» Chron: Survey: Houstonians turn to faith before doctors (Todd Ackerman)

"I think a number of factors are contributing to that," said Michael Emerson, a Rice University sociologist of religion and director of its Center on Race, Religion and Urban Life. "Clearly, the Bible Belt is a factor. Also, the immigration process tends to make immigrants identify more with their religion. And, lastly, health information increasingly is part of some churches' outreaches."

Health outreaches have become common in black churches, now frequently the site of health fairs, medical screenings and nutrition counseling. One Sunday last summer, for instance, 20 black churches in Houston presented heart-healthy "mini-sermons" focused on eliminating stroke, heart disease and premature death.

The Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell, pastor of Windsor Village United Methodist Church, which has held such events, said he was delighted to hear the survey finding, even as he questioned the sample size and the likelihood that many of the people polled had experienced God's healing power.

Health outreaches have not extended to churches such as Lakewood Church, though a spokesman for the Rev. Joel Osteen said there's been talk about the possibility recently.

"What we provide is prayer," said Donald Iloff, the spokesman. "Rev. Osteen likes to say, 'Do everything you can do and rely on God to do what you can't.' "

And to think, some folks criticized Joel for the three sermons he did on health & diet last year. I think the added step of a health fair would certainly be a welcome addition considering the number of people in the Lakewood family.