In this episode of The Healing Theology Podcast, host Alejandra Salemi speaks with Dr. Ellen Idler, Director of Emory University's Religion and Public Health Collaboration, about the powerful intersection of religion, health, and community. Dr. Idler, pioneer in this intersection of religion and public health, shares how religious participation can serve as a protective factor for health by expanding social networks and fostering intergenerational connections. She also addresses the complexities of religion’s role in public health, including the risks when religious beliefs are imposed through policy, as seen in vaccine exemptions and reproductive rights. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the benefits and challenges of faith as a social determinant of health, and the critical need to balance religious freedom with public health protections.