Review
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Title: Faith to Heal and to Be Healed
Author: Dennis B. Horne
Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Genre: Nonfiction
Year Published: 2009
Number of Pages: 220
Binding: Paperback
ISBN10: 1599552531
ISBN13: 978-1-59955-253-8
Price: $15.99

Reviewed by Trevor Holyoak

I should begin this review by disclosing that the author is my cousin. This book is about healing and being healed, as well as the times when a person is not healed and is "appointed unto death" or dies even though it may not have been their intended time. Dennis and I have both had multiple trials in our lives when loved ones have been called home, and I can relate with the material in both of the chapters on that topic and his inclusion of them.

The book begins by talking about administering to the sick. It refers us to the publications of the church for instructions, but discusses things such as the priesthood, worthiness, inspiration, and consecrated oil. It also talks briefly of spiritual gifts and healing by those outside the church.

There is discussion about the role of faith in healing and being healed, including being healed by prayer alone, without a priesthood blessing. Cautionary information is presented about seeking to give unsolicited blessings or asking for blessings from church leaders when other priesthood holders (such as home teachers) are available.

As mentioned before, there are a couple of chapters about those that die rather than being healed, and we are reminded that the righteous are not taken before their time. However, if someone is ignoring warnings from the spirit, or taking unnecessary risks, it is possible that their death may come at an earlier time than it might otherwise have been. Examples are also given of people misinterpreting promptings of the spirit and giving blessings of healing, only to have death occur. At one time, it became a common practice to bless critically ill people to die, but a statement from the First Presidency in 1922 was issued against it.

Both physical and spiritual healing is covered, including casting out devils and raising the dead. The ordinance of resurrection is also briefly discussed. Some interesting accounts of healing through ways that would be considered unorthodox today are given, such as the use of handkerchiefs and canes, the blessing of animals, and some information about the discontinued practice of baptism for health.

There is an entire chapter devoted to faith, what it is, and the vital part it should play in the lives of priesthood holders. "Those who keep the commandments and have the companionship of the Holy Ghost receive a commensurate increase in faith; those who do not abide the law upon which the blessing is predicated (D&C 130:21) lose even the faith they once had. Those of little faith should not expect to work miracles." (Page 142.) We are also reminded that "The power to heal the sick is not dependent upon the age or maturity or experience of the priesthood holder." (Page 147.)

Perhaps one reason that healing miracles seem more common in the 1800s than they do today is that medical science was not as good back then. Today, "Reliance on both faith and medicine where applicable seem to be a wise policy." (Page 150.) However, there is also a story about Spencer W. Kimball that is used to illustrate the possibility of crediting medicine where in reality gratitude is due for a miracle.

There is some speculation about how healing is done. This involves discussion of higher laws through which God works, with illustrations from Truman G. Madsen and Russell M. Nelson. J. Reuben Clark's ideas on the subject are also presented, that our spirit could be more in control of our body than we might think. An explanation from Bruce R. McConkie involving the Light of Christ is given as well.

The book is full of examples throughout of healings from church history, as well as many experiences from Glen L. Rudd and Matthew Cowley (there is in fact a whole chapter of them). The author also draws from his earlier books, including a family history and the journals of Abraham Cannon. These faith-promoting stories help to illustrate the subjects at hand, as well as providing instruction for those of us with limited experience in blessing and hearing others bless the sick. I was interested to discover how many times the word "rebuke" was used in the examples, as I have never heard it in contemporary usage, and it shows how the priesthood can be used in real faith and authority.

There are footnotes throughout the book that give further insights and interesting comments. They are conveniently placed at the end of each chapter, so as not to distract from the body of the text, and yet not have to be searched for at the end of the book.

The only real criticism I have is the index, which was created by the publisher. Like that of most books that I have read recently, it is not very good. It is missing many important items, yet has some very trivial ones. It is my wish that publishers will realize that many of us actually try to use the index and that more care will be directed towards creating more useful indexes in the future.

This book would be helpful for any Melchizedek Priesthood holder, especially those newly ordained, but it should appeal to any faithful member of the church. It is spiritually uplifting as well as instructional. I would recommend it to anyone interested in learning more about the spiritual gifts of healing or being healed.