A Comparative Analysis of Christianity, Scientology, and Sikhism in Relation to Core Beliefs and the Standard of Care as a Health Provider
A Comparative Analysis of Christianity, Scientology, and Sikhism in Relation to Core Beliefs and the Standard of Care as a Health Provider
Elena Basques
Grand Canyon University
September 17, 2012
Abstract In the health care field an understanding of an array of religions is needed to provide care an adequate standard of care to patients. In the religious beliefs of Christianity, Scientology, and Sikhism there is great diversity in their practices; however, there is a uniting factor in love. Though a religious view of a provider may be different from the patients the provider will still deliver a standard of care both physical and spiritual care that will allow for healing in both dimensions. On the other hand, there may be small issues that I provider may find challenging in treating a patient when their own beliefs vary from the patients.
It is common for health care students to consider taking care of patients with different religious beliefs; however, it is not so common for them to consider how a healthcare provider’s religious beliefs may affect their standard of care. It is rare for individuals to take the time or even care to find out about religions outside of their own. “One of the most religious countries [The United States] on earth is also a nation of religious illiterates.”(Prothero, 2007, p.2) If they do, it may be just the basics or hearsay about the religion, such as the theistic view, and a few basic principles. Take into consideration how the care provided by a Christian, a Sikh, or a Scientologist may vary. The latter two religions most have heard of but may not know very much about what their beliefs actually entail and how it would affect a practicing individual’s standard of care. Let’s first look at the Christian’s view of care. Following the teachings of Jesus Christ, a Christian in health care would provide compassion, love, kindness, and acceptance. “A healing hospital is about loving service to others.”(Chapman,
Elena Basques
Grand Canyon University
September 17, 2012
Abstract In the health care field an understanding of an array of religions is needed to provide care an adequate standard of care to patients. In the religious beliefs of Christianity, Scientology, and Sikhism there is great diversity in their practices; however, there is a uniting factor in love. Though a religious view of a provider may be different from the patients the provider will still deliver a standard of care both physical and spiritual care that will allow for healing in both dimensions. On the other hand, there may be small issues that I provider may find challenging in treating a patient when their own beliefs vary from the patients.
It is common for health care students to consider taking care of patients with different religious beliefs; however, it is not so common for them to consider how a healthcare provider’s religious beliefs may affect their standard of care. It is rare for individuals to take the time or even care to find out about religions outside of their own. “One of the most religious countries [The United States] on earth is also a nation of religious illiterates.”(Prothero, 2007, p.2) If they do, it may be just the basics or hearsay about the religion, such as the theistic view, and a few basic principles. Take into consideration how the care provided by a Christian, a Sikh, or a Scientologist may vary. The latter two religions most have heard of but may not know very much about what their beliefs actually entail and how it would affect a practicing individual’s standard of care. Let’s first look at the Christian’s view of care. Following the teachings of Jesus Christ, a Christian in health care would provide compassion, love, kindness, and acceptance. “A healing hospital is about loving service to others.”(Chapman,
References: Prothero, Stephen. (2007). What Every American Needs to Know-and Doesn’t. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers. Queensland Health. Health Care Providers’ Handbook on Sikh Patients. Division of the Chief Health Officer, Queensland Health. Brisbane 2011. Roan, Ansley. " Scientology, Medicine and Life After Death - Beliefnet.com."Beliefnet.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2012. <http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Scientology/Scientology-Medicine-and-Life-After-Death.aspx?p=2>. Robinson, B.A., and Al Buttnor. "About the Church of Scientology® Its symbols, history, belief and practices." The home page of the ReligiousTolerance.org web site. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance, n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2012. <http://religioustolerance.org/scientol1.htm> Wylam, P.M.. " Introduction to Sikh Belief | SikhismGuide." Sikhism Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Sept. 2012. <http://www.sikhismguide.org/sikh-belief.aspx>