MEDICINE AND RELIGION
By Charles Buttar, M.D.
Widespread interest has been taken of late in
what is called 'Spiritual Healing,' or 'Healing
by Spiritual means'; interest which is manifest
from the popularity of such books as 'Religion
and Medicine,' and 'Body and Soul,' no less
than from the thoughtful articles contributed
to this volume by many eminent authorities.
Yet it may be observed that, although some
of these contributors belong to the profession
of medicine, it is doubtful if many medical
men are acquainted with the objects and
purpose of Spiritual Healing, and probably
few of them regard the movement seriously.
It is unwise, however, to adopt an attitude of
indifference towards the aspirations of earnest
men, so that it seems well to attempt to
define the position of medicine with regard
to such methods of healing, to investigate the
cures alleged, to utter some warning as to
possible dangers, and to inquire how far the
results justify the movement, and to what