Health Care & Faith Diversity
It is quite obvious how different religions hold different philosophical views on various aspects and even when it comes to healing. Each religion highly upholds their spiritual values hence the need for health practitioners to be cautious while handling varied clientele whether they hold the same religious sentiments or not. In this research we will major on the views held by the Sikh, Buddhist and Judaist religions in comparison to the Christian belief on healing.
Sikh religion
The Sikh hold the belief that when one is sick it is the will of God and that He is merciful to heal; however one has to consider medical treatment in order to get well. During illness: Sikh patients engage in prayers to seek God for help, seek to obtain peace by remembering Gods name, recite sacred hymns (Gurbani) which are words from the holy scriptures (Guru Granth Sahib) and are normally voiced through the Gurus.
Generally the Sikh religion highly esteems the life of human and its sanctity. Depending on ones practice, Sikh religion allows blood transfusion, does not encourage assisted suicide nor euthanasia, permits autopsy, does not permit autopsy, does not permit circumcision on male infants, accepts the aid of genetic engineering to cure diseases, discourages artificial life support for a terminally ill patient who has been in a vegetative state for an along time, discourages abortion unless medically advised and organ transplants.
As a principle the health care provider should help preserve the faith of the patient by considering the following aspects when caring for a Sikh patient:
1. The patient should be able to enjoy peace and quiet and should not be interrupted even for routine check-ups.
2. One should responsively consider the symbols of faith (the five K's); uncut hair, underwear, ceremonial sword, steel bracelet and wooden comb. Infants should especially wear the symbols and incase shaving has to be done; one has to consult the family members.
3. It is a cultural practice for the Sikhs to visit patients therefore, one should understand when they need to practice their faith.
4. Sikh religion forbids eating of any meat that was intended for ritual purposes and that has been slaughtered the halal way; however the choice to be either a vegetarian or not...
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