RELIGIOUS BELIEFS PERTAINING TO HEALTH CARE(CHRISTIANITY, ISLAM AND JUDAISM)

GROUP II

OBJECTIVES

• BY THE END OF THE PRESENTATION, WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO KNOW THE BELIEFS OF THE FOLLOWING RELIGIOUS GROUPS PERTAINING TO HEALTH CARE

CHRISTIANITY

ISLAM

JUDAISM

INTRODUCTIONBecause of increasing awareness of the importance of spirituality for patient care, it has become important to consider religious beliefs pertaining to health care. In essence, there are two questions for which answers are needed if we are to provide spiritually sensitive care:What does the patient want us to know about his

or her spiritual needs and resources? And what difference does the patient want this

information to make in the way we provide care?

CHRISTIAN BELIEFSChristianity is a religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as presented in canonical gospels. Most adherents of the Christian faith, known as Christians, believe that Jesus is the Son of God, fully divine and fully human and the savior of humanity prophesied in the Old Testament. Consequentially, Christians commonly refer to Jesus as Christ or Messiah.They perceive the healing of physical illness by the health professionals as a God giving art.There are different types of Christianity namely; the Orthodox, Charismatic, the Adventist and Johavah witnesses.

Christian beliefs – cont.• The orthodox Christians view sickness as a consequence of

our broken and sinful condition that comes to human begins in various ways; through human mortality, personal sin and evil prevalent in society and nature. Thus, when seeking healing most orthodox Christians turn to both modern medicine and spiritual resources of their ancient faith.

• The Adventist on the other hand believe that the eating of certain food such as pork is unspiritual and unholy which in effect turns to affect their health conditions.

Christian beliefs – cont.• The Jehovah's Witnesses, a branch of Christianity

represent a unique medical population, particularly in relation to their opposition to blood transfusion. Their refusal of transfusion stems from a literal interpretation of the Bible, specifically Genesis 9 and Leviticus 17, which states that one cannot eat from the bread of life. Accordingly, members of this sect believe that accepting blood will lead to their excommunication and eternal damnation. In fact, a healthcare provider recommending a blood transfusion is considered by many Jehovah's Witnesses to be acting through the devil's influence.

ISLAM BELIEFS Islam has no central authority, unlike other

religions such the roman catholic, a combination of reluctance within Islam to accept human mediatorship and the diversity of the Islamic community has resulted in no one official voice on the Islamic opinion.

Their believe in a well structured guidelines for physical and spiritual cleaning of oneself before prayer help to maintain a good personal hygiene.

Euthanasia is considered murder.

Judaism Beliefs• Judaism focuses more on actions than beliefs• Human life is valued above all else in Jewish

philosophy and practice. “The expertise of the health care professional is extremely important in caring for a person who is ill. They are seen as instruments of God, who is the ultimate giver and taker of life.”

• The sick are encouraged to take care of any guilt, anxiety, and fear that they feel. In addition, they may recite the Shema (creed of faith) and a confession

• Organ donation is permissible.

Judaism Beliefs - cont

• Sabbath is observed from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday. Some patients may refuse treatment on the Sabbath.

• Birth control is considered a private matter, although condoms are strongly encouraged.

Conclusion

In view of the various beliefs, we can say that religion have a massive effect on the health of an individual in the positive or negative ways depending on their practices.Therefore, considering the belief of a patient before and after a medical procedure is essential in health care.

Reference • Baluff, John. “ The Morality of Refusing Medical Treatments.”

Homiletic and Pastoral Review ( July 2004). • Basil of Caesarea. “ The Long Rules,” in Saint Basil: Ascetical

Works,trans. Sr. M. Monica Wagner, C.S.A. The Fathers of the Church, vol. 9. New York: Fathers of the Church, Inc., 1950.

• Chaplaincy Services, Religious Beliefs and Practices Affecting Health Care.University of Virginia Health System, 2003.

• Winter, T. J., and Williams, J. A. Understanding Islam and the Muslims. Louisville, KY: Fons Vitae, 2002.