Quotes by Richard Sloan

“This was a reasonably well conducted study, [but] I think they made some mistakes.”

“Until we get a chance to look at it, we really cant comment on it.”

“I dont think theres any doubt that people derive enormous comfort from religion, and they should continue to do that. What they shouldnt expect is that religious activity is going to promote their health.”

“Many studies, especially some of the older ones, have significant methodological flaws, which render the conclusions questionable.”

“If physicians suggest, either directly or even implicitly, that faith and religious activity are associated with health, ... then they indirectly suggest the opposite -- which is that the disease and illness are associated with insufficient faith and insufficient devotion.”

“I would like to see us stop wasting precious research dollars putting religious practices to the test of science. Its a waste of money, and it trivializes the religious experience.”

“Theres nothing we know about the physical universe that could account for how the prayers of someone in Washington, D.C., could influence the health of a group of people in Iowa -- nothing whatsoever.”