Religion and Healthcare

Abstract

Every religion has a particular belief regarding the health of an individual. The religions studying in this paper are Sikhism, Buddhism, and Christianity. It was observed that there are significant differences in all three religions regarding the healing process. However, one similarity in the religions is that they all believe that God has healing powers and will heal a person if they pray to God. These religions also have some traditional medicines but also consume medicines prescribed by medical practitioners. One of the most important things medical practitioners should keep in mind is that they need to keep the religion of the patient in mind while treating them.

Religion and Healthcare

Introduction

Every religion has a different view regarding health. Most religions believe that healing is a spiritual process because the mind and body need to be in unity in order for a person to be healed. If either the body or mind is not in an active state, a person can be considered to lack health. Some religions believe that health is something that plagues the mind and hence it is necessary to have an open and relaxed mind in order to remain healthy (Ferrari, 2010).

Sikhism

Sikhism is a common monotheistic religion in India. The culture of this religion is very strict and different from other religions due to which a Sikh person can easily be identified by his dressing and appearance. The religion is a political, social, and spiritual system of beliefs that focuses on the equal treatment of every human irrespective of gender or status (Geaves, 2010).

Sikhs believe in the process of self healing in which a person is cured without any medication. The process of healing is a relationship between the power of a person's soul and the physical being. This healing only occurs when a person prays and meditates. They believe that when a person prays sincerely to God, a healing reaction occurs in the person's body.

Sikhs believe that medicines are not the only way a person can be cured. A person cannot be healed just by taking medicines; instead, they need to develop a state of mind in which they are prepared to be cured. People can only get cured if they make an effort to get cured (Geaves, 2010).

When treating patients belonging to Sikhism, they would accept the medication being provided by doctors but they would also have to be assured that they need to ...