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Abstract
This study examines questionnaire data collected from a congregational survey of worshippers among the Church of God (Cleveland, TN) Pentecostal denomination (N = 1522). It is part of a larger study that considers the influence of a perceived relationship of love with God upon benevolent attitudes and action. This paper explores the influence of religiosity and socialisation upon healing experiences and practices. This is because engagement with healing practices is regarded by Pentecostals as a form of benevolent action. A causal model is presented that suggests healing experience can be explained by means of specific background variables (gender, age and ethnicity directly; marital status and education indirectly), religiosity (Sunday worship and all-age Sunday school) and socialisation factors (significant others and perceived influence of a direct encounter with God). The significance of these findings for understanding healing practices among Christians in relation to religion and health is subsequently discussed.