Consciousness-Raising Book Discussion, 11/21/2021 at 6 p.m.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR HEALING WORDS

By Larry Dossey, M.D.

NOTE: Page numbers reference the paperback version of the book. 

1) What is your overall opinion of the book?

2) On p. xvii.4, Dossey writes, “Some studies, in fact, showed that a simple ‘Thy will be done’ approach was quantitatively more powerful than when specific results were held in the mind.” Why do you think this might be true? What is the Science of Mind version of “Thy will be done?” (also xix.1)

3) When have you experienced “effective” prayer vs. “ineffective” prayer? What did Ernest Holmes teach about this? What does Dossey think? (p. 3.2 & 210.3)

4) On p. 26.2, Dossey cautions us about equating physical illnesses with mental causes. Why does he warn us about equating spiritual and physical health?  

5) Dossey refers to “New Age” several times in the book. What is the difference between “New Age” and “New Thought?”

6) How does Dossey say to treat yourself I you do get sick? (p. 17.3)

7) On p. 19.4, Dossey writes, “But doing must also be supplemented by being—looking inward, examining, focusing, wondering, asking.” What is he prescribing here?

8) What do you think of the idea of illness as a messenger? (p. 22.2)

9) What did you think of Dossey’s conclusion on p. 32.3 about the Japanese regression cases? 

10) What does Dossey suggest we remember in the midst of physical illness? (p. 36.1)

11) Why do you think Dossey cautions us against relying on a single approach to illness? (p. 59.1 & p. 144.2). 

12) What do you think of Dossey’s assessment of the power of the unconscious mind? (p. 64.3)

13) What are your opinions about consent in reference to praying about others? (p. 80) What does Science of Mind teach? 

14) What are your thoughts on the discussion of surrender? (pp. 100.4-101.1)

15) What do you think is best, directed or non-directed prayer? (pp. 97-104) What type do you use?

16) On p. 115.1, Dossey writes, “This means that healing of another is in some sense self-healing, for the spatial distinctions between “self” and “other” are not fundamental.” Do you agree or disagree? 

17) What did you think of Dossey’s suggestion that “we may be able mentally to shape our ‘medical past’ in order to bring about health not illness?” (p. 122.2)

18) Dossey discusses “negative prayer” on p. 157.4. What do you think? Can prayer be negative? What did Ernest Holmes teach?

19) On p. 191.2, Dossey writes, “Biology therefore, is not destiny.” Do you agree or disagree?

20) According to Dossey, who does the healing? (p. 198.2)

21) On p. 206.7, Dossey writes, “With the recognition that there is an innately nonlocal part of us that cannot die, the goals of medicine will be transformed.” Do you agree or disagree?

22) What did you think of Dossey’s description of prayer on p. 209.7?

23) What do you think is the role/responsibility of the physician in discussing a patient’s medical condition with the patient? (p. 250.2)

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