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 can’t comment on it.

I don’t think there’s any doubt that people derive enormous comfort from religion, and they should continue to do that. What they shouldn’t 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.

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

There’s 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.