Two prestigious doctors have teamed up to write a book regarding faith, medicine and whether the two can function well together to benefit patients.

Dr Glenda F. Hodges is director of community relations at Howard University Hospital in Washington DC and Dr Harold B. Betton is a family practitioner with 31 years of experience. They are both people of science, but also people of strong religious convictions. In an effort to reconcile the two systems which often seem at odds, they wrote Spirituality and Medicine: Can the Two Walk Together?

The book discusses various topics, including the healing effect of prayer and the nature of the human soul from scientific and spiritual perspectives.

The authors also include testimonials from patients, noting that "many persons testify to medical miracles and how they have been touched by the same in the midst of various illnesses. The book details several testimonies that are worthy of reading – with an open mind."

Many studies on the medical applications of prayer have been conducted with varying results, but meditation is consistently proven to be an effective tool. It can be used to control stress, regulate blood pressure, reduce pain and even raise body temperature in some cases.