Stigmata is one of the most intriguing
examples of how biology can transcend normal function at the service
of a spiritual beliefs. Since the first Christ-like wounds of St.
Francis of Assisi in the 13th century, there have been over 340
cases of stigmata recorded. Although some were self-inflicted to
gain attention, in many others, the wounds are immune to infection,
resist healing and the bleeding does not present a health hazard.
Padre Pio, an Italian priest who was recently canonized for his
exemplary devotion to his parishioners, suffered the wounds of stigmata
for 50 years and bled close to a cup of blood a day without detriment
to his health and long life.
Dr. Martinez has investigated cases of
alleged stigmata for the Catholic Church and has presented lectures
to Catholic Bishops and other clergy on how beliefs and emotions
can affect the immune system and health. In this lecture, Dr. Martinez
will discuss how research in psychoneuroimmunology and medical anthropology
can begin to explain how our thoughts and emotions affect our biology.
Stigmata and other psychospiritual manifestations will be
discussed from a state-of-the-art mind-body psychology premise to
explain how beliefs can influence health and disease. In light of
the controversy surrounding Mel Gibson’s film The Passion of
the Christ, popular misconceptions about stigmata will be clarified.
Dr. Martinez is a clinical
psychologist who lectures worldwide on his theory of Biocognition
(how cultural beliefs affect the immune system and longevity) and
on his theory of relationships called Guardians of the Heart. Dr.
Martinez specializes in psychoneuroimmunology and has published
numerous professional articles on his biocognitive theory. In his
new psychological novel “The Man from Autumn”, he explores how modern
science and the wisdom of Christian theologian mystics can converge
to treat Stigmata and other psycho-spiritual conflicts that can
mimic psychiatric disorders.
Sunday, October 2, 2005
4-6:00 PM
in the Sanctuary at First
Church Unity
5125
Franklin Road, Nashville, TN 37220
Meetings are free and
open to everyone!
To RSVP contact Linda Jones
Ellis, Group Coordinator
615-377-6286 or lindajonesellis@comcast.net
To learn more about Biocognitive
psychology, visit www.Biocognitive.com
For information on The
Man From Autumn, visit www.themanfromautumn.com
Private consultation by
appointment