Candy Gunther Brown Boeken

The book delves into the rich history of evangelical Christian literature, tracing its evolution from the establishment of the Methodist Book Concern in 1789 to the success of influential works like Ben-Hur in the 1880s. Candy Gunther Brown highlights the unique community of writers, publishers, and readers who have shaped this genre, emphasizing their dual mission of maintaining purity while engaging with the secular world. This exploration reveals the longstanding impact and growth of evangelical publishing, culminating in its recent mainstream recognition.

Drawing on medical records, surveys of prayer recipients, prospective clinical trials, and multiyear follow-up observations and interviews, Brown shows that the widespread perception of prayer's healing power has demonstrable social effects which can in some cases produce improvements in health that can be scientifically verified.

Examining the integration of yoga and mindfulness in public schools, the author questions the assumption that these practices are purely secular. Drawing from her experience as an expert witness in legal cases, she analyzes unpublished trial records and insider documents, uncovering connections to religious traditions like Hinduism and Buddhism. The book explores the implications of these findings on the definitions of religious and secular in educational contexts, highlighting the influence of proponents advocating for these practices in schools.