An investigation into the phenomena and practices of spiritual ...

healing. Worthington et al. (2007) posit that positive responses are essential aspects ofemotional experiences, countering emotional responses such as grudges. People may feelwretched and guilty in holding a grudge towards another person who mistreated, offendedor hurt them. Witvleit et al (2001) suggest that reduction in hostility brought about bybehavioural intervention that encourages forgiveness can reduce coronary problems.Where people hold a grudge, they stay in the victim role and perpetuate negative emotionsassociated with the hurtful offence and the experience of suffering. Contributors toTugwell et al (1976) postulate that spiritual healing can come through the deep fellowshipfound in the type of worship similar to that of the Azuza Street revival, especially when,contrary to the previous American (or British) norm, it was interracial. As suggested inChapters Four and Five above, this type of worship enables the person to move away fromthe negative emotions and hurtful experience of suffering as experienced by black peopleas a legacy of slavery.Death can be regarded as a state of rejection and ultimate suffering or healing for theperson who has died and for their relatives. As ultimate healing, this can be a welcomedrelief from the suffering of an illness such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancers and diseases thatcause breathing difficulties. The professional and personal experiences of the researcher asa counsellor and a believer in Christian healing, indicate that people who have a belief inGod and His healing powers experience suffering with a certain level of joy. Those whoexperience the separation that accompanies death cope better than those without an activefaith and belief in healing. Those without a faith and belief in a supernatural being aremore emotionally traumatized and at a higher risk of having reactive mental healthproblems as described in Holmes-Rahe social adjustment scale (Holmes and Rahe 1967).220