Description:Many religious dogmas promote wellness through their practices or stated objectives--for example, focusing on simple living, having compassion for others, vegetarianism, or meditation and mindfulness. This refreshing work provides a review of the world's spiritual perspectives and traditions, and explores how their guiding principles encourage healthy lifestyle choices. An examination of religions from around the world--from Confucianism and Christianity to Islam, Judaism, Shamanism, and Zoroastrianism--reveals how faith beliefs and values influence behavior and inspire healthy living. With contributions from leading international scholars, the chapters include a discussion of Eastern and Western world religions and their practices--such as fasting or refusing medical intervention--that can foster health or potenially create problems. A contemporary analysis of current research findings suggests possible interventions that individuals and health providers may utilize to enhance healthfulness. A final chapter explores the connection between health, illness and agnostic, atheistic, and other nonreligious perspectives.