Introduction
Throughout the world, there are thousands of distinctly different religious affiliations. In the United States alone, there are "approximately 313 religions and denominations" (All Religions and Denominations in the US, 2008). This paper will examine four diverse faiths Christianity, Buddhism, Rastafarianism and Islam. It will look at the philosophy of these four faiths when having care provided to them. It will specifically look at the spiritual perspective on healing. It will examine the critical components of healing for these faiths. Along with looking at these diverse faiths, this paper will look at what is important for people who are receiving care from health care providers whose views differ from their own.
Christianity
The Christians were the first people to start "the world's first voluntary charitable institutions" which were hospitals (Trangelder,
References: Biblegateway (2001). James 5:14-15 ESV - Is anyone among you sick? Let him call - Bible Gateway. Retrieved from http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+5%3A14-15&version=ESV Biblegateway (n.d.). Luke 6:31 ESV - And as you wish that others would do to - Bible Gateway. Retrieved from http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%206:31&version=ESV Buddhism, Medicine, and Health. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.blia.org/english/publications/booklet/pages/37.htm Griffith, J. K. (2009). THE RELIGIOUS ASPECTS OF NURSING CARE (4th ed.). Vancouver, B.C Muslim Health Network (n.d.). Islam & Health. Retrieved from http://www.muslimhealthnetwork.org/islamandhealth.shtml Tangelder, J. D. (2007). A Christian Perspective on Healthcare. Retrieved from http://www.reformedreflections.ca/faith-and-life/chr-perspective-healthcare.html Rastafari and the Environment (2012). Natural Healing and Medicine. Retrieved from http://caribbeanreligionuvm.wordpress.com/category/natural-healing-and-medicine/