Is Religion Good for Your Health? takes you deep into the heart of the ageless debate on the importance of religion and faith to physical and mental health. On the one hand, you will learn about important research findings from cross-sectional, longitudinal, and intervention studies that have demonstrated positive effects of religious belief on both mental and physical health. On the other hand, you will learn how the vast clinical experiences of leading health experts suggest that religion can have negative effects on health.

Integral to the book s exploration of the relationship...

The focus of this book is on physical and mental health as conventionally defined in relation to religion. Almost no attention is given to the 'softer' social and behavioral science research on the relationship of religion to such health-related subjects as peace of mind, happiness, morale, quality of life, and life satisfaction, although the general direction of findings on those subjects is similar. - from the Foreword.

The Pastoral Care of Depression focuses on the people who become depressed and the skilled pastors who choose to treat depression. Pastors, pastoral counselors, chaplains, clergy, and psychiatrists and psychologists will learn more about the significant role religious confidantes can play in helping depressed people. The book shows pastors how to help people who come to them in a state of depression--how to know when to refer them to other professionals, perhaps a therapist or medical doctor, and how to then assume a supportive counseling role.

Learn about obsessive-compulsive disorder and how to help those who suffer.

A practical guide to the assessment and treatment of complicated grief responses, using a pastoral approach that combines clinical and spiritual care.

Factor your clients' religious beliefs into their therapy
A recent Gallup poll found that nearly two-thirds of Americans surveyed said they would prefer to receive counseling from a therapist who is religious. The Power of Spirituality in Therapy: Integrating Spiritual and Religious Beliefs in Mental Health Practice addresses the apprehensions many clinicians have when it comes to discussing God with their clients. Authors Peter A. Kahle and John M. Robbins draw from their acclaimed workshops on the integration of spirituality and psychotherapy to teach therapists how they can help...

There's good news for middle-aged and older adults who wish to grow emotionally and spiritually and experience satisfaction and joy in their mature years regardless of circumstance, health, or age. A Gospel for the Mature Years shows you how to achieve joy and fulfillment by developing a deep, personal, intimate relationship with God, recognizing your God-given gifts, and using your abilities in service to others. Our later years are not meant to be a time for idleness and withdrawal from life. Rather, this is an exciting, meaningful, and action-packed time when we should grab hold of life...