FunctionalAtheist
Hammer of Reason
This is a mid-term study that concluded some 8 years ago, but I'm sure there are a number of individuals who have not seen this. It speaks to discussion in a few other threads, namely, can science address issues of the so called divine sphere or the supernatural. It's my take the science can in no way address something that is not there, but science can address anything which makes an observable prediction.
No, you can't prove what is not there (in the here after). But you can prove what is not here (in the here and now)!
I would like to here critiques of this study. Full study is linked while the abstract is copyied.
(Please note the affiliations and degrees several of the authors have, including MDiv)
http://deploy.extras.ufg.br/projetos/adrimelo/filo/2-aula-STEP_paper.pdf
Herbert Benson, MD,
No, you can't prove what is not there (in the here after). But you can prove what is not here (in the here and now)!
I would like to here critiques of this study. Full study is linked while the abstract is copyied.
(Please note the affiliations and degrees several of the authors have, including MDiv)
http://deploy.extras.ufg.br/projetos/adrimelo/filo/2-aula-STEP_paper.pdf
Study of the Therapeutic Effects of Intercessory
Prayer (STEP) in cardiac bypass patients:
A multicenter randomized trial of uncertainty and
certainty of receiving intercessory prayer
Prayer (STEP) in cardiac bypass patients:
A multicenter randomized trial of uncertainty and
certainty of receiving intercessory prayer
Herbert Benson, MD,
a,4 Jeffery A. Dusek, PhD,a,4 Jane B. Sherwood, RN,y Peter Lam, PhD,y
Charles F. Bethea, MD,
b William Carpenter, MDiv,c Sidney Levitsky, MD,d Peter C. Hill, MD,e
Donald W. Clem, Jr, MA,
f Manoj K. Jain, MD, MPH,g David Drumel, MDiv,g,h Stephen L. Kopecky, MD,i
Paul S. Mueller, MD,
j Dean Marek,k Sue Rollins, RN, MPH,b and Patricia L. Hibberd, MD, PhD4,y
Boston, MA; Oklahoma City, OK; Washington, DC; Memphis, TN; and Rochester, MN
Background
Background
Intercessory prayer is widely believed to influence recovery from illness, but claims of benefits are not
supported by well-controlled clinical trials. Prior studies have not addressed whether prayer itself or knowledge/certainty that
prayer is being provided may influence outcome.Weevaluated whether (1) receiving intercessory prayer or (2) being certain of
receiving intercessory prayer was associated with uncomplicated recovery after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
prayer is being provided may influence outcome.Weevaluated whether (1) receiving intercessory prayer or (2) being certain of
receiving intercessory prayer was associated with uncomplicated recovery after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.
Methods
Patients at 6 US hospitals were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: 604 received intercessory prayer after
being informed that they may or may not receive prayer; 597 did not receive intercessory prayer also after being informed
that they may or may not receive prayer; and 601 received intercessory prayer after being informed they would receive
prayer. Intercessory prayer was provided for 14 days, starting the night before CABG. The primary outcome was presence of
any complication within 30 days of CABG. Secondary outcomes were any major event and mortality.
that they may or may not receive prayer; and 601 received intercessory prayer after being informed they would receive
prayer. Intercessory prayer was provided for 14 days, starting the night before CABG. The primary outcome was presence of
any complication within 30 days of CABG. Secondary outcomes were any major event and mortality.
Results
In the 2 groups uncertain about receiving intercessory prayer, complications occurred in 52% (315/604)
of patients who received intercessory prayer versus 51% (304/597) of those who did not (relative risk 1.02, 95%
CI 0.92-1.15). Complications occurred in 59% (352/601) of patients certain of receiving intercessory prayer compared
with the 52% (315/604) of those uncertain of receiving intercessory prayer (relative risk 1.14, 95% CI 1.02-1.28). Major
events and 30-day mortality were similar across the 3 groups.
CI 0.92-1.15). Complications occurred in 59% (352/601) of patients certain of receiving intercessory prayer compared
with the 52% (315/604) of those uncertain of receiving intercessory prayer (relative risk 1.14, 95% CI 1.02-1.28). Major
events and 30-day mortality were similar across the 3 groups.
Conclusions
Intercessory prayer itself had no effect on complication-free recovery from CABG, but certainty of
receiving intercessory prayer was associated with a higher incidence of complications. (Am Heart J 2006;151:934-42)
receiving intercessory prayer was associated with a higher incidence of complications. (Am Heart J 2006;151:934-42)