Healing Miracles Research Articles

Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola L.): Exploring the wonders of Indian folklore and the miracles of traditional healing

Herbal medicines have been used for centuries to treat various ailments and have now gained global importance for their therapeutic and economic implications. One such plant is Averrhoa carambola commonly known as star fruit, a tropical plant belonging to the Oxalidaceae family. With a rich history of traditional medicinal uses in India and Southeast Asia, it has been employed to treat various ailments, including urinary infections, hypertension, diabetes, and gastrointestinal issues. The fruit is popular for its sweet and sour taste and finds culinary use in salads, beverages, and garnishing. The therapeutic potential of A. carambola is attributed to its abundance of natural antioxidants and phenolic compounds such as gallic acid in gallotannin form, catechins, and epicatechins. These bioactive constituents contribute to its medicinal properties and health benefits. However, scientific investigations have revealed potential health risks associated with A. carambola consumption. High oxalic acid content in the fruit poses a risk of toxicity, particularly for individuals with renal impairments who consume excessive fruit juices. Additionally, the presence of caramboxin, a neurotoxin, can interfere with the GABAergic system, leading to neurotoxic effects. This review offers a comprehensive and well-organized examination of the current progress regarding the benefits, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of A. carambola. The insights presented in this review have the potential to drive advancements and novel treatments involving star fruit in modern times. As interest in herbal medicines continues to rise, further research on A. carambola holds promise for exploring new therapeutic applications in the realm of natural remedies.

Unitary caring: Marlaine Smith’s new theory

The notion of care has been prominently emphasized in nursing literature and has been posited as the fundamental core of nursing by renowned nursing scholars like Leininger, Watson, Rogers, Newman, and others [1]. The concept of care serves as a pivotal element within the discipline of nursing, setting it apart from other healthcare professions. Nonetheless, certain experts argue that care isn't exclusive to nursing but represents a fundamental pillar across various health disciplines, underpinning the ethos and principles of numerous healthcare institutions and organizations [2]. Care is delineated as the cornerstone of nursing, intricately linked with the four metaparadigm concepts of the field. This central position of care in nursing has prompted the formulation of several care theories [3]. Among these theories are Smith's unitary care theory, which draws its foundational assumptions from Rogers' science of unitary humans, Newman's theory of health as expanding consciousness, and Watson's transpersonal care theory [4]. Marilyn Smith's unit care theory encapsulates several core concepts: 1) Manifesting Intentions: Before administering nursing care, the nurse is urged to ascertain and prioritize intentions, striving to actualize them. This intentional focus aims to foster a healing environment through the nurse's authentic presence at the patient's bedside during unit care. 2) Appreciating Pattern: Recognizing the interconnected and distinctive nature of human field patterns, which interplay with environmental fields, reveals insights into illness, unwellness, and emotions. Nurses are encouraged to consciously identify these patterns during unit care, collaborating with patients to devise effective care strategies based on observed patterns. 3) Attuning to Dynamic Flow: Nurses are advised to attune themselves to the patient's vibrational frequency during unit care. This entails discerning appropriate moments for silence, smiles, dialogue, or physical contact, emphasizing the nurse's genuine presence in each interaction. Nurses are encouraged to hone these skills through sensory perception, attentive listening, genuine presence, concentration, and intuition. 4) Experiencing the Infinite: Establishing a profound, transcendent relationship between nurse and patient beyond physical constraints, akin to a spiritual connection, is advocated during unit care. Within this caring context, healing miracles may manifest, furthered by spiritual practices such as prayer or meditation. 5) Inviting Creative Emergence: Nurses are tasked with creating a nurturing space that encourages the emergence of innovative, novel patterns by supporting, educating, and instilling confidence in patients. This fosters spiritual growth and inner peace. For instance, encouraging patients to document their concerns as a means of emotional regulation [3]. Overall, the unit care theory predominantly focuses on abstract mental and spiritual facets of patient care, necessitating the nurse's physical presence at the bedside. This approach holds potential applicability across diverse patient populations and age groups [5], particularly benefiting those in terminal stages of illness, experiencing depression, anxiety, or requiring palliative care [6]. However, patients who do not align with spiritual beliefs may encounter limitations with this theory. To illuminate the theory's positive outcomes, it is recommended that researchers and nurses incorporate it into their investigative endeavors.

On the Reliability of L

Abstract This article examines the historicity of Luke 13:10–17 and 14:1–6, both of which contain healing miracles of Jesus attested only in Luke. The article proceeds by first considering the coherence of these pericopes with material widely accepted as reflecting activity of the historical Jesus. Details within these pericopes are then examined for their potential historical significance. Finally, common objections to historicity are considered. Although the evidence for these singly attested healings is incapable of ‘proving’ their historicity, it suggests that Luke’s source for these healings contains historical information that he handled no more or less responsibly than he handled Mark.

The Holy Spirit in the Household

Abstract Why are the Bhil tribals increasingly converting to Pentecostalism in India? Drawing on more than a decade of in-depth ethnographic fieldwork among the Bhils in southern Rajasthan, this article argues that the Pentecostals have approached conversion not as “change of religion” (dharma parivartan) but as “holistic transformation of life” (jeevan parivartan). In a context in which the state has been withdrawing from providing basic social services to people at its margins, the pentecostal churches have come to play a vital role. Specifically, the article discusses that the presence of the Holy Spirit has brought about three major transformations—miracle healing, ethical subjectivity, and gender relations—in the lives of the Bhils. Finally, the article concludes that by combining developmental programs with prayer and fellowship, the pentecostal churches have not only brought ethical transformations among the Bhils but have also converted them “to a morally inspired existence.”

Holy medicine: Patron saints of wounds due to animal bites

The cult (system of religious beliefs and rituals) of saints in Western Europe appeared in the 3rd century CE and gained momentum from the 4th to the 6th centuries. Its importance for European society in late antiquity and the early Middle Ages was undeniable; holy medicine was the only hope for sick people because the number of physicians was insufficient, and usually physicians were helpless in the face of most of the ailments that plagued society at that time. The number of saints had increased over the years, and people sought medical help from them through prayer and other religious practices. Some saints “specialized” in the treatment of various wounds, including skin diseases. Our research revealed many saints who were patrons of wounds and skin. They can be collected in three groups: patron saints against snakebites and dog bites; patron saints of the treatment of wounds, ulcers, burns, and frostbite; and patron saints against spreadable diseases such as ergotism, leprosy, and scabies. The large number of saints who were patrons against snakebites and dog bites shows the relevance and importance of the problem. In our research, we tried to find out whether the cult of saints led to the development of hospitals for the treatment of skin diseases like ergotism in the hospital of Brother St. Anthony or only in miracles of healing emphasizing the power of faith in the cure of diseases.

Charisma of Ascetic Saints in the Hagiography of the 12th Century

In the 11th–12th centuries, extreme ascetic practices reappeared in Western Europe, in particular, the wearing of hauberks and heavy iron chains, associated with penitence and eremitism. This article discusses the charisma of three ascetic saints of the 12th century: Bernard the Penitent (d. 1182), Wulfric of Haselbury (d. 1154/55), and Godric of Finchale (d. 1170). Their hagiographies were written shortly after their death. The authors emphasize that they were revered as holy men already in their lifetime. Their charismatic power was revealed by miracles of healing and prophecy, sometimes in visions. The manifestations of their charisma continued and even increased after their death and were transmitted and spread through their relics. Their mortifications and the signs of their holiness are comparable to those of the stylites and other hermits of Syria of late Antiquity.

Knowing God through Indwelling the Law: A Polanyian Exploration

Abstract Too often in Christian circles, Levitical law is sidelined or ignored, with little attention given to the particular laws and rituals. In this article, it is argued that Leviticus is central to our proper understanding of God’s identity, particularly as displayed in the Gospel narratives. To achieve this understanding, the article proposes utilizing the epistemological framework of Michael Polanyi, whose work on knowing through participation is particularly apt for the ritual focus of Leviticus. To demonstrate the suitability of this hermeneutic, the basic tenets of Polanyi’s program are explained before applying it to the restrictions on menstruating women in Lev 15. Polanyi’s system suggests that discoveries expand upon existing knowledge and frameworks for seeing the world. With this in mind, the analysis of knowing God through Lev 15 is compared to Mark’s account of the hemorrhaging woman in Mark 5. It becomes clear that Levitical restrictions prepare both the hemorrhaging woman and the surrounding crowd to recognize Christ’s divine identity through the miracle of healing and removal of social and ritual isolation in the woman’s life. Thus, the law provides an initial framework for knowing God, which Christ eventually broadens by demonstrating God’s complete triumph over death. Finally, the article argues that participating in the rituals and overarching framework of Levitical law enables Israel to know God and provides a similar opportunity to readers of the text. Readers may participate, albeit at a distance, so they, too, may be formed to recognize God in Christ.

『죠션예수교회 이젹명증』(1921)에 나타난 신유 이적과 현재적 함의 고찰

이 연구는 임택권(林澤權) 목사가 편집하여 발행한 『죠션예수교회 이젹명증』 (1921)을 중심으로 김익두(金益斗) 목사의 신유 이적과 현재적 함의를 고찰하려는 데 목적을 두었다. 김익두는 보수신학을 견지한 장로교 목회자였으며, 일제 식민치하의 어려운 시기에 초자연적인 성령의 역사를 통하여 한국그리스도인들에게 영적인 생명 력과 불굴의 신앙심을 심어주었던 걸출한 부흥사였다. 그는 목회사역 기간 중 776차 의 부흥회를 인도했고 28,000회의 메시지를 전했으며 그에게서 신유 이적을 체험한 사람들은 10,000명을 상회한다. 본 연구자는 『죠션예수교회 이젹명증』과 신유에 나타난 의미심장한 논점들에 대 해 다음과 같이 숙고했다. 첫째, 이 문헌에 기록된 “서언”과 “인도하는 말”을 고찰하 여 이 문헌을 출간한 근본적인 취지를 밝혔다. 둘째, 각 지역별(道) 대표적 신유 이적 의 사례들, 그리고 이적명증회(異蹟明證會) 측이 분석한 신유 이적의 공헌점들을 중심 주제들로 설정하여 고찰했다. 셋째, 신유 이적에 대한 비판적인 시각들과 이적명증회 측의 합리적인 논박들, 그리고 신유 이적과 관련하여 성찰해야 할 점들을 다루었다. 넷째, 한국성결교회의 신유에 관한 신학적 이해와 역사적 동향에 대해 살폈다. 다섯 째, 본 논문에서 천착한 의미심장한 논점들을 바탕으로 임종 환자들을 위한 호스피스 간호 사역, 정규적인 심방과 기도, ‘교회-환자-병원’으로 구형된 삼중의 유기적 네트워 크 구축, 종말론적 신앙심 고취 등 그리스도인들이 솔선수범해야 할 실천적 과제들을 제시했다.

HF02-14 HERNIAS, HEALING, HAGIOGRAPHY: AN ANALYSIS OF ST. ARTEMIOS AND BYZANTINE INCUBATION RITUALS

You have accessJournal of UrologyCME1 Apr 2023HF02-14 HERNIAS, HEALING, HAGIOGRAPHY: AN ANALYSIS OF ST. ARTEMIOS AND BYZANTINE INCUBATION RITUALS Jonathan Xu, James Trussler, and Octavia Devon Jonathan XuJonathan Xu More articles by this author , James TrusslerJames Trussler More articles by this author , and Octavia DevonOctavia Devon More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000003242.14AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: A Roman general and imperial prefect of Roman Egypt during the reign of Constantius II, Artemios of Antioch may be better known for his martyrdom under Julian the Apostate and his subsequent canonization. Based on a seventh century account of healing miracles attributed to him, St. Artemios plays an important role in Byzantine Christian incubation rituals and is still invoked in the Orthodox Church by those suffering from hernias. Given that many of these accounts concern genital maladies, we aim to further explore the circumstances surrounding the treatment of these ailments as well as the relationship of medicine and faith during that time. METHODS: An initial Google search was conducted to identify existing digital and written source material regarding St. Artemios. Hagiographical primary source material from the Miracles of St. Artemios was used to compile a database of each miraculous encounter, including demographic information regarding the afflicted person(s), their respective complaint, the medium in which the saint was manifested, and his prescribed treatment. RESULTS: 41 out of 45 healing encounters (91%) involved a urologic issue, from inguinal hernias and testicular pain to penile sores. From those 41 encounters, 97% of afflicted persons were male, with ages ranging from neonatal to 70 years old. The most common manifestation of St. Artemios was in a dream to the infirm or their loved one (78%), either disguised or as himself. In six encounters, St. Artemios appears in a dream or as a physical apparition in the guise of a physician. Treatments of genital maladies included medical interventions (hernia reduction, incision and drainage) and nonmedical interventions (votive offering, making a sign of the cross). All examples of healing either took place within the Church of St. John the Baptist in Oxeia or when the supplicant was en route to aforementioned place. Several encounters tell of the infirm seeking St. Artemios after failing medical treatment, with miracles 24-31 specifically containing invectives against doctors and surgeons in favor of faith-based healing. CONCLUSIONS: While the healing encounters of St. Artemios have certainly given him the reputation as the patron saint of genital and testicular maladies, they also illustrate the importance of the saint’s respective church for Christian incubation and the complex relationship between Hippocratic medicine and faith-based healing in medieval Byzantium. Source of Funding: None © 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 209Issue Supplement 4April 2023Page: e255 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2023 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Jonathan Xu More articles by this author James Trussler More articles by this author Octavia Devon More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Byzantine Incubation Literature between Religion and Medicine: Food as Medicament in the Collection of Healing Miracles Performed by Saints Cosmas and Damian (BHG 373B)

Byzantine incubation literature is the term used in research to denote early Byzantine collections of healing miracles (5th–7th century) in which the saint’s miraculous intervention is related to the incubation experience. Despite the centrality of the concepts of disease and healing in such literature, the relationship between medicine and Christian religion needs to be further explored. Based on the Egyptian collection of Miracles of Cosmas and Damian contained in manuscript Lond. Add. 37534 (BHG 373b) as a case study, this paper intends to: (1) present those miraculous accounts where food is treated as medicament, starting from a close reading of the relevant passages; (2) looking at the (Byzantine) medical knowledge integrated in these narratives.

예수 기적의 역사성과 기적의 해석학적 고찰

One of the most remarkable things about Jesus' actions is miracles. The four Gospels report healing, exorcism, raising the dead and performing many natural miracles. Are these miracle stories historically true? In modern times, commentators, such as Bultmann, who have been influenced by a mechanistic world-view, regard the miracle of Jesus as a myth or a product of imagination, created from apologetic motives. As a result of analyzing the texts by the historical-critical method, avoiding ideological prejudices, this paper reaches the conclusion that Jesus clearly performed the miracle of healing, exorcism, and raising the dead. Jesus declared that the kingdom of God has come upon you if I cast out demons by the finger of God. Likewise, through miracles, Jesus made the apocalyptic expectation of future salvation present.
 A miracle is already a new heaven and a new earth on a small scale. With power they had received from Jesus, the disciples of the early church performed miracles that Jesus performed and they proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom of God. However, the miracle of Jesus' healing was reinterpreted by christological perspectives in the theology of the cross and resurrection, and the power of exorcism began to be replaced by baptism in the Holy Spirit. At thre same, this wonderful charismatic power gradually disappeared in the church,
 How should Jesus' miracles be understood today? What are the challenges of today's scientific worldview to the miracles, and miracle faith? This paper presents a preliminary reflection on these topics as a conclusion.

Veneration of the miraculous icon of Our Lady of Georgia during the plague of 1654 in Moscow

The article discusses the miracles of healing from the plague in Moscow in the middle of the XVII century, attributed to the Mother of God of Georgia. The circumstances of bringing icon to Moscow are analyzed, the sources talking about the most famous miracle that occurred from the shrine in the city are compared. The author assesses the significance of the miracles that occurred in Moscow stricken by the plague in the distribution of lists from the icon, including those famous as miraculous. The fate of the icon after returning from Moscow, its stay in the churches of Arkhangelsk and Kholmogor in fulfillment of the desire of believers to pray to the miraculous image is briefly analyzed.

Why Science and Faith Belong Together: Stories of Mutual Enrichment

Why Science and Faith Belong Together: Stories of Mutual Enrichment

Miracles of healing. Psychotherapy and religion in twentieth-century Scotland. By Gavin Miller. (Scottish Religious Cultures Historical Perspectives.) Pp. viii + 175. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2020. £75. 978 1 4744 4696 9

Miracles of healing. Psychotherapy and religion in twentieth-century Scotland. By Gavin Miller. (Scottish Religious Cultures Historical Perspectives.) Pp. viii + 175. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2020. £75. 978 1 4744 4696 9 - Volume 73 Issue 1

THE ACCOUNTS AND IMPORTANCE OF JESUS' MIRACLES IN REVITALIZING CHRISTIANS’ FAITH IN THE NEW TESTAMENT

To validate his messianic mission and the coming of God's kingdom, Jesus performed "wonders and signs" that were directed at and closely related to the call to faith. This paper attempted to account for Jesus' miracles and their significance in raising Christians' faith today, as mentioned by various prophets in the Old Testament. The survey was carried out based on a critical analysis of some of the miracles performed by Jesus Christ while He was on earth. The study focused on two healing miracles, the first controlling nature, and the other one demonstrating power against demons or evil spirits from men by categorizing his miracles. Six miracles were chosen and analyzed to help people understand the meaning and significance of those miracles in Jesus' time and today. This survey focused on the miracles of Jesus Christ as recorded in the New Testament. All of Jesus' miracles revealed to the readers that nothing Jesus Christ did on this earth was done without a purpose or message for either the hearers or the listeners. People around Jesus changed spiritually as a result of his miraculous deeds, as this survey noted. Faith is also an effect of the miracle, because it engenders faith in the souls of those who were its recipients or witnesses. The accounts of Jesus' miracles in the New Testament appear to be historically reliable, though some historians and gentiles continue to interpret these miracles differently for whatever reason, and they do not appear to believe the New Testament's account of Jesus' supernatural works. These various miracles demonstrate that Jesus Christ is Lord of all because He has authority over incurable diseases, He can heal without being physically present, He has authority over sins, nature, the supernatural realm, life and death all at the same time, and His deeds were done publicly.

Fieldwork and Ancient Sources

The article presents a new method for the study of antiquity: ethnographic fieldwork results combined with studies of ancient sources. The study addresses the interrelationship between oral and written sources. The pilgrimage centre located on the island of Tinos, which houses a miraculous holy icon (image) of the Annunciation of the Panagia (“the All-Holy One”, or the Virgin Mary), is central here. Many dedications in the sanctuary are memorials linked to the most famous miracle cures worked by the icon. These are written down in a church pamphlet distributed to pilgrims, and this aspect of the miracles is further illustrated by examining the sanctuary’s archive housing letters from several categories of believers, including white and black magic. We also meet the activities that most often are performed by female pilgrims, including vows, prayers and offerings, accompanied by oral sharing of stories of miracles. Women reproduce written miracles in their own way too, as they likewise do with miracles they have heard from others. Many of these share similarities to what we read about in ancient sources, generally authored by men, as well as in inscriptions telling us about the healing miracles of Epidauros, where ancient pilgrims journeyed. The article discusses some of these through a comparison in order to shed new light on the ancient world. The male-produced texts must be deconstructed and considered from a gyno-inclusive perspective by examining them in conjunction with information from the female sphere, such as the few sources authored by ancient women and the oral stories shared by modern women.

Menyoal Konsep Kesembuhan Tubuh: Suatu Kajian Teologis

The Bible records many texts dealing with the subject of healing the body. This study uses a literature approach by digging sources from journal articles and books and then analyzing them using the Bible to produce in-depth and comprehensive theological conclusions. The conclusion of this study shows that healing of the body can occur through natural healing, medical healing, and divine healing miracles or miracles. The implication is theological; Christians may believe that miracle healing still exists and can pray to God so that healing that comes from Him can be experienced now. And the practical implication is that Christians must still be responsible for taking care of their bodies' health proportionally because their bodies are the temple of God.

Sufi Healing and the Translation of Metafunction in Al-Hikam Aphorisms

Studies related to Sufi healing have focused on the theories used by Hakim abu-Abdullah Moinuddin al-Chishtiyya related to the power of unconditional love to work healing miracles. The aspects contained in his Book of Sufi Healing consequently become the starting point for the elaboration of the Al-Hikam aphorisms, the monumental work of Ibn Athaillah As-Sakandari. This study aimed to find common ground between Sufi healing and the Al-Hikam aphorisms. To find this meeting point, descriptive analysis was carried out from linguistic and cultural perspectives using Functional Systemic Linguistic theory and Ricoeur’s translation theory applied to Arabic (L1) and Bahasa Indonesia and English language text. The main qualitative data were collected from Arabic clauses in the Al-Hikam aphorisms, comprising 435 clauses with a thematic structure derived from 100 Al-Hikam aphorisms. Linguistic theory was used to examine the text in detail from both micro and macro perspectives, the former being used to examine the shift in form and meaning, and the latter to examine the ideology of translation in conveying Sufi healing in the Al-Hikam aphorisms (infinite hermeneutics in translation). The results showed that the clause structure in Arabic can be divided into three main patterns (SVCOMP/entity-oriented, VSCOMP/event-oriented, and SCOMP/verbless sentence structure). In terms of Ricoeur’s infinite hermeneutics, the position of wager was viewed from the lexical meaning of the Al-Hikam aphorisms, while the transformation stage in the model can be applied to the study of Al-Hikam aphorisms as the basis for understanding Sufi healing.

SPIRIT POSSESSION IN EVANGELISM

Spirit possession is associated with good and bad Spirits. The good spirits comes in loving relationship while the bad is to be cast out. There has been confusion concerning the manner of casting out or healing in the churches. Those who practice it, want to link their practices to the ministry of Jesus. There are frequent testimonies to divine healing at evangelism campaigns, however, there are small number of definite miracles of healing compared to the great numbers who were prayed for. The healing may be termed ‘miraculous’ in the sense of being a wonderful sign of God’s activity. The findings from the research, was that the healing was real. Some miracles were instantaneous, others take some time to manifest. The miracles lead to conversion of the individual. The method adopted in the research is critical analysis and socio-religious.

Quest for Miracle Healing and Prosperity in the New Religious Movements in Nigeria: Its Causal Phenomena

This paper x-rayed in a very precise form the theology of miracle healing and prosperity message expounded by the preachers of the new generation churches in Nigeria. Since however, this title is a bit too vast and ambitious for the limited scope and time of the discourse, the paper, therefore, investigated the salient issues involved in the theology of miracle healing and prosperity message as expounded by the preachers of the new generation churches in the south-east of Nigeria; though south-east/Igboland and Nigeria are used interchangeably. It also investigated how the theology amongst other factors has occasioned the proliferations of new religious movements in Nigeria. Other issues that are connected to the growth of the new religious movements in Nigeria and Igboland in particular examined in this study included the African’s quest for power, cultural identity, ethnic identity, health, and economic emancipation. The purpose of this study is to x-ray the impact of prosperity preaching and quest for miracle in the new religious movements in Nigeria. The findings showed that the import of the new religious movements in Nigeria is occasioned by the excesses of the colonial and missionary overlords in the pre-colonial Nigeria. Findings also indicated that the new religious movements came to fore in Nigeria as a religion of the oppressed in the cultural, social, religious and political spheres. It was developed as a rescue mission to the already degraded religion and tradition of the people. The methods of approach include historical and phenomenological methods. The study however recommends the theology of prosperity and miracle healing as a correct and sound teaching for not just the new religious movements but for all Christian churches in Nigeria. The study equally advocates that it would not be expounded beyond proportion so that the church would not be reduced to a mere miracle centers.