researchers, and students to have the proper and accurate accounts of the

indexes and experiments for study purposes. I am not attempting to denigrate the research teams by any means

at all, but all reports and research in this magnitude must full, complete, and honest in all it’s worth.

A Examination Discussion 44

Annotated Bibliography

Plante, T. G., Thoresen, C. E., & Bandura, A. (2007). Spirit, science, and health: How the spiritual mind fuels

physical wellness. Westport, CT: Praeger.

From meditation to reciting mantras or praying, spirituality is more and more often being recognized for its

beneficial effects on health. In this volume, a team of experts from across disciplines including psychology,

medicine, nursing, public health, and pastoral care offer reader-friendly chapters showing the state of the art in

understanding this connection. Chapters include attention to special populations such as youth, HIV/AIDS

patients, cancer patients, and those in hospice care. Contributors, all members of the Spirituality and Health

Institute at Santa Clara University, aim to use the scientific understanding of the spirituality health connection

to promote better health for the general public. One focus of this volume is to show easy ways to incorporate

spiritual practices in an environment is often multicultural, multi-religious, stressful, hurried, and secular.

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