The practice of health care providers at all levels brings you into contact with people of a variety of faiths. This calls for acceptance of a diversity of faith expressions.
Research three diverse faiths. Choose faiths that are less well-known than mainstream faiths or are less known to you, such as Sikh, Bahai, Buddhism, Shintoism, Native American spirituality, etc. Compare the philosophy of providing care from the perspective of each of these three faiths with that of the Christian perspective and your own personal perspective.
In 1,250 -1500 words, summarize your findings, and compare and contrast the different belief systems, reinforcing major themes with insights gained from your research. Some of the questions to consider when researching the chosen religions are:
- What is the spiritual perspective on healing?
- What are the critical components of healing, such as prayer, meditation, belief, etc.?
- What is important to people of a particular faith when cared for by health care providers whose spiritual beliefs differ from their own?
- How do patients view health care providers who are able to let go of their own beliefs in the interest of the beliefs and practices of the patient? Compare these beliefs to the Christian philosophy of faith and healing.
In your conclusion, describe what you have learned from your research and how this learning can be applied to a health care provider practice.