Research professor in the School of Science, Technology and Health, Dr. Richard Gunasekera, recently published research investigates real case studies of divine healings from medical records. Although apologetic defense of such healings is not new, Gunasekera uniquely contributes to the discussion by providing scientific investigations, evidence-based data and mechanisms of action in a peer-reviewed publication to address skeptic arguments against the legitimacy of instances of divine healing.

“My goal is to build a bridge between faith and science by providing data that thoughtful skeptics require,” said Gunasekera. “I believe that when presented with well-documented evidence, even those with a scientific mindset can recognize the authenticity of divine healing experiences. This approach honors both the scientific method and the reality of divine healing that extend beyond our current scientific frameworks.”

In order to determine the intersection of the divine and the biological in instances of miraculous bodily healing, Gunasekera found it necessary to understand the intricate design of the human body. Gunasekera argues that the particular intelligent design of the human body to resist disease is the product of the creative and protective work of the Holy Spirit. For example, his study considers how the dietary intake of plant-derived bioactive molecules, such as lycopene from tomatoes and red grapefruit, selectively safeguards the body from certain cancers and other diseases. Gunasekera posits that the body’s cancer-fighting defenses and the protective properties in plants suggest the creative and healing working of the Holy Spirit.

Having established the Holy Spirit’s role in relation to the human body, Gunasekera goes on to investigate three to six cases of divine healing from metastatic cancer, inherited genetic disease, cardiac arrest, and coma. He also provides evidence of the extent of the disease, such as CT scans before and after each instance of divine healing. With each case study, Gunasekera goes through a list of 10 common arguments skeptics use to dispute evidence of divine healing: misdiagnosis, lack of scientific evidence, placebo effect, a denial of the supernatural, regression to the mean, coincidence, confirmation bias, psychosomatic factors, psychological denial, and anecdotal evidence.

The first case study looked at a patient diagnosed with a highly malignant cancer, whereas the second case study looked at a patient who eventually went blind from juvenile macular degeneration. In both cases, specific prayers of people around them resulted in complete healing and even improvement in their conditions.

The final case study is personal as it involves the healing journey of Gunasekera’s own father. In the late 1980s, Gunasekera’s father was diagnosed with coronary artery disease and went into cardiac arrest during a coronary artery bypass surgery. While in a coma for 15 days, Gunasekera’s father was declared brain dead, as confirmed by EEG and CT scans, and suffered a loss of circulation in his right leg due to an aortic pump that was installed to support his dysfunctional heart.

Despite these dire circumstances, his family did not lose hope and persevered in prayer. Amazingly, Gunasekera’s father started responding and gaining consciousness. Though his right leg required amputation, Gunasekera’s father went on to experience a full cognitive and physical recovery. And as 20-year-old biochemistry college student Gunasekera stood in the ICU witnessing this miracle, the experience changed him to believe not only in science, but strongly in divine healings.

“Witnessing my father's recovery firsthand changed my perspective,” said Gunasekera. “When he suddenly returned to full cognitive function, against all medical expectations, I couldn't ignore what I had witnessed. This profound experience led me to develop a deep respect that transcends our current scientific understanding and opened my mind to the possibility of divine intervention.”

Using the three case studies and several others published, Gunasekera refutes each of the skeptic arguments, such as misdiagnosis, placebo effect, denial of the supernatural, or psychological denial. He argues that the severity of the patient’s conditions and the documented medical records empirically prove the legitimacy of such healings coming from a source beyond the natural world or psychological variables.

“My hope is that fellow skeptics will approach this research with intellectual openness,” said Gunasekera. “I'm not asking anyone to abandon critical thinking — quite the opposite. I'm inviting skeptics to examine such cases with the same scientific curiosity they would apply to any other observations and data they find in their own research.”

Gunasekera notes that Christianity has a historic account of divine healings and miracles in the Bible, which is distinctive to other worldviews and accounts.

“Unlike other belief systems, Christianity not only professes but substantiates its claim to divine healing through documented occurrences involving its founder and followers,” said Gunasekera. “This distinctive facet not only underscores the divine presence and intervention through the Holy Spirit but also bears witness to the authenticity of the faith and the creator’s authorship of all life.”

Biola University values the integration of faith and science. Learn more about applying to the School of Science, Technology and Health.

Written by Katelyn Ho, strategic communication assistant. For more information, email media.relations@biola.edu.