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An introduction to articles published within the issue is presented on topics including impact of suspending religious activities due to the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on mental and physical health, the role of the faith community in responding to the disease outbreak, and an experience on the frontlines treating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy.

This essay is an exploration of the development of moral imagination as an important outcome in the teaching of medial ethics. It is contextualized within the growth of professionalism and pays attention to the formation of character of physicians in their formal training and in the first phase of their careers. Issues around formation as it is understood historically in the vocation of the clergy are also considered. Finally, there is discussion of the place rites of passage as they figure in the lives of those who teach medical ethics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harvey Cushing, M.D. (1869-1939), is the acknowledged father of the discipline of neurosurgery who inspired others to join him in this new field. He was a prolific researcher in the area of human growth disturbances. And he was among the most literary of doctors having won the Pulitzer Prize for his two-volume biography of his mentor and teacher William Osler, M.D. A driven man, he both inspired and intimidated others. This essay explores Cushing's character and background along with his relationship to Osler. It seeks to understand why and how he may be considered a great figure in spite and because of his demanding and often problematic character. It further seeks to place Cushing in the context of the transition of American society and American medicine in the latter decades of the nineteenth and early decades of the twentieth century. Portions of this essay were originally delivered as part of a Grand Rounds presentation for the Department of Neurosurgery at the New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill Cornell Center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Franklin Delano Roosevelt is arguably one of the greatest of American Presidents. His encounter with the polio that crippled him at an early age and its transformative impact upon him are here discussed with particular reference to his relationship with his physician, Dr. George Draper. This transformation liberated energy in Roosevelt to lead and to show empathy for others in ways that both challenged the political and social status quo in the USA as well as helped save the world from the threat of Fascism in World War II. This essay seeks to demonstrate how an investigation of the life and struggles of this famous patient is one avenue for relating the study of the humanities to medical education. An earlier version of this paper was presented as the Heberden Lecture in the History of Medicine at the New York Academy of Medicine in 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helen Flanders Dunbar (1902-1959) was a physician, medieval and Renaissance scholar, theologian, and founder of the American Psychosomatic Society and its journal Psychosomatic Medicine. Her contributions are not currently well known but deserve recognition from all those involved or interested in the dialogue between medicine and spirituality. This essay explores Dunbar's personal history and professional achievements. It focuses particular attention on a feminist perspective regarding her life and work. It will conclude with a discussion of how biography, as an art form, transforms both author and audience. This essay was originally presented as the Second Annual J.R. Williams Memorial Lecture on Spirituality and Medicine at the Tulane School of Medicine in fall 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including Institute for the Bio-Cultural Study of Religion; young scholars; and boarding schools.

This essay is concerned with the fulfillment of ordination commitments through a pastoral role in medical education and review of medical research with human subjects. Stylistically, it combines memoir with the genre known as 'creative non-fiction.' Its major issues have to do with the identity formation and transformation of the author, the function and ethics of institutional review boards, the teaching of medical ethics to medical students, and courses involved in the doctor-patient relationship and in palliative care intended to increase the sensitivity and self-awareness of physicians-in-becoming. This essay was presented in its initial form at the Annual Fellows Meeting of the Society for Values in Higher Education in 2010. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paul Tillich (1886-1965) was one of the leading theologians of the twentieth century. Tillich was born in Germany and received his education and first academic appointments there. Tillich left Germany in 1933 to teach at Union Theological Seminary after having been dismissed from his university position by the National Socialist government for his radical views and political associations. In the United States, he became a highly successful lecturer, preacher, and public intellectual who reached numbers of persons who had departed or who had doubts regarding traditional religious belief and practice. Tillich underwent a series of traumatic losses in the early decades of his life that powerfully shaped his subsequent contributions to religious and cultural discourse. This essay outlines this pattern of loss and speculates about its impact upon his theological work. It lifts up Tillich's perspective of living and working 'on the boundary' of disciplines, eras, and cultures, most particularly where psychoanalytic ideas contributed to his 'theology of culture.' It also stresses Tillich's role in initiating the ongoing dialogue between religion and psychiatry and psychoanalysis. The essay concludes with a summary critique of Tillich's work along with an affirmation of his considerable legacy. This essay was originally a presentation for the Richardson Research Seminar in the History of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creative nonfiction and the illness narrative are recently identified approaches to literary expression. They are particularly well suited to the genre of memoir where psychological issues such as mourning and attachment and loss may be explored. The recent memoirs of Sue Erikson Bloland and Honor Moore fulfill the description of creative nonfiction. They offer their readers an opportunity to explore with them the theological and existential issues of revelation, reconciliation, and forgiveness. This paper was first presented for the Working Group on Psychoanalysis and the Arts of the Richardson Research Seminar in the History of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This essay addresses the familial, religious, and cultural context for the writing and presentation of William James’ classic work The Varieties of Religious Experience. The essay emphasizes the importance of the impact of Henry James, Senior, upon his son. This relationship along with a severe cardiac condition contributed to James’ taking on and carrying through with his exploration of religious experience. The article explores The Varieties and concludes with a discussion of the importance of James’ use of narrative to the study of mind–body medicine. This paper was originally presented at the Richardson Research Seminar in the History of Psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medical College. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

J. Robert Oppenheimer was among the most important and enigmatic figures in 20th century science. He is best known for successfully directing the Manhattan Project that produced the first atomic bombs that were dropped on Japan at the end of World War II. Subsequently, he became a scientist and statesman who advised the United States government in the areas of atomic weapons development and public policy. He later became subject to an investigation in 1954 into his previous political affiliations and his personal behavior that ended in the revoking of his security clearance. This essay seeks to chronicle Oppenheimer’s coming of age as a public intellectual with a view toward his own psychological history and most especially in relationship to the stages of faith development articulated by James Fowler and colleagues. Moreover, though not conventionally religious, Oppenheimer’s life and thought were permeated with themes and ideas of a religious and ethical nature that shaped his adult character and informed his view of the world. This essay was originally presented at The Richardson History of Psychiatry Research Seminar at Weill Cornell Medical College. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction to the journal is presented in which the editor discusses various articles published within the issue on topics including COVID-19 pandemic prevention, religion, and the interactions between chaplains and nursing staff during the pandemic.

An editorial is presented on the spiritual lessons from the coronavirus pandemic. Topics include the transformation in a variety of settings that may look different from the vantage point of the front window especially those in places truly far away from here, the international nature of those who read or contribute to the Journal makes has determined that even during this unnerving hiatus, and the continue to provide the sorts of articles that both challenge and undergird the work.

This paper—originally a sermon––addresses issues involved with nuclear idolatry from a biblical perspective. It utilizes psychological understanding and historical narrative as a context for theological reflection. It thus places depth psychological insight in service of social ethics. It was delivered at the Church of the Epiphany, Manhattan, New York, on August 14, 2005. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper addresses the integration of the philosophical school of American Pragmatism, as articulated by John Dewey and others, with the disciplines of bioethics and pastoral care. It suggests new avenues for theological reflection in the bioethical enterprise. It was first presented as the inaugural Anton. T. Boisen Lecture in Pastoral Care and Education in 2004 under the auspices of Continuum Hospice Care, New York. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describes the different opinions regarding the psychiatric diagnosis of Anton Boisen with special attention to their historical contexts. Outlines Boisen's relationship with psychiatrist Harry Stack Sullivan. Discusses the diagnosis of catatonia as a product of nineteenth century psychiatry and relates it to Boisen's description of his experience of illness. Reviews a contemporary understanding of catatonia helpful in clarifying this debate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents books about religion and health. 'William Osler: A Life in Medicine,' by Michael Bliss; 'Coping with Teen Suicide,' by James M. Murphy; 'The Sacred Heritage: The Influence of Shamanism of Analytical Psychology,' edited by Donald F. Sander and Steven H. Wong.

This essay describes how contemporary medical education and pastoral care share historical roots, confront similar pressures and objectives in the formation of future professionals, and address common concerns in the area of bioethics. The essay concludes with a summary of ideas regarding the present and future relationship between medical education and pastoral care. The essay is dedicated to the memory of David P. Rogers, M.D., whose vision of medical education and medical practice embodied a rare passion for justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents books, music and films about religion and health. 'William James on Consciousness Beyond the Margin,' by Eugene Taylor; 'In the Shadow of Illness: Parents and Siblings of the Chronically Ill Child,' by Myra Bluebond-Langner; 'Fairytale: A True Story,' starring Peter O'Toole.

In this article, the editor shares his thoughts on his career as editor-in-chief. Topics discussed include his aim of increasing international content of the journal, providing opportunities for student and young scholar contributions, and developing special sections for specific areas; his views on the hard work of editorial board members; and his views on the article written by him on professor Phillip Hallie.

The author reflects on writing and on authors and researchers. He suggests that authors and researchers make up a tribe of their own which is populated by idiosyncratic, curious individuals who are unified in vocation even if separated by several other life factors. He argues that when anyone writes they also edit and when anyone edits they also write and when each becomes good at what they do their judgment becomes clearer and stronger.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses theme of the journal's articles on life and work of American theologian Donald Capps.

An introduction to the Special Section Mental Health, The Mind and Consciousness: Tibetan and Western Approaches, published in this issue is presented.

Unfortunately, the editorial was initially published with Dr. Joseph J. Fins article. This has now been corrected and Dr. Fins paper, Beyond Good and Evil: Doing Ethics in the Clinic appears in this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses articles in the issue on topics including new editors on the editorial board, theology and Panagis Galiatsatos in the division of pulmonary medicine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.

The article introduces the Special Section in the issue whose content is taken from a Fall 2015 conference The Role of Islamic Bioethics & Spirituality in Contemporary Medicine held at the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida. The driving force behind the Section is Editor Dr. Mustafa Ahmed who shares his ideas and perspective about the intent of the collection of articles and the dialog he hopes they stimulate going forward.

The article presents an obituary for Donald Eric Capps, editorial board member and regular contributor to the "Journal."

The article announces that Jennifer Shepard Payne and Ezra Gabbay are appointed as two new members of the Editorial Board of the journal.

An introduction to topics published within the section journal of the journal, entitled, "Spirituality in Adolescents: The Hub of Mental Health and Positive Development," is presented.

The author reflects on reasons why people should write articles for publication. He suggests that people should write because writing engages people, makes them think and has the ability to change them. He argues that people should write because they must to have self fulfilment and for the sake of the world in which they live.

The author reflects on the article "The Ethical Imperative to Think About Thinking" by Meredith Stark and Joseph J. Fins in a 2014 issue of the journal "Cambridge Quarterly of Healthcare Ethics." He cites the 1999 U.S. Institute of Medicine (IOM) study titled "To Err is Human: Building a Safer Health System" on medical errors and discusses judgment-making in physicians, mindfulness in medicine, and the concept of negative capability, excepted from a letter by poet John Keats in December 1817.

The article focuses on the 2014 retirement of Ann Ulanov from her position as Johnson Professor and head of Union Theological Seminary's program in psychiatry and Religion. A discussion of the contributions that Ulanov and her late husband Barry made to the "Journal of Religion & Health" in their roles as editors is presented.

An obituary for former surgeon Sherwin Nuland is presented.

The article reflects on the relationship between science and religion and scholar Ian Barbour's efforts to develop an intellectually respectable understanding of the topic. It states his first book on the topic, "Issues in Science and Religion," was published in 1966 and mentions the four-frame model he articulated on the relation of science and religion. It suggests each side can use the experience and insight of the other when confronting manifold moral and ethical questions confronting them.

The article presents an introduction to the issue of the journal, with a focus on scientist C. P. Snow's 1959 lecture at the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, Great Britain entitled "The Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution," which discusses a split between the humanities and sciences.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including artificial nutrition, students' understanding of religious and spiritual issues, and student's perspective on medical ethics education.

The article discusses various reports published within the issue, including several which are concerned with the portrayal of war in books and motion pictures, one on the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the U.S. by Mary Roro and one by Steven Pirutinsky on the connection between religiosity and psychological functioning.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including the role of faith communities in public health advocacy, narcissism, and reflective equilibrium.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses the articles published in the journal as well as its plan to focus on gun violence in its next publications.

The author reflects on the article "Merging Spirituality and Clinical Psychology at Columbia" which appeared in the August 9, 2012 issue of "The New York Times" and discussed a graduate student program at Columbia University which integrated spiritual approaches with psychological methods in the practice of psychotherapy. He suggests that collaborations such as the one at Columbia should be applauded. He argues that continued discovery, reflection and impassioned debate should be embraced.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses several issues related to the periodical "Journal of Religion & Health," including the increase in article submissions, the periodical's mission of sharing information and meaning with its readers, and the concept of generativity.

In this article the author reflects on the publication of the "Journal of Religion and Health" and on special sections and guest editorials which have appeared in many issues of the journal. In the article individuals that have played a part in he publication of the journal are acknowledged and opinions on ideas for future issues are requested.

The article discusses various reports published within the issue that all focus on the theme of the September 11, 2001 U.S. terrorist attacks, including reports by Kathryn Madden, Heather Cereste and Kevin Kelly.

An introduction is presented for this issue which notes Harry C. Meserve's contribution to this journal as its first editor and the journal's mission of scholarly publishing.