Deadly Blessings

A young couple watched their infant son die of meningitis even as their Christian Science "practitioner" promised that prayer was all the child needed. The parents were prosecuted, leading to a six-year legal battle. A West Coast psychotherapist's practice involved a bewildering array of drugs, New Age metaphysics, and mind control. One of her patients died after a bizarre "hot tub" treatment. The psychotherapist was taken to court. A Filipino "psychic surgeon" claimed that he could remove tumors without breaking the skin. The husband of one patient complained to his local prosecutor. "Brother Joe" was put on trial. Deadly Blessings is a penetrating examination of three controversial court cases. With exceptional insight, Richard J. Brenneman delves into the minds of those who believe that faith or magic alone can cure physical and emotional ills. This book is a combination courtroom thriller, human drama, and first-rate piece of investigative reporting. Brenneman adds a unique, compassionate perspective because he's been there. He is a former Christian Scientist, he lived in a commune, and (at one time) he believed in psychic surgery.