Raising Lazarus: The Science of Healing the Soul

"Raising Lazarus: The Science of Healing the Soul" chronicles the relationship of a mind-body scientist and a Jungian psychoanalyst priest as they bring together the wisdom and knowledge from each of their fields to save the life of the scientist from severe depression. When psychobiologist Blair Justice’s colon ruptured on a visit to New York City, he was operated on at a hospital connected to the NYC Medical Examiner’s office. Six years before, Justice had claimed there the body of his 31-year-old daughter Elizabeth, who died from heroin and cocaine addiction in a seedy Amsterdam Avenue flop house. Oddly, Dr. Justice underwent the emergency surgery on Elizabeth’s birthday at the same hour of the day and on the same day of the week she died. To begin to try to make sense of the synchronicities surrounding his disembowelment and to obtain help in climbing out of the life-threatening depression that followed the surgery, the scientist sought out the guidance, wisdom, and, ultimately, the healing relationship of his friend and occasional co-lecturer, J. Pittman McGehee, a Jungian analyst and Episcopal priest, whom he knew in Houston. The result is a fascinating journey of recovery and a memoir of the healing power of “presence.” But more than just a “feel good” story of hope, each chapter of the narrative also includes fascinating, cutting-edge science that literally shows how our very brain can change through the power of love. In this regard, one book becomes two: a powerful personal story of healing from depression in the context of a loving therapeutic relationship and a scientific presentation of the evidence on the physical processes underpinning emotional and spiritual healing. "Raising Lazarus" offers a melding of scientific evidence and spiritual insight into what it takes to come back to life from depression, loss, or despair, whatever the source of the soul-death.

"Blair Justice may be the true founding father of psychosomatic medicine. Now in the fullest maturity and realization of his life, Blair has written a book with his priest/analyst that is deeply personal and thrilling to read. He shares his own resolution of the ego versus spirit struggle that anyone seeking to live the optimal no-regrets life has grappled with. This moving and brilliant book is a must-read that will not fade with time, a real last lecture where the science goes down easy and the soul shines through." --Candace Pert, Ph.D., Author of "Everything You Need to Know to Feel Go(o)d" and "Molecules of Emotion: Why You Feel the Way You Feel"

"This remarkable book by a Ph.D. in Science and a Doctor of the Soul outlines a meaningful alternative to suicide: `egocide' and transformation, that is, a symbolic death of the false self, the self-destructive ego, and a rebirth of the authentic or true self. It's an inspiring work." --David H. Rosen, M.D., Author of "Transforming Depression: Healing the Soul through Creativity"

"If you have ever been depressed, or lived with someone depressed, read this book. If you have ever wondered at the mystery, or question the meaning of life, read this book. If you have ever tried to find the logic in the spiritual, or discover the sensual in the scientific, read this book. This is an important book, an essential book, a book to read and re-read. I love this book." --Susanna McMahon, Ph.D., Psychologist, Author of "The Portable Therapist" and "The Portable Pilgrim"

"This is an emotionally arduous, spiritually satisfying, and intellectually stimulating book. We follow a psychobiologist, scholar and suffering soul, on his healing journey with his Jungian analyst and Episcopal priest. This tour de force moves courageously from clinical depression and soul loss, through mystery to healing. You will be heart-broken and inspired. And you will wonder who you are and what you should be doing with your one and only life." --Thomas R. Cole, M.D., Author of "The Journey of Life: A Cultural History of Aging in America"

"`Raising Lazarus' is an important book, one that moved me to tears. It is an important book because it is an intimate and personal sharing of a journey through depression. It is important because it is a fitting tribute to healer and the one healed. Most of all it is important because it is an invitation to hope." --The Very Reverend Joe D. Reynolds, Dean, Christ Church Cathedral, Houston, Texas

"The title, 'Raising Lazarus: The Science of Healing the Soul,' alerts us that we are about to descend into the underworld of depression, the psychodynamic unconscious, and the mystery of the psyche (soul). Dr. Blair Justice recounts his first person voyage through this underworld with his psychopomp (soul guide) companion, analyst Pittman McGehee.These two masters of their separate arts, forge a fascinating partnership which dramatizes the mystery of healing. No one who reads this book will fail to learn and to grow; none will fail to be changed." --James Hollis, Ph.D., Jungian analyst, Author of "What Matters Most: Living a More Considered Life"