Self-healing powers for body and soul: Medical research confirms the practical healing power of Christian rituals and symbols

In their new book “ The Healing Power of Christian Rituals and Symbols ”, Gertrud and Dr. Norbert Weidinger describe how Christian rituals and symbols – such as prayer and meditation, gestures in interaction, symbols from nature and basic attitudes such as love, trust and hope – can heal in a spiritual, psychological and psychosocial sense and sustainably support medical healing processes.

In search of more in life

Anyone who does not feel any kind of suffering is not looking for a cure. However, according to Gertrud and Dr. Norbert Weidinger, suffering does not necessarily only arise from very difficult situations in life. Suffering can also arise when there are misunderstandings between two people who otherwise get along well, when an argument is looming, when something is not right or simply "not going well".

Their new joint book, " The Healing Power of Christian Rituals and Symbols, " was created under this premise, and it is precisely in this area that it would like to provide inspiration for those searching. After much deliberation, the two authors decided on rituals and basic symbols of life that are also important in Christianity and whose healing power seemed relevant to them for a successful life. In concrete terms, they follow individual symbols and rituals on the path of their own sensory perception in everyday life: "Where and in what context do we encounter rituals and symbols, what powers does a certain symbol contain, how can it heal?"

The meaning of symbols and rituals

Since the beginning of human history, symbols have represented the polarities of life. The symbol conceals and reveals its meaning in an object (e.g. friendship or wedding ring). The ritual conveys its meaning in an action with the symbol (putting the ring on the finger). This is why some people speak of object and action symbols (= ritual).

A ritual needs a defined beginning and end, a clear sequence of elements and fixed words/formulas that define and define the meaning. Rituals develop their effect from the tension between recognition and surprise. Without moments of surprise, without being updated to our current life situation, they would gradually become silent, lose their (healing) power and become rigid in dead ritualism.

The authors see Christian rituals and symbols in particular as concrete life support: "They help you to master life consciously and fulfillingly again: in dealing with crises, reconciliations of all kinds. They allow you to find depth in life because they contribute to a happy life, and are therefore help on the way to healing and becoming whole." Rituals and symbols, introduced into the healing process with sensitivity and experience, act like a surprising burst of energy. If a therapy goes well, an energetic impulse awakens the inner healer, releases the shackled self-healing powers, the previously blinded self-knowledge, and sets rigid things in motion again. The process of transformation, of healing, takes its course.

Healing powers in brain research

Anyone who lives rituals and symbols, consciously keeps them alive or rediscovers them for themselves, undergoes a change of perspective within themselves, that is, they take a new view, change their point of view. They experience a change. If this change suits them personally, they can overcome this challenge, it is coherent (suitable for their life). Then it is good for them and strengthens the body's self-healing powers. In this way, the healing power of rituals and symbols can have a direct physical effect - via the brain and the development of new neural networks.

The question of what conditions must be met in order for people to live and age healthily has occupied the brain researcher Gerald Hüther, for example. In a study, he was able to prove that a striking number of nuns are healthy and whole in body, mind and soul, despite having brains that show the same dementia symptoms as other people. A life of work and prayer, in community with like-minded people, with good solidarity and a well-balanced diet can therefore protect against memory loss and dementia.

However, religiosity and spirituality do not usually cure serious physical illnesses - even when activated through prayer, positive coping with illness and even spiritual healing methods - but they can help to cope with critical life events and long-term stress, buffering against stress and preventing some illnesses. They can also contribute to a positive coping with illness, thereby supporting healing processes and relieving minor complaints, especially pain.

Tip:
Gertrud and Dr. Norbert Weidinger: The healing power of Christian rituals and symbols. Finding meaning - Finding peace - Experiencing healing . Mankau Verlag, 1st edition November 2020, paperback, 13.5 x 21.5 cm, 214 pp.; 15.95 euros (D) / 16.40 euros (A), ISBN 978-3-86374-576-9

Link recommendations:
Further information on the guide “The Healing Power of Christian Rituals and Symbols”
More about the author Gertrud Weidinger
More about author Dr. Norbert Weidinger
To the reading sample in PDF format
To the Internet forum with our authors and readers