FR DR SIMEON MISCEVIC

HOW YOUR FAITH CAN MAKE YOU HEALTHIER

Fr Dr Simeon Miscevic

HOW YOUR FAITH CAN MAKE YOU HEALTHIER

Ever since the beginning of civilization, man has always been preoccupied with his
health and well-being. Throughout history, different cultures and civilizations from all
around the world have tried to unveil the nature of sickness and alleviate the pain and
suffering of the sick.

From prayer, meditation, and herbal cures, to modern physical and mental assessment
techniques, laser surgery, and pharmacotherapy, man has always been on a continuous
quest for the best and most effective strategies against illness.

Unfortunately, one crucial aspect that many experts seem to overlook is the spiritual
dimension that keeps us in harmony with our Creator. It is this sacred connection
between God and man that keep us healthy physically, mentally and spiritually.

Faith and health from the Orthodox Christian perspective

Faith represents the backbone of our spiritual life; the trust we place in God. Faith is
what gives our life meaning and direction. Sadly, when the miracle of life is reduced to

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a mere random interaction of molecules which form organs that represent the parts of
a functional body, health can no longer be seen through the lens of spirituality and
faith.

But as Christians, we believe the human body is not just a machine. The God who gave
it a life endowed man with a soul so that he will forever remember his divine origin.

Although it has achieved some success, the reductionist scientific paradigm in which
the human body is a complicated machine with a mind and a soul that are merely the
expression of neurons firing inside our brain, cannot solve all the problems and answer
all the questions.

Since chronic diseases are on the rise, our current perceptions prevention, treatment
and health, in general, must be completed by faith in God. Even if He works through
people, God is ultimately the one who decides the outcome of our efforts.

When asked about health, medical doctors usually talk about organs, cells, molecules,
and various processes that take place inside the human body. Most of the phenomena
that medicine, as a well-established scientific filed, deals with can be seen, measured,
counted, and described in a standardized manner.

Modern medicine is so precise that nowadays, both diagnosis and treatment are
thought at the molecular level. And molecular medicine indeed has made extraordinary
progress, allowing specialists to explore the molecular substrate of almost all diseases
and medical conditions. One could even argue that today the knowledge we have about
medicine and health surpasses our capabilities of putting this knowledge into practice.

When we move on to applying the grand advancements of medicine in real life, we

strike not only lots of complexity but also variability, which makes what is true in one
case not as true in other cases. The issue is even more complicated when we add the
fragile and still-not-fully-understood human psyche to the equation. And since it’s
almost impossible to reduce the complexity of the human mind to a handful of chemical
and physiological reactions, one could argue that the spiritual dimension of life might
hold the answer.

Despite all the progress that has been made by clinicians, researchers and mental
health professional from all around the world, the issue of human health is far from
being solved. That’s because the human organism is not only made out of organs, cells,

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HOW YOUR FAITH CAN MAKE YOU HEALTHIER

and molecules interacting with each other but also a soul that gives it greatness. As
Genesis 2:7 teaches us, “Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the
ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living
being.”

But to understand why our mental, physical, and spiritual health holds such an
immense value in the Orthodox Christian paradigm, we need to turn to God’s word and
understand His holy teachings.

1 Corinthians 6:19 teaches us that the body “is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in
you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own.” Our bodies, which
He created, represent the sacred temples in which our souls reside. Judging by how
much value God places on our body, it’s only logical that we should do the same. In
other words, taking care of the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of our bodies
should be a sacred duty for every Christian.

Going back in time, the Old Testament provides clear instructions on how to not only
treat disease but also prevent it from affecting healthy members of the group. Let’s take
a look at some examples:

“This is the law that applies when a person dies in a tent: Anyone who enters the tent
and anyone who is in it will be unclean for seven days, and every open container
without a lid fastened on it will be unclean.” (Numbers 19: 14-15) In this verse, God
teaches man how to prevent the spread of infections and bacteria that thrive on
deceased bodies.

“Anyone out in the open who touches someone who has been killed with a sword or
someone who has died a natural death, or anyone who touches a human bone or a
grave, will be unclean for seven days.” (Numbers 19:17) In this verse, God forbids man
from entering in contact with corpses that can potentially carry harmful bacteria.

“For the unclean person, put some ashes from the burned purification offering into a
jar and pour fresh water over them. Then a man who is ceremonially clean is to take
some hyssop, dip it in the water and sprinkle the tent and all the furnishings and the
people who were there. He must also sprinkle anyone who has touched a human bone
or a grave or anyone who has been killed or anyone who has died a natural death.”
(Numbers 19:17-18) In this verse, God gives instructions on how to handle those who
suffer from a disease and prevent an epidemic.

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Although modern cutting-edge techniques have long replaced such practices, the fact
that God left clear instructions on how to treat, control, and prevent disease proves
once again that He cares about man’s health.

Leaving aside the health-related instructions that are written in the Old Testament,
nowadays, Orthodox Christians are encouraged to promote healthy habits, not only as
a group but on an individual level as well.

One way in which Christians can honor God while also taking care of their bodies is
through fasting. Current research suggests that fasting is beneficial to one’s overall
health, regardless of the variation in lifestyle factors. (Karras, et al., 2017)

Aside from fasting, another practice that is commonly used by Christians who wish to
improve their overall health is prayer. More specifically, prayer is used for dealing with
physical suffering (spiritual-religious coping); sustaining hope and spirituality via a
sacred dimension; personal empowerment; self-transcendence. (Gomez Esperandio &
Ladd, 2015) But the most amazing quality of prayer is that it can be practiced by
children and adolescents (Fox, Gutierrez, & Mullen, 2017), as well as adults and older
individuals.

Spirituality, faith, and health in the 21st century

Over the last decades, humankind has gone through significant technological
advancements. As a result, experts can now use sophisticated techniques and high-
precision instruments to investigate brain activity, targeting the mechanisms
responsible for our thoughts, emotions, and mental states. Cutting edge disciplines
such as neurology, neuropsychology, and neurochemistry have had an unprecedented
growth, allowing experts to delve even deeper into the mysteries of the body-mind-soul
triad.

Furthermore, advancements in medicine have allowed physicians and mental health

professionals to prevent and treat conditions that were once considered incurable.
Nowadays, physical and psychological health is among the top priorities

At present, there’s considerable interest among researchers into how patients

experience health at a psychological and spiritual level. Furthermore, researchers have
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also explored how physical and mental illness can alter our overall sense of health and
well-being.

All these current areas of research have favored the development of a new field of work
on the relationship between faith and human health.

One important area which seems to have taken a keen interest in how faith can lead to
health improvements is oncology, the medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis
and treatment of cancers.

According to some recent statistics released by the World Health Organization:

• Almost 9 million people worldwide died from cancer in 2015. That is nearly 1 in
6 of all global deaths.
• In the U.S., the total annual economic cost of cancer is estimated to be around
1.2 trillion dollars.
• Up to 50% of all cancers are preventable.

Judging by these worrying findings, it seems that cancer is among the biggest threats
to our physical health. But even though cancer is a physical condition, many experts
agree that the healing process should include both the spiritual and psychological
aspects of the patient. Furthermore, even if cancer reaches a stage where it’s virtually
incurable, faith and spirituality can still have a positive effect on the patient’s well-
being and attitude towards illness.

By feeling supported by a transcendental confidant and having the opportunity to

express and accept negative emotions (Garssen, Uwland-Sikkema, & Vasser, 2015),
patients can use their faith in God to alleviate the pain and suffering associated with
cancer.

Unfortunately, although clinicians are well aware of the importance of tending to their
patient’s spiritual needs, many people struggling with cancer report a lack of spiritual
care. (Peteet & Balboni, 2013) Since this lack of spiritual care might often be the result
of a mix between insufficient hospital staff and the overwhelmingly large number of
patients that doctors and nurses have to treat, a solution might be bringing in a
specialist that can assist with the spiritual side of the healing process. That is where
Orthodox counselors and psychotherapists come into play, helping cancer patients find
solace in God.

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Based on the extensive body of literature that indicates a positive link between faith
and the perceived well-being of people who have cancer, medical care teams
(physicians, nurses, counselors) should pay more attention to patients’ religious
beliefs. (Ahmadi, Darabzadeh, Nasiri, & Askari, 2015) In fact, some researchers believe
that a person-centered, family-focused oncology relies heavily on a healthcare
environment where clinicians are prepared to support their patients spiritually.
(Ferrell, Shirley, & Economou, 2013)

Although bringing medicine, faith, and religion together is difficult, some authors
argue that a whole-person care model that emphasizes teamwork among generalists
and spiritual professionals can be a viable solution for helping patients cope with
illness physically, emotionally, and spiritually. (Balboni, Puchalski, & Peteet, 2014)

Judging by the extensive body of literature that exists today, it’s clear that modern
medicine and spirituality can not only coexist in harmony but also lead to better
clinician-patient interactions.

As for mental and emotional health, researchers have begun to highlight the crucial
role of faith in the prevention and treatment of emotional and mental disorders. For
example, a recent meta-analysis has revealed that religious and spiritual interventions
in mental health can not only decrease stress, alcoholism, and depression but also
alleviate the clinical symptoms of anxiety. (Goncalves, Lucchetti, & Vallada, 2015)

Furthermore, spirituality and religion can also help survivors of childhood trauma gain
resilience to stress. (Brewer-Smyth & Koenig, 2014) Considering that trauma is the
root of many mental health conditions, experts suggest that faith-based communities
can promote forgiveness rather than retaliation, create opportunities for cathartic
emotional release, and provide social support to those who’ve gone through a traumatic
event.

One particular group who’s at risk of developing trauma-related problems military

veterans who’ve experienced the horrors of war firsthand. In such cases,
spirituality/religion is positively associated with decreased risk for depression, alcohol
use, PTSD, and suicidal ideation. Also, spirituality/religion is also positively linked to
dispositional gratitude and purpose in life. (Sharma, et al., 2017) It appears that of U.S.
veterans, having an abundant spiritual life and a healthy relationship with God
increases their resilience and keeps problems such as PTSD and depression at bay.

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But even though numerous studies have highlighted the positive effects of faith on
mental health, there are situations when faith can increase a persons’ vulnerability to
mental disorder. A study conducted in 2013 on a population of 7403 participants from
English households has concluded that “people who have a spiritual understanding of
life in the absence of a religious framework are vulnerable to mental disorder.” (King,
et al., 2013)

From the Christian Orthodox perspective, spirituality can lead to better health
outcomes if one chooses not only to have faith in God but also follow His written word
(The Holy Bible) which represents the religious framework that provides direction
through clear instructions.

The positive link between faith and health that researchers have repeatedly highlighted
throughout the years has led to the development of faith-based health programs that
include educational workshops and exercise sessions designed to help members of
churches improve their physical and mental health through collaboration and mutual
support. (Woods, et al., 2013) Also, thanks to the Patient Protection and Affordable
Care Act (ACA; 2010) many underprivileged patients can receive quality mental health
care and experts believe faith-based organizations can lend a helping hand and make
a notable impact by increasing help-seeking, delivering supportive services, and
providing religion-based mental health services. (Villatoro, Dixon, & Mays, 2016)

Due to the remarkable results that faith-based interventions have achieved in the
prevention and treatment of mental health conditions, prestigious associations around
the world such as World Psychiatric Association, the American Academy of Child and
Adolescent Psychiatry, Royal College of Psychiatrists and the American Psychological
Association encourage this new and promising field of research. (Lassi & Mugnaini,
2015)

Bringing faith and health together through Orthodox psychotherapy

One promising field which aims to promote physical and emotional health through
faith and obedience to the holy commandments of God is Orthodox Psychotherapy. By
relying on the solid foundations of modern medicine and psychology, Orthodox

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counselors and psychotherapists seek to approach human health from a holistic

perspective, bringing together the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of human
existence.

As we discussed in previous chapters, the current scientific and medical paradigm,

which sees man as a soulless machine, can only make strictly materialistic
recommendations, such as avoiding excessive consumption of certain foods, sugars,
alcohol, tobacco and other potentially harmful habits. While such recommendations
are useful in preventing various physical and mental conditions, the prevalence of
chronic diseases continues to be on the rise. Something must be missing here.

It’s true that the prevalence of chronic diseases is influenced by certain risk factors such
as genetics, age, and other variables over which neither clinicians nor patients have any
control. However, if we consider the spiritual dimension of health, one could argue that
illness, suffering, and pain can also occur when people turn away from the word of God
and His holy commandments. Not to mention more subtle risk factors like the sins of
contemporary man which can include envy, greed, dishonesty, jealousy, adultery, and
much more.

But even if poor health is the result of sinful behavior, it doesn’t mean that disease is
God’s way of punishing humankind for its transgressions. As the Orthodox Christian
doctrine teaches us, pain, suffering, and disease are merely a consequence of our
alienation from God. When people insist on banishing God – who is the embodiment
of goodness - from their lives, all that remains is evil and wickedness.

When it comes to faith-based interventions, Orthodox psychotherapists and

counselors can fill the spiritual gap between clinicians and patients. For a person
struggling with a physical or mental condition, Orthodox psychotherapy can provide:

1. Compassion. The lessons on compassion that Jesus Christ has given to His
followers – and to all of us - have changed the way Christianity was interpreted
and practiced based on the Old Testament. The ancient law of the Talion, “eye
for eye and tooth for tooth,” was changed to “love your neighbor as you love
yourself.” For a person struggling with poor health, compassion represents the
band-aid that makes pain and suffering less stressful and debilitating.
2. Guidance. As we discussed in previous chapters, God in His infinite wisdom
has given us a set of clear instructions on how to prevent sickness and maintain

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health at an optimum level. By guiding patients towards healthy habits and

teaching them the importance of faith, Orthodox counselors can help patients
recover from illness and keep medical and psychological conditions at bay.
3. Forgiveness. Through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, humankind has gained
forgiveness of all sins. But to access it, man has to “love God with all his heart,
all his soul, all his mind, and all his strength” (Mark 12:30) and recognize Jesus
Christ as his savior. For patients who struggle with a terminal illness or
incurable disease, receiving God’s forgiveness is the ultimate attempt at
restoring his relationship with the Creator. By encouraging patients to confess
their sins and ask for forgiveness, Orthodox counselors can provide the comfort
and relief that terminally ill patients need the most.

“Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let
them enjoy abundant peace and security.” - Jeremiah 33:6

References
Ahmadi, Z., Darabzadeh, F., Nasiri, M., & Askari, M. (2015). The Effects of Spirituality and Religiosity
on Well-Being of People With Cancer: A Literature Review on Current Evidences. Jundishapur
Journal of Chronic Disease Care, 4(2).

Balboni, M. J., Puchalski, C. M., & Peteet, J. R. (2014). The Relationship between Medicine, Spirituality
and Religion: Three Models for Integration. Journal of Religion and Health, 1586–1598.

Brewer-Smyth, K., & Koenig, H. G. (2014). Could Spirituality and Religion Promote Stress Resilience in
Survivors of Childhood Trauma? Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 251-256.

Ferrell, B., Shirley, O.-G., & Economou, D. (2013). Spirituality in Cancer Care at the End of Life. The
Cancer Journal, 431–437.

Fox, J., Gutierrez, D., & Mullen, P. R. (2017). The Nature and Function of Meditation and Prayer in
Childhood and Adolescence. Journal of Child and Adolescnt Counseling, 1-11.

Garssen, B., Uwland-Sikkema, N. F., & Vasser, A. (2015). How Spirituality Helps Cancer Patients with
the Adjustment to their Disease. Journal of Religion and Health, 1249–1265.

Gomez Esperandio, M. R., & Ladd, K. L. (2015). “I Heard the Voice. I Felt the Presence”: Prayer, Health
and Implications for Clinical Practice. Religions, 670-685.

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Goncalves, J. P., Lucchetti, G., & Vallada, H. (2015). Religious and spiritual interventions in mental
health care: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials.
Psychological Medicine, 2937-2949.

Karras, S. N., Persynaki, A., Petróczi, A., Barkans, E., Mulrooney, H., Kypraiou, M., . . . Naughton, D. P.
(2017). Health benefits and consequences of the Eastern Orthodox fasting in monks of
Mount Athos: a cross-sectional study. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 743-749.

King, M., Marston, L., McManus, S., Brugha, T., Meltzer, H., & Bebbington, P. (2013). Religion,
spirituality and mental health: results from a national study of English households. The British
Journal of Psychiatry, 68-73.

Lassi, S., & Mugnaini, D. (2015). Role of Religion and Spirituality on Mental Health and Resilience:
There is Enough Evidence. International Journal of Emergency Mental Health and Human
Resilience, 1522-4821.

Peteet, J. R., & Balboni, M. J. (2013). Spirituality and religion in oncology. CA: A Cancer Journal for
Clinicians, 280–289.

Sharma, V., Marin, D. B., Koenig, H. K., Feder, A., Iacoviello, B. M., Southwick, S. M., & Pietrzak, R. H.
(2017). Religion, spirituality, and mental health of U.S. military veterans: Results from the
National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Journal of Affective Disorders, 197-204.

Villatoro, A. P., Dixon, E., & Mays, V. M. (2016). Faith-based organizations and the Affordable Care
Act: Reducing Latino mental health care disparities. Psychological Services, 92-104.

Woods, G., Levinson, A. H., Jones, G., Kennedy, R. L., Johnson, L. C., Tran, Z. V., . . . Marcus, A. C.
(2013). The Living Well By Faith Health and Wellness Program for African Americans: an
Exemplar of Community-Based Participatory Research. Ethnicity & Disease, 223–229.

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