ABSTRACT
At first glance, a book on the topic of religion and prevention may seem strange, even farfetched. After all, some of us respond to words like “faith,” “prayer,” “spirituality,” “ritual,” “church,” or “synagogue” with a yawn, sigh, or shudder. Others of us, who see more value to religion, view it as a resource to people after they have encountered problems. The congregation can provide food to the poor; the minister can counsel the member in crisis; the individual can pray to God for strength and guidance in times of turmoil. It is true that religions have a long tradition of helping people back on their feet after they have run into trouble. But the helping tradition is only one part of a broader religious mission and legacy.
