Tess Hanson October 10, 2014

Human Biology

Taking Sides: Do religion and prayer benefit health?

To begin the article, Gregg Easterbrook addresses the traditional knowledge
and idea that religion is for the sick and afflicted, and also that Christ would tend to
the sick first, heal the blind, the lame to walk, and the leper to be made clean.
However, Easterbrook suggests the idea that perhaps those involved in religion
arent those who are sick, but actually tend to have better health opposed to the
traditional belief. Easterbrook submits most of his supports as statistic
information, involving many studies between medical science and religion. In one
instance he uses the words of Dr. Harold Koenig, lack of religious involvement
has an effect on mortality that is equivalent to 40 years of smoking one pack of
cigarettes per day. I found this quotation to be especially intriguing, as we
consider the health benefits of religion.
Gregg Easterbrook supplied some definite information to support his
question, What if the traditional view is wrong and belief actually promotes better
health? These thoughts were especially favorable as he brought up that often
times the religious standards, such as: to drink in moderationor not at allshun
drugs, stop smoking, live circumspectly, be monogamous, and get married and stay
married were all practices that not only a religious leader, but also a physician
might suggest. Another strong point was that natural selection favors religion.
Those involved in religion, that attend regularly, are often encircled with a social
support. Church groups and spouses can be the social support that recognizes
when you dont attend church as much, seem to be having a hard time, or difficult
illness and may need medical help. When illness does come about, the support
group tends to care for those afflicted, providing meals and assisting in needs,
leading to a quicker and fuller recovery.
As the article progressed, curiosity was raised about whether or not Gregg
Easterbrook himself was religious, and from that information, if it involved any
sort of bias in his writings. The reading alone didnt involve many opinions.
Although, I felt that his lack of opinion supply was a sort of opinion in itself. As
an author, He did not seem to believe his own writing.
The refuting author, Michael Shermer, presented his side of the argument in
a much more organized and simple manner, stating from the start, The verdict is
in and the results are null. As I read the second article, I thought that I was
already opposed to Shermer before I had read what he had to say. I am a very
religious person, and I know that my involvement in religion and prayer is a very
strong influence in so much of the happiness I am able to experience, and the
disposition I have to become better, and in turn I feel better. After reading what
Shermer had to say though, I felt that it wasnt that he was saying religion wont
help you. I got more of the idea that you cannot say that those who get cancer
dont pray as much as those who dont have cancer. Also, if you are truly
religious, God isnt someone merely involved in a scientific experiment. In some
occasions like this he suggested that the cross between science and religion might
make the turn that God becomes more of a lab rat, than our trusted deity.
After reading the ideas of both authors, I found myself agreeing with parts of
both. I was intrigued by the statistics in the first article, but the presentation of
opinions in the second. If you are really religious, praying often, trusting in God or
whatever you believe in, I know that on average you might not be necessarily
healthier than everyone else. I do know though, that you are healthier than you
would be without the influence of religion in your life. When it comes down to it,
trust in your beliefs isnt merely because you think you will be healthier than
others. How can you measure a personal relationship with your God? Religion
may not prevent you from diseases, and viruses, dangerous bacteria and bugs, and
terrible misfortune. But religion will better you as a person; increase your well-
being, and your desire to serve others. And that, to me, is more important than
knowing that I had one less cold than someone who doesnt pray as often as me.