Can science prove the existence of God or the human soul?
Can prayer and other expressions of human intention change the outcomes of scientific experiments or produce physical healing?
Does scientific evidence exist proving Man’s consciousness continues after physical death?
These and many other questions regarding Man’s spiritual nature and our relationship with a “Divine consciousness” permeating our universe are addressed in an inspiring and thought provoking new book entitled “Joyfully Shattered: A Physician’s Awakening at the Crossroads of Science and Spirituality” by Rick Sheff, MD, a pioneer in integrating science and spirituality.
“Science done well is proving the truth of what today we call spirituality, ushering in a coming new paradigm that integrates science and spirituality,” said Dr. Sheff, whose book weaves together his own personal journey of spiritual awakening with compelling scientific and philosophic insights. His fascinating and moving story has taken him from the bedside of a dying child to Oneness University in India, John of God in Brazil, and the site of Marian visions in Medjugorje. Yet he has learned the true journey, the path to healing and joy for each of us, is inward; and science done well, according to Dr. Sheff, will lead the way.
A former died-in-the-wool atheist who studied at Oxford and Cornell University before obtaining a medical degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Dr. Sheff said his quest to scientifically embrace the spiritual nature of existence was launched after witnessing two instances of telepathic communication; one between a father and his dying infant son, and the other between his own wife and her best friend. “Telepathic communication just didn’t fit anywhere in the paradigm of modern science, a paradigm I had fully bought into, at least up until that time,” said Dr. Sheff. “These experiences and others gave me a first glimpse of the new period of revolutionary science into which we are all heading, stirring the seeker in me with anticipation.”
In an effort to define his own spiritual nature and to more fully live a “spirit directed life,” Dr. Sheff said he examined the teachings of the world’s major religions.
“I’ve explored Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and many other spiritual traditions and practices,” said Dr. Sheff, “all without leaving science behind.”
“After a lifetime of study I have come to understand that every one of us is both a physical and a spiritual being with the Divine essence of love within us — and science is increasingly demonstrating this to be the truth.”
To read reviews and excerpts from Dr. Sheff’s new book, “Joyfully Shattered: A Physician’s Awakening at the Crossroads of Science and Spirituality,” please visit www.ricksheffmd.com.
Rick Sheff, MD, is a family physician with over 30 years of experience in medicine. He chose the specialty of family medicine because he wanted to see and treat patients as whole people whose illness and wellness result from the complex interplay of their biological, psychological, social, and cultural circumstances. The years have taught him that to this must be added recognition of each patient’s spiritual circumstances if they are truly to be seen as a whole person.
Dr. Sheff practiced family medicine in Massachusetts, seeing adults, children, and the elderly and, for the first part of his practice, delivering babies. Over the years he was asked to assume greater leadership responsibilities, eventually leaving clinical practice and becoming the senior physician executive for an integrated delivery system. He left there to launch a new company to help the U.S. healthcare system integrate the best of complementary and alternative medicine with the best of conventional medicine.
