490 Blog 6

In our Comparative Health class this past week, we discussed the power of religion and health. I was not incredibly surprised to learn that religious behavior is associated with good health. We read an article that listed some of the positive effects of religion and prayer on health. Of the items listed, these were some of the most intriguing: religious behavior lowers the chances of depression, those who read scripture daily are less likely to have high blood pressure, and religious involvement may help boost immune system functioning and prevent infection after surgery.
All of these facts were interesting, but I looked at them from a psychological standpoint. Although there is always the chance that a divine force is working on those who practice religion, these phenomena can be explained through psychology. For example, laughter is often used in hospitals to boost immune systems. It has been proven that happiness helps maintain the human immune system. Another example of how powerful the mind can be over our health is the psychological condition known as “glove anesthesia.” This condition is very common in men who join the army and are placed in combat. These men will sometimes experience complete numbness in their trigger-finger hand. There is no physiological explanation for this condition, but the numb feeling is completely real. In these situations, it is possible to blindfold the soldier, grab his hand, and prick his hand with a needle. The soldier will show no physical reaction, because he really cannot feel the pain. Shortly after these case subjects are removed from the line of duty, the feeling in their hand will return.
Clearly the power of religion on human health can be looked at in two ways: (1) God works miracles for those who are loyal, or (2) the human mind, given the reassurance of religion, directly affects health. However, I believe that these two ideas can be made into one. Regardless of whether or not the beliefs of a religion are true, it is clear that the effects of the beliefs are still there. The whole idea of faith is to believe without question. I am unable to have that level of blind faith. I cannot help but question the things I believe in. But I have come to realize that it really does not matter whether the beliefs are true or not. To believe without question in a religion that preaches good morals is a great thing. It maintains balance and community between people, and it seems to have a positive effect on our health. After being in Rome, I now wish that I could believe without question as so many people across the world do.