In a time marked by political polarization and division, Dr. Marc Siegel, a physician and Fox News op-ed contributor, advocates for the role of faith and gratitude in uniting Americans. He argues that belief in miracles, supported by both religious faith and scientific studies, can serve as a bridge to heal personal and national rifts. Siegel’s focus on miraculous recoveries, such as those of Damar Hamlin and Steve Scalise, underscores his position that such experiences can transcend political affiliations and foster a shared sense of hope and unity.
Hamlin, an NFL safety, suffered a cardiac arrest on the field during a 2023 game in Cincinnati, a moment that captivated national attention. Despite the severity of his condition, Hamlin’s survival was described as miraculous by medical professionals who rushed to his aid. Similarly, Rep. Steve Scalise, a Republican from Louisiana, survived a gunshot wound during a baseball game in 2017. His recovery was highlighted by his doctors as one of the most extraordinary cases they had encountered, with Scalise attributing his survival to his faith and gratitude to God.
In his new book, The Miracles Among Us, Siegel explores these miraculous recoveries and their deeper implications. Scalise’s doctors, who performed a combined interventional radiological and surgical procedure to repair his torn iliac artery, described the event as one of the most miraculous in their careers. They also noted that Scalise’s gratitude toward God played a direct role in his recovery. Siegel also shares the experiences of other individuals like Dr. Robert Montgomery, who survived multiple cardiac arrests before undergoing a heart transplant. Montgomery described a profound spiritual experience that brought him peace and enhanced his medical practice.
Siegels’ argument is further supported by neuroscience findings, which suggest that belief in miracles activates similar brain networks as political beliefs. This indicates that faith and politics can serve overlapping purposes in fostering a sense of community. Siegel also challenges the notion of strict separation between religion and medicine, arguing that a physician’s faith should not be left at the hospital door. He advocates for a holistic approach to healing one’s body and soul, emphasizing the importance of nurturing the spirit alongside physical health.
In conclusion, Siegel envisions a path toward mutual respect and unity in today’s political climate. He believes that belief in miracles can be a powerful tool for healing personal and national divides, offering hope and a sense of purpose in an increasingly fragmented society.