Letter from the President August 2020

“Spirituality, Faith, and The Coronavirus”

Are there health benefits from religious and faith practices in the face of the COVID-19 virus? A

recent webinar by Harold Koenig, M.D. at Duke University addressed this question. He began by

pointing out that throughout human history, people have always had to deal with pandemics (or

plagues, as they were called in the past). And, people have sought comfort from their faith and

religious practices during these perilous and frightening times.

Dr. Koenig said that research shows, “religious faith has the potential to help with whatever

situation a person is facing, including the risk of infection from coronavirus, and, if one does

become infected, spiritual practices can help deal with the illness, as well.”

Here he pointed out that reading religious scriptures can bring peace and reduce fear and anxiety.

He read Psalm 91 from the Bible which says, “The person who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my

God, in whom I trust.’”

Those can be words of comfort; however, the passage goes on to say, “Surely He will save you from

the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence.” Some religious people have taken that to mean

God will protect them, so they don’t need to wear a mask or keep social distance. I believe that is a

misunderstanding of how to apply scripture in one’s life.

So the question remains, does religious coping help? And, if so, is there scientific evidence that is

true? Dr. Koenig reviewed the findings of research from 1887 to 2020 which have been

documented in his two volumes of Handbook of Religion and Health (Oxford University Press, 2001,

2012, and a third volume to be published in 2021).

Koenig elaborated on the positive correlation between religion/faith practices and several disease

processes. For example, in depression, those who use religious practices have shown less

depression and faster recovery in 272 of 444 studies (61%). An important study found in JAMA

Psychiatry (71(2), p. 128-135) reported on Neuroanatomical Correlates of Religiosity and Spirituality

in Depression, and showed reduced areas of cortical thickness in patients who reported religion was

not very important to them. This was not the case in patients who said religion was very important

in their life.

Dr. Koenig also reported that religiosity and faith have been shown to have a positive effect on well-

being and happiness in 256 of 326 studies (79% improved) while only 3 of 326 studies (1%) reported

lower well-being or happiness. Being religiously involved is also related to finding greater meaning

and purpose in life (93%) , finding hope (73%), and greater optimism (81%). Koenig said, “All these

have consequences for recovery from illness.” And, they have a positive impact on function of the

immune system which fights infections.

There was more in Dr. Koenig’s talk but I think you get his point that one’s religiosity, faith and

spirituality can have a great impact on maintaining health during the coronavirus pandemic. But,

still wear a mask, keep social distance, and wash your hands regularly. God has given us a brain and

we need to use it, especially during a pandemic.

John K. Graham, MD, DMin

President & CEO

Institute for Spirituality and Health