Level Seven - Challenging Christian Thinking

THE MOUNTAIN WITHIN
Date: 12/11/2008

FAITH AND BUSINESS
Do They Mix?
Date: 30/6/2008

FAITH AND HEALTH
Is There a Link?
Date: 8/4/2008

Is Religion Good For Women?
Date: 31/1/2008

Is God “Green”?
Date: 27/11/2007

Nobody Knows
Date: 5, 6 & 7 Oct 2007

"Faith and Politics"
Do They Mix?
Date: 5/7/2007

“LET MY PEOPLE GO”
Date: 3/4/2007

How to avoid another Enron
Date: 30/1/2007

DISCRIMINATION
How Do We Fight It? Is Litigation the Answer?
Date: 17/10/2006

The Terminally Ill Life
What Value?
Date: 27/9/2006

Da Vinci Decoded
Date: 28/6/2006

FAITH AND HEALTH - IS THERE A LINK

The Rev. George Pitcher welcomed the audience to the beautiful St. Bride’s Church to the first of a series of Level 7 ‘Faith’ events, this one covering the link between Faith and Health.

Hans von Stiegel introduced a short drama written and performed Ndaba Mazibuko and Patricia Ferrera from London Live Creative and entitled “Mustard Seed”. This compelling small play reminded us that having faith, even though it might be as small as a mustard seed, can help us to cope with the most challenging health issues.

This was followed by a talk by Jane Plant, DSc, Professor of Geochemistry at Imperial College London and with seven honorary degrees and many prizes and distinctions for her contribution to science including life Fellowship of the Royal Society of Medicine, as well as author of several groundbreaking books on health issues.

Jane began her talk by explaining that her position as a scientist means she presents facts, whilst her position as a Christian means she presents her faith as a personal point of view. She shared some of her life story, of how when battling with breast cancer she prayed a scientist’s prayer: “what do I need to do Lord”, and her prayer was answered, by directing her to the information which in turn would lead to a cure.

Her latest book Beating Stress Anxiety and Depression was the main subject of her talk and covered her experiences of being addicted to the tranquilizers and sedatives which she had been given when suffering from cancer and depression.

Mood disorders affect one in six people and one in three families. That means 16.5% of the population aged 16-75 suffer from a mental illness. Crippling depression and chronic anxiety are the biggest causes of misery in Britain today, and we are all surrounded by people who are stressed.

She and her co-author Janet Stephenson wanted to speak out about some of their terrible experiences of the mental health services as well as passing on information about alternative therapies. Jane and Janet have identified 10 lifestyle and food factors that can help such as proper rest and relaxation, connecting with nature, and restricting dairy produce in the diet.

From their experience, both personal and in helping others, Jane and Janet believe faith or “the force pervading the universe” does make a difference because it gives people hope. Scientific studies have proved that patients with a faith do better than those without. Jane truly believes that it was the force of God which helped her to overcome cancer.

During the animated discussion following the presentation the audience was challenged on how to use this information to help work colleagues, friends and family members who might be suffering from stress or depression. perhaps by trying to show understanding and compassion and walking with them through their ‘darkness’. Jane advocated prayer to help to ease stress, and also said that having people pray together can be a great help.

JA/11.06.2008