Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity
Running Head: FAITH DIVERSITY
Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity
Grand Canyon University: HLT 310V
June 3, 2012
Abstract
This paper provides a comprehensive look at the following faiths: Buddhism, Judaism, Baha’i, and Christianity. The reader will find that Buddhism is more of a philosophy than a religion that focuses on the mind as being the creator of illness and health. The reader will also find that Judaism, Baha’i, and Christianity are all religions that believe in one God, the creator of all. This paper lists various components that each of these faiths may use at one time or another to effect healing including prayer, meditation, chanting, the use of healers, etc. This paper also defines what is important to people when cared for by providers whose beliefs differ from their own.
Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity Health care providers come into contact with patients of many different faiths on a daily basis. In order to provide the best possible care to all patients it is important for caregivers to understand the basic components of each of these faiths. However, since it is impossible to know everything about every religion presented to us, we must ask our patients directly about their faith and what role it will or needs to play in their health care. This author presents a comprehensive review of three faiths/religions and how they relate to the Christian perspective on health and healing. The faiths presented are Buddhism, Judaism, and Baha’i. It is hoped that with a greater understanding of these three faiths, this author as a caregiver, will be able to give more specific and comprehensive care to her patients.
Buddhism
Buddhism is much more a philosophy than it is a religion in that it explains a way of life or of being (White, B., 1993). The path of a Buddhist can be summed up in the following way: “to lead a moral life; to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions; and to develop wisdom and understanding”
Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity
Grand Canyon University: HLT 310V
June 3, 2012
Abstract
This paper provides a comprehensive look at the following faiths: Buddhism, Judaism, Baha’i, and Christianity. The reader will find that Buddhism is more of a philosophy than a religion that focuses on the mind as being the creator of illness and health. The reader will also find that Judaism, Baha’i, and Christianity are all religions that believe in one God, the creator of all. This paper lists various components that each of these faiths may use at one time or another to effect healing including prayer, meditation, chanting, the use of healers, etc. This paper also defines what is important to people when cared for by providers whose beliefs differ from their own.
Health Care Provider and Faith Diversity Health care providers come into contact with patients of many different faiths on a daily basis. In order to provide the best possible care to all patients it is important for caregivers to understand the basic components of each of these faiths. However, since it is impossible to know everything about every religion presented to us, we must ask our patients directly about their faith and what role it will or needs to play in their health care. This author presents a comprehensive review of three faiths/religions and how they relate to the Christian perspective on health and healing. The faiths presented are Buddhism, Judaism, and Baha’i. It is hoped that with a greater understanding of these three faiths, this author as a caregiver, will be able to give more specific and comprehensive care to her patients.
Buddhism
Buddhism is much more a philosophy than it is a religion in that it explains a way of life or of being (White, B., 1993). The path of a Buddhist can be summed up in the following way: “to lead a moral life; to be mindful and aware of thoughts and actions; and to develop wisdom and understanding”
References: Baha’i Reference Library (2003). Healing. Retrieved June 1, 2012 from http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/ab/ABL/abl-51.html Cukierkorn, C. (2012). About Judaism – Origins and values. Adat Achim Synagogue. Retrieved June 1, 2012 from http://www.convertingtojudaism.com/judaism.htm Cunningham, W. R. (2006). A christian perspective of healing: Prayer. Retrieved June 2, 2012 from http://www.pursuingthetrugh.org/sermons/files/healing-prayer.htm The George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health (n.d.). FICA spiritual history tool. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from http://www.gwumc.edu/gwish/clinical/fica.cfm Hawter, P. (1995). Healing: A tibetan Buddhist perspective. Retrieved June 2, 2012 from http://www.buddhanet.net/tib_heal.htm James, M. (2009). Paging dr. God: Jewish views of illness and healing. Retrieved June 2, 2012 from http://www.interfaithfamily.com/spirituality/spirituality/Paging_Dr_Prn.shtml Rich, T. R. (2011). What do Jews believe? Retrieved June 1, 2012 from http://www.jewfaq.org/beliefs.htm White, B. (1993). Buddhanet basic Buddhism guide: A five minute introduction. Retrieved June 1, 2012 from http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/5minbud.htm