In his book, Dr. Mellow, a physician and clinical researcher, makes the case for faith, religiosity, and spirituality as important practices providing significant physical and mental health benefits. In reviewing the extensive medical literature, he concludes that faith and spiritual practices have significant positive effects on the incidence of the most common physical illnesses (heart disease, hypertension, many cancers, and most importantly, on overall mortality) as well as mental illnesses (depression, anxiety, addiction, and suicide). Given the record levels of diseases of despair in America today, especially in our younger generations, the health benefits of faith and spirituality should be of considerable interest to all of us.

Dr. Mellow reviews the emerging medical literature on the effects of the major faith teachings, that of compassion, on our body’s functioning at the basic cellular level. Compassionate practices result in positive changes in our gene function, decreasing the activity of the harmful inflammatory disease-causing genes, and decreasing the rate of aging of the cells in our body.

There have always been reasons for the dislike or distrust of established faiths. Throughout history, many major atrocities have been committed in the name of religion, as they have at the hands of atheistic regimes. Sadly, that is human behavior. However, while one can find fault with some faith leaders and practitioners, faith teachings are difficult to fault. Given the health and societal benefits, Dr. Mellow presents information on how one might choose a faith community best suited for you and your family.