Spirituality is comprised of varying interpretation reflecting that of the human experience. Thus, definitions of religion and spirituality are porous, historically variable, and remain open to change. Throughout history, the perception of spiritual health has varied in account for many social and cultural influences. Spirituality has often been described as that which gives meaning to ones’ life. While many mistakenly define spirituality by religion, spiritual health does not require any level of religiosity, or belief in a higher power. Thus, spirituality is a broader concept than religion. While religious ideals can determine an individuals’ spiritual health, the construction of spirituality reflects the truest principals, and beliefs developed …show more content…
L., et al. provides insight regarding the physical health benefits generated from religious affiliation. This article presents a study of the correlation between religion/spirituality and health outcomes among cancer patients. Research indicated participants regularly practicing religion/spirituality were mainly related to physical well-being and less physical symptoms. This data suggests spiritual support may improve quality of life and physical recovery among critical patients. Participants facing spiritual distress (lack of religious engagement) or abandonment were associated with increased depression and failed adherence to treatment. By providing physical health benefits reaped by religious persons’, Heather S. L., et al. concurs with Saleem to expose both physical, and psychological health benefits of religious affiliation. From the analyzation of cancer patients identified with spiritual health and self-reported physical health, a direct correlation between spiritual and physical health was revealed. In stark contrast, the article Spiritual Struggles and Mental Health: Exploring the Moderating Effects of Religious Identity examines the darker side of spirituality, as the study explores the relation between religious struggles and mental health. Ellison et al. proposes the idea …show more content…
The article How Are Religion and Spirituality Related to Health is interesting because Curlin et al. study examines what practicing physicians think about the relation between religion, spirituality, and health. While the questions asked did not provide, explicit definitions regarding spirituality, the participants ‘responses reflected religious ideology. All physicians in the study claimed they believe religion influences health, however they did not describe that influence in terms of effects on medical outcomes. Rather, Physicians described religious influences as beneficial when they enable patients to cope with suffering and adhere to difficult regimens. Curlin et al. portrays spirituality as a form of medicine, stating that a growing number of medical schools are now including training on the subject as part of the curriculum. Although physicians agreed that religion has a positive impact on health, they did not refer to scientific evidence to explain the health effects of religion, nor to justify a place for religion in clinical care. However, this could simply reflect their studies, as spiritual and religious training has just recently been incorporated in medical training. By interviewing practicing physicians, Curlin et al. contributes professional opinion regarding the association between spirituality (religion)
Religion has 7 core attributes that allow someone to call it a religion, these include Narrative, Doctrine, Emotional, Material, Ethical, Ritual and Social. These seven attributes help individuals identify what can be classified as a “religion”, however spirituality has no “easy way” to identifying it. Spirituality can be found within the individual looking for their “meaning” but not physically expressed.
The idea of spirituality is realistically a difficult word to define, everyone perceives spirituality in their own way, and uses it in different ways. When reading the Christian bible, John the Baptist discusses the idea of spirituality and defines it as, “Spirituality is all about becoming more like God, who is spirit and having our character conformed to his image.”(John 4:24) (Romans12: 1-2). When the Natives were forced to convert to Christianity, this is what they were told to believe, that spirituality means that you must conform you’re character to be more like God. This truly shows you how much the Europ...
Weaver, Andrew J. and Kevin J. Flannelly. “The Role of Religion/Spirituality for Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers.” Southern Medical Journal 97 (December 2004): pp. 97-98. 1210-1214. Spiegel, David. The 'Standard'.
Based on a mixture of ideas coming from the stated authors, I comprehend spirituality as believing in something and living for a purpose in life. Regardless of a religion, people can still be spiritual. Spirituality is the influence behind a person’s actions; whatever a person desires to do, will lead to actions and in turn, spirituality (Rolheiser 7). According to Rolheiser, “Spirituality is mo...
It is estimated that around a dozen U.S. children will die in faith-healing cases each year. Typically associated with Christianity, Faith healing is founded on the belief that certain people or places have the ability to cure and heal sickness, disease, or injuries. Typically this “healing” is associated by a close connection to a higher power through prayer, divine intervention, or the ministration of an individual who claims himself as a healer. Faith has been scientifically proven in the field psychology to yield benefits to health. Although faith has promised a greater wellbeing for many individual’s lives, it has yet to be a significant replacement for medication many people but relaying on faith as a means for medication.
This paper will discuss three different religions that a health care provider may care for in the nursing field. It will discuss the spiritual perspective, as well as the critical components of healing, such as through prayer and meditation. The writer will give a brief summary of each religions belief. The three religions that will be discussed in this paper are Native American, Hinduism, and Buddhism. This paper will discuss what is important to people who are cared for of a particular faith by the health care provider who may have an entirely different belief system. The writer will discuss how a patient may view a health care provider who puts aside his or her own beliefs in the interest of the beliefs and practices of the patient that is being cared for. The writer of this paper is of Christian belief and will compare her beliefs of faith and healing with the three previously mentioned religions.
Throughout history, it seems that medicine and spirituality have been linked in many circumstances. In a study looking at the use of complementary and alternative therapies in cardiac patients, spiritual healing was one of many practices patient sought to utilize. In another study, 29% of participants chose to use prayer or premeditation as a way to cope with their chronic illness. In both studies, prayer or meditation was more likely to be used by individuals who had a large social network, as well as support from another person in the same health situation. Based on these studies, it seems that many individuals (not just cardiovascular patients) turn to their spirituality in times of health distress.
Spirituality refers to the perspective of that which is valued in life, and that which must to be upheld and defended under any and all circumstances, regardless of the social environment and surrounding conditions.
Melhem et al (2016) define spirituality as an “abstract, subjective, and complex term, whose definition varies between individuals, philosophies, and cultures” and has “many subjective meanings” (p.43). I have learned from many friends who view themselves as spiritual, but don’t follow any particular religion, that spiritualty has allowed them to find meaning and balance in their life. Many feel that all individuals have the capacity to be spiritual, but I haven’t felt the need to tune into this concept thus far in my life. I would tell you where I find meaning and balance in my life, but I don’t even fully know that answer myself. Spirituality is such a new concept for me, and I find it hard to wrap my head around the ways in which I may be able to view or understand it. Therefore, it is something I hope to explore as I mature and continue to understand who I am as a person in this
There is evidence suggesting that attention to one’s spirituality influences the ability to cope with illness, help in the prevention of illn...
In healthcare organizations, medical staff must conform to their hospital and their country’s code of conduct. Not only do they have to meet set standards, they must also take their patient into consideration. When making a decision upon a patient, medical staff must recognize religious backgrounds and spiritual beliefs. By understanding a patients’ beliefs and their belief system, a medical worker can give the patient their deserved medical assistance without overstepping boundaries or coming off as offensive. The practices and beliefs of four religions will be articulated throughout this essay to fully understand how religion can either help or hinder the healing process.
Every person is on a journey of spiritual formation (Mulholland, 1993). What 's frightening is how this process can happen with or without our intention. Taking this a level deeper, every human is formed with an innate desire to worship (Warren, 2002). Putting this all in perspective; whether a person intends to or not, they are worshipping someone or something, and in so doing are being formed into the likeness of this person or thing. Knowing this, it is easy to see the importance of spiritual formation on the psychological health of a person. For example: if someone is being formed into the likeness of a demanding spouse, they will quite possibly grow into someone defined by bitterness or feelings of insufficiency. Therefore, it is vital
Christianity can maintain relevance in the modern world through prayer. As Christians, we forget how powerful we are. The Lord has given us power and dominion over all creation; there is power in the tongue. Even though, we may feel like majority of the world is out of touch with God, it does not mean that we stop believing that God can change things. Some Christians have lost touch with Jesus Christ. Other individuals have never had an experience with Him, nor do they care to have an experience with Him. It is time for Christians to rise up, and take back what we have allowed the devil to steal from us, in this instance, we are fighting that the Christian faith does not die in modern times. A revival needs to take place in all of the
According to Hutchison (2015), “religion is symbolic patterns that consists of values, beliefs, behaviors and experiences” (p. 184). I personal conceptualize spirituality as a vital role in my life that helps me during a time of sickness, forgiveness, and needed guidance. Spirituality helps guide me throughout life during the difficult times I have encountered. Spirituality impacts my life in positive ways that influence and regulate my behavior and health. Health is very important to me; I believe the spirit can heal a person from their sickness. It seems that the spirit heals me every time I pray to be healed from sickness. The spirit gives me strength at a time of weakness. When I feel at my lowest point in life I call on the spirit to pick
Spirituality can have many different definitions, depending on who is asked. It can be something as simple as looking for a higher meaning to life, or something so complex that one can base their beliefs, religion and overall life around it. There are several different ways to express one's spirituality; rituals, songs, dances, stories, and writings are all common methods of expression.