Is religion good for your health? This is one of the questions Montagu Barker addresses in this book based on his four Templeton lectures. The aim of these lectures is to integrate science with modern issues in medicine, psychiatry and religious experience. Dr. Barker states that his 'aim has been to challenge the sceptic to be more reflective in analysing spiritual experience, and to challenge religious enthusiasts to be more rigorous in evaluating their own religious experience'.
In the chapter 'Religious Observance, Health and Safety', Dr. Barker cites modern scientific research to show that regular Judaeo- Christian worshippers live longer because of a reduction in the incidence of heart attacks and strokes. Significant benefit to mental health was found with participation in religious services, social support, prayer and perceived relationship with God. Interestingly, small amounts of religion can actually be detrimental to mental health, ie the less active the commitment, the higher the levels of worry, anxiety and guilt!
The chapter entitled 'Religious experiences and psychological explanations' gives a fascinating overview of the way religious experience has been perceived by six members of the psychiatric and scientific professions over two centuries. Dr. Barker shows how the anti-religious effect of the nineteenth century materialist psychiatrist Sir Henry Maudsley influenced many British psychiatrists to see any unusual religious experience as madness.
Dr. Barker's chapter on 'Conversion, Cults and Brainwashing' gives a robust endorsement of the need for the Christian convert to 'please bring your mind with you'. He contrasts the 'call to examine the life, teaching and credentials of Jesus Christ and to make up one's mind as to the validity of the Christian faith' with those who join certain Christian groups which 'can be just as coercive in their persuasive techniques and as pressured in their expectations of specific experiences as the new religious movements'.
The chapter on 'Spiritual Healing and Alternative Therapies' probably tries to cover too much material to do justice to either the two main themes of the heading or indeed the third theme which he introduces, namely the psychotherapist as healer.
I thoroughly recommend Dr. Barker's book, since it provides such an excellent understanding to those who are interested in the relationship between the Christian faith and many important mental health issues.
Reviewed by:
Dominic Beer
Senior Lecturer, Division of Psychological Medicine (Guy's, King's & St Thomas' Institute of Psychiatry) and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist in Challenging Behaviour and Intensive Care Psychiatry (Oxleas NHS Trust)
