Healing: The first comprehensive Catholic book on healing [Paperback]

Francis MacNutt (Author), Joan M. Scheet (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1974

Francis MacNutt, a pioneer in the modern healing ministry in the Catholic Church, has provided a primer on divine healing that is an equal blend of practical, experiential data and sophisticated theological reflection.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'A classic and foundational book on healing, it offers a comprehensive look into the history and effects of worldviews on healing ! I received practical insights into how to pray for the sick.' -- John Wimber --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Francis MacNutt, an internationally respected authority on renewal and healing, and founding director of Christian Healing Ministries. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Ave Maria Pr (June 1974)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877930740
• ISBN-13: 978-0877930747
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,373,020 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

60 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simple, concise, defining, and loving -- as it should be!, November 24, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Healing: The first comprehensive Catholic book on healing (Paperback)

Real world, down-to-earth, in a realm too often seen as fantasy or historical, is how MacNutt approaches the healing work of a loving God. Scripturally supported throughout, this is an explanation of Christian healing, a straight-forward 'how-to' erasing much of the mystery many Christians and skeptics have surrounding the healing Jesus called His disciples to offer the broken. It powerfully affirms the healing work of Jesus, alive and occurring daily, even now. He provides practical answers, numerous experiences of his and others' and, at the same time, demonstrates the humility of walk in admitting those things to which he still cannot offer clear and simple answers, things beyond his understanding. This is a handbook for healing ministers, a book of testimony to instill faith in the unhealed that they can be healed, and a treasure for the Christian Church.

56 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Authoritative Book on Christian Healing by Prayer, May 20, 2005

By 

Glutton for books (Washington, DC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Healing (Paperback)

Simply stated, "Healing" by Francis MacNutt may be the best work on healing through prayer ever written. The book includes an overview of the history of praying for healing in Christianity. That in itself is worth the price of the book. He traces how healing began as a central obligation of early Christian communities, but when Christianity became legal under Constantine, many of the precepts of pagan Roman society, such as those advocated by stoics, which deemed suffering as redemptive, infiltrated Christian theology and practice. People prayed less and less for healing as time progressed and saw their suffering as something they should endure without questions, for redemptive reasons. Also the role of the laity changed much once Christianity became legalized. Priests became more powerful and certain practices that were once considered the responsibility of all, such as praying for the sick (which is handed down in the Catholic tradition as the anointing of the sick) were no longer responsibilities that any Christian should perform, but relegated to those ordained.

MacNutt's book includes many personal testimonies of people who were healed through services at which he participated. Some of the stories come from letters. Some of the stories are his personal experiences and situations that he witnessed. All areas of healing are included: inner healings from emotional wounds, physical healings and deliverance is also a topic the book covers. The book includes sample prayers used from various Christian faiths, or elements that should be incorporated into prayers, if the reader has an aversion for formal prayers. Any person may pray for healings, but the book believes as the Bible states, that healing is a gift given by the Holy Spirit and some people may be more effective in their prayers than others. And while healing may occur through prayer alone, the book does not recommend avoiding medical resources available to assist people's health and recovery because these too are gifts we are given and should use. It is true too, that some times illness does have a purpose in life, and that healing is not always God's will for every occasion. The book also offers guidelines for starting a healing ministry and assembling a team.

The book looks at the way different beliefs in Christianity heal those who have faith in them. It does not say that one belief is more powerful than another, but the key element is faith in God's ability to work through venues. One of my favorite topics covered in the book is on sacraments; how different Christians believe in the validity of different sacraments, and MacNutt presents stories of how people are healed through each of them: baptism, confession, communion and anointing of the sick are the major heavy weights. MacNutt was ordained and worked as a Catholic priest for many years, but he also worked with Christian ministers who specialized in healing from other churches, such as the late Rev. Tommy Tyson and Agnes Sanford.

This is a great book for rejuvenating faith in prayer and an empowering read. I highly recommend it to any one looking for ways to deepen their prayer life, and particularly for those seeking confidence and guideline in how to help others through prayer. It revolutionized my perception of prayer groups; before MacNutt's book I believed that such groups were the perogative of fringe elements of Christianity, and now I feel more obligated and confident in praying for others. Thank you Francis MacNutt!

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't forget to read this book twice., June 9, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Healing: The first comprehensive Catholic book on healing (Paperback)

Father Francis MacNutt, has shared with us 30 years of experience on the healing ministry. I found this book, very helpful in giving me knowledge on a subject that is very difficult to talk with friends and even priests. It gives me courage enough to go on, and continue to discern on the healing ministry.