Teleios

Teleios, Inc. is a private research foundation that uses the scientific method to evaluate the benefit of a Biblically-based lifestyle. Teleios, Inc. conducts its research using prospective clinical research, surveys and reviews of the medical literature.
The principal science-based findings derived from Teleios research indicate that "adherence to the Christian faith (i.e., confidence in salvation by faith as well as ongoing prayer, fellowship, service, obtaining biblical knowledge and praise), Biblical principles for daily life and participating in traditional societal institutions, enhance wellbeing in both healthy individuals and those afflicted by sickness”.
History
First world culture has strong Christian historical roots that have continued influence at some level depending on the country. However, over the past century growing secularization generally has ingrained humanistic thought in first world culture.
As a result, many Christians feel inadequate or guilty in the face of humanistic thought.
Teleios uses several study designs to derive their data including:
• Prospective, interventional, double-masked randomized trials.
• Cross-sectional surveys.
• Reviews of the peer-reviewed medical literature.
Results
Wellbeing - healthy populations
Prior data had noted that practice of Christianity benefits wellbeing generally, but also specifically by lessening: depression, anxiety/stress, trouble sleeping and family problems.,,,, Teleios research has demonstrated the more a person practices the basic tenants of Christianity the greater the benefit to wellbeing. Basic Biblical principles used as measures of adherence in Teleios studies were (from Acts 2:42,47):,
• Church attendance (praise, fellowship)
• Prayer
• Service/outreach
• Bible study
• Bible knowledge
In addition, knowledge of basic truths in the Bible can add confidence in person’s faith and so improve wellbeing. Teleios sponsored studies have noted that Christians who are secure in their salvation have better wellbeing and less guilt.,
• Improves patient’s general wellbeing.
• Improves socialization.
• Improves treatment adherence and knowledge of disease.
• Prayer may help healing especially in non-cardiac disease.
• Positive coping mechanism.
These improvements derived especially from individual prayer, interventional prayer from others, church attendance and associated socialization. However, with cardiovascular disease the influence of prayer on the disease process itself is inconsistent, but appear beneficial in other disease states including: ocular disease, diabetes, cancer, brain injury, in vitro fertilization.
Wellbeing - trends
Personal characteristics, encouraged in the Bible, evaluated in peer-reviewed medical literature also are associated with improved wellbeing when present in a person’s.<ref name="auto"/> They include the following:
• Forgiveness
• Thankfulness
• Hope
• Empathy
• Peace
• Joy
These parameters may benefit not just general wellbeing, but also interpersonal relationships and physical health.
Further, prior research has shown that participation in biblically supported Institutions is associated with enhance wellbeing.
• Church attendance and associated socialization.,<ref name="auto1"/><ref name="auto2"/>
• Traditional man/woman marriage. This institution assets wellbeing by means of improved physical/mental health, sexual satisfaction, family income and the happiness of children.
Conclusion
Recent medical research has shown that the practice of Christianity improves wellbeing as well as surrogate markers for wellbeing such as joy and peace. These findings have been shown in healthy populations and those with medical illnesses. In addition, the Teleios Foundation has noted through their research that the greater the daily adherence to biblical principles, as well as basic knowledge of the faith and security in their salvation, further enhances wellbeing.
Teleios Bibliography
1. Stewart WC, Sharpe ED, Kristoffersen CJ, Nelson LA, Stewart JA. Association of strength of religious adherence to attitudes regarding glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Ophthalmic Res 2011:45:53-6.
2. Stewart WC, Adams MP, Stewart JA, Nelson LA. Review of clinical medicine and religious practice. J Relig Health Mar 2013;52:91-106.
3. MacIlvaine WR, Stewart WC. The apologetic value of religion and wellness studies. Christian Apologetics Journal 2013;11:65-83.
4. Dehning DO, Nelson LA, Stewart JA, Stewart WC. Does religious adherence help diabetic patients' well-being? J Christian Nurs 2013;30:e1-11.
5. MacIlvaine WR, Nelson LA, Stewart JA, Stewart WC. Association of strength of religious adherence to quality of life measures. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2013;19:251-255.
6. MacIlvaine WR, Nelson LA, Stewart JA, Stewart WC. Association of strength of community service to personal wellbeing. Community Ment Health J 2014; 50:577-582.
7. Stewart WC, Reynolds KE, Jones LJ, Stewart JA, Nelson LA. The source and impact of specific parameters that enhance well-being in daily life. J Rel Health 2016;55:1326-1335.
8. Stewart WC, Nelson LA, Stewart JA. Is there room for God in the exam room? Review Ophthalmol April 2016;60-64.

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