Religion and spirituality play an important role in the medical decisions of many patients. The following is an alphabetical list of the religious and spiritual groups most commonly encountered in a healthcare environment and a summary of their views. Knowledge of these beliefs can affect patient-provider communication, resulting in more culturally sensitive care and improved quality of treatment and outcomes.[16][17][18][19]
Baha'i
Baha'i teaches the essential worth of all religions and the equality and unity of all people.
Beliefs
- Abandonment of all prejudice: race, religion, gender, or community
- Education for all children
- Abolition of extreme wealth and poverty
- Individual responsibility to search for the truth
- The oneness of God, the unity of humanity, and the essential harmony of religion
- Religion is a divine revelation that is continuous and progressive.
- Religion and science exist in harmony.
- Sexual equality is a spiritual and moral standard.
- Humanity's oneness and the wholeness of human relationships
- Unity among diverse groups is possible
- God is in every force in the universe.
- One God has a single plan within the teachings of the major world religions.
- The promise of world peace
Death
- An individual’s reality is spiritual, not physical.
- The body is the throne of the soul, worthy to be treated with honor and respect even when dead.
- The soul is eternal and progresses to the next stage of existence, closer to God.
- Organs may be donated
- The body should be buried, not cremated, preferably without embalming unless required by law.
- The body must not be transported more than one hour’s journey from the place of death.
- For children over 15 years old, the Prayer for the Dead is recited at the burial.
Diet
- Patients over age 15 and in good health abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ala (meaning Loftiness) from March 2 through 20.
- Eating is for health.
- Abstain from drugs when health is good, but may take them when necessary, including narcotic pain medicines, if prescribed by a clinician.
- Blood transfusion is acceptable.
- Consumption of alcohol and mind-altering drugs is forbidden.
Holy Tenets
- Daily prayer and reading of sacred writings.
- Seven Holy Day festivals per year during which one does not go to school or work.
- Work performed in the spirit of service is the highest form of worship.
Pregnancy
- Circumcision of males is a family decision.
- Do not believe in abortion.
- No requirements, rarely use birth control.
- Sexual intercourse only between husband and wife.
Rituals
- Daily private prayer and annual fast lasting throughout the day from sunrise to sunset during the month of Ala from March 2 through March 20.
Symbols and Rites
- The five-pointed star is the symbol of the faith.
- Local, national, and international representatives perform special religious rituals.
- Prayers for private worship.
Clinical Issues
- Avoid sterilization procedures unless needed for the preservation of the mother.
- Believe prayer assists in healing; allow uninterrupted time for prayer.
- Believe a balanced and nutritious diet helps prevent disease.
- Blood transfusion acceptable.
- Will most likely avoid birth control.
Buddhism
Buddhism encompasses a variety of beliefs, spiritual practices, and traditions based on original teachings attributed to the Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha.
Beliefs
- Buddhists follow the path to enlightenment by developing his or her wisdom, morals, and meditation.
- Personal insight replaces belief in God with the study of the laws of cause and effect, karma.
- Spiritual enlightenment through conscious living and meditation.
- Rebirth is based upon the actions of a person, and insight and the extinguishing of desire bring freedom.
- Three major Buddhist traditions: Mahayana, Theravada, and Tibetan.
- 5 Lay Vows: no intentional killing, no stealing, no lying, no sexual misconduct, and no intoxicants.
Death
- Avoid mind-altering medication while dying.
- Buddhist representative should be notified in advance to see that the appropriate person presides over the care.
- Chanting and prayers.
- Rebirth in the next life and avoid lower lifeforms of rebirth.
- The state of mind at death influences rebirth, so they want to be calm and peaceful.
- Unexpected death may require special rituals.
Diet
- Usually vegetarian
- Avoid alcohol, coffee, and tobacco.
Health
- Do not believe in healing through faith.
- Healing and recovery are by awakening to the wisdom of Buddha.
- Health is holistic; mental cures are important.
- Illness is a result of karma or the law of cause and effect; an inevitable consequence of actions in a prior life or this life.
- Medications are acceptable if they do not affect the state of mind.
- No restrictions on autopsy, blood or blood products, organ donation, or procedures.
Holy Tenets
- Celebrations are common to all Buddhists.
- Daily chanting or meditation according to the form of Buddhism.
Pregnancy
- Artificial insemination and birth control acceptable.
- Buddhists do not condone taking a life.
Rituals
- Ceremony around baby blessings, marriage, and death.
- Monthly atonement ceremony on the full moon.
Symbols and Rites
- Lotus flower, human life; Bodhi tree, victory over suffering; Dharma wheel, Eternal Knot, wisdom, and respect for others; Two Golden Fish, hope, and courage.
- Flower and fruit offerings.
- Incense burning and candle lighting.
- Lay vows for men and women.
- No institutional hierarchical structure.
- Ordained men and women.
- Statues of Buddha, prayer beads, and chant boxes.
Clinical Issues
- Acceptable to use blood products.
- Avoid mind-altering drugs.
Christian Science
Christian Science was developed by Mary Baker Eddy, who argued that sickness is an illusion that can be corrected by prayer alone.
Beliefs
- Metaphysics, suggesting the presence of spiritual powers that operate on the body and mind and can cure disease.
- Faith attempts to understand the perfection of God’s spiritual creation in the present.
Death
- Burial is a family decision.
- Euthanasia is not allowed.
- Rarely donate organs.
Diet
- Most avoid food or drink which contains caffeine or alcohol.
Health
- Healing occurs when one draws closer to God.
- Illness is the result of disharmony between mind and matter.
- May limit medical care, procedures, or medications used.
- Often opposed to medical treatment; they may be fearful of being forced to accept unwanted treatments, such as vaccination or emergency surgery, which violate the individual’s personal beliefs.
Holy Tenets
- Daily prayer and sacraments.
- Abortion is not acceptable.
- Birth control is an individual decision.
- May request a midwife.
Rituals
- No outward ceremonies or observances.
Symbols
- Textbook, Science, and Health with Key to the Scriptures.
- No full-time leadership for services.
- Healing ministers that practice spiritual healing.
Clinical Significance
- Children and adults may not be vaccinated.
- May not seek medical care or, if they do, may seek it late in the course of an illness.
- Prefer not to use doctors, medicine, or immunizations even during pregnancy, labor, and birth.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon)
Mormons are a religious group of the Latter Day Saint movement of Restorationist Christianity, initiated by Joseph Smith. The Mormons followed Brigham Young to the Utah Territory. Mormons dedicate time and resources to serving in the church, and many young Mormons choose a full-time proselytizing mission.
Beliefs
- The building of temples where personal and sacred covenants can be entered into with the Lord.
- Daily Prayer and reading of Scriptures.
- Jesus Christ is the Firstborn of God.
- Members are spiritual daughters and sons of a living Father in Heaven.
- They tend to be family-oriented and have strong connections to their extended family, reflective of their belief that families are connected after death.
- Mormons have a strict rule of chastity, requiring abstention from sexual relations outside heterosexual marriage.
- Mortality on earth is a probationary period to test to see if members will obey the Lord’s commandments given through current and ancient prophets.
Death
- All individuals will be resurrected, and attain a degree of glory in heaven for acts during their mortality.
- Autopsy permitted.
- Euthanasia is not allowed
- Organ donation permitted.
- Promote dignified death, if inevitable.
Diet
- Alcohol, coffee, tea, and tobacco are discouraged.
- Fasting required once each month; ill people not required to fast.
Health
- Blood and blood products acceptable.
- Faith in Jesus Christ to heal with medical.
Holy Tenets
- Follow basic Christian holidays.
Pregnancy
- Procreation is a central purpose of life.
- Abortion is forbidden except in the case of rape or when the mother’s life is in danger.
- Artificial insemination acceptable between husband and wife.
- Birth control is a decision left to the couple; per the LDS Church, "the decision as to how many children to have and when to have them is extremely intimate and private and should be left between the couple and the Lord."
Rituals
- Blessing and naming of children.
- Family home evenings once a week.
- Two elders required for the blessing of the sick.
Symbols and Rites
- Designated leaders for specific roles, including Bishops and Elders.
- King James Version of the New and Old Testaments the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and scriptures.
- No formal clergy.
Clinical Significance
- May avoid drugs containing alcohol and caffeine.
Eastern Orthodox
The Eastern Orthodox Church or Orthodox Church, is the second-largest Christian Church, with over 250 million members. The Eastern Orthodox Church teaches the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church was established by Jesus Christ.
Beliefs
- A person’s communion with God is expressed in love; where there is no love, God is absent, and no spiritual life exists.
- All are saved through Christ’s death and resurrection, are still being saved through participation in the church and will be saved again in the future second coming of Christ.
- Christ is the Son of God, both fully divine and fully human, and the Holy Spirit enables humanity to apprehend God’s presence in the world.
- God reveals Himself in the Bible as living and present. It is considered to be the “Word of God” though not considered inerrant or literal.
- The Nicene Creed is recited at every Divine Liturgy, which summarizes the beliefs of the Church.
- In the Orthodox view, the Trinity is three persons, one in essence and undivided.
- The veneration of Mary is referred to as the Theotokos or God-bearer as she carried the New Covenant in the person of Christ.
- Consecration invoked by a priest that bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ.
Death
- The departed soul is affected by intercessory prayers; redemption and reconciliation with God may be possible even after death.
- Holy Unction anointing with oil is administered to the sick by Orthodox clergy on the Wednesday of Holy Week between Palm Sunday and Easter.
- The church offers prayers for the dead on the 3rd, 9th, 40th, and upon the one-year anniversary of the death.
- When a person passes, the traditional saying is “Memory Eternal.”
Diet
- Fast from meat, dairy, and oil for a 40-day period during Great (beginning seven weeks before Easter ) and Christmas (November 15 through December 24) Lent. After the Divine Liturgy, the fast is broken with a joyous community feast.
- Fast from meat, dairy, and oil on Wednesdays and Fridays.
- Fasting is flexible if pregnant and for those with health concerns.
Health
- Allow blood transfusions and blood products.
- God is the “Divine Physician,” the healer of our bodies and souls, which is facilitated through prayer and Church participation.
- Traditional medical interventions are accepted.
Holy Tenets
- Divine Liturgy on Sundays and holy days; some hold Matins and Vespers services daily.
- May pray at home with icons and incense.
- Saints’ days are celebrated throughout the year.
- The structured liturgical cycle of twelve feast days; Pascha (Easter) is the “feast of feasts.”
- Sunday is the celebration of the Resurrection and the Triune God.
Pregnancy
- Babies are baptized by immersion at two months of age.
- Once a child is baptized, the child may receive Holy Communion and is considered a member of the body of the Church.
Rituals
- The focus of the liturgy is the blessing and receipt of Holy Communion.
- Worship is liturgical and structured, with chanted hymnody, iconography, and incense.
Symbols and Rites
- Composed of self-governing ecclesiastical bodies, each geographically and nationally distinct but theologically unified. A Synod of bishops guides each self-governing body.
- Icons are not worshipped but honored as “windows” into divine reality and aid prayer.
- Pray by making the sign of the cross.
- The Three-Bar Orthodox Cross Prayer with icons.
Clinical Significance
- No significant clinical issues
Hinduism
Hinduism is one of the world's oldest religion with roots and customs dating back more than 4000 years. It is the third-largest religion, with nearly one billion followers worldwide.
Beliefs
- An attitude of mutual tolerance and belief that all approaches to God are valid.
- Duties to God, parents, society, and teachers.
- Future lives influenced by how one faces disability, illness, or death.
- Goal to break free of an imperfect world and reunite with God.
- Pain and suffering are seen as a result of prior actions (karma).
- Reincarnation and karma.
Death
- The atmosphere around a dying person must be peaceful.
- Autopsy and organ donation acceptable.
- Children under age two usually buried.
- Cremation is common on the day of death and the body not left alone until cremated.
- Euthanasia is forbidden.
- Immediately after death, the family may wash the body and the priest may pour water into the mouth.
- No restriction on the prolongation of life.
- Prefer to die at home.
- Religious chanting before and after death by family, friends, and priest.
- The Gita or scripture is recited to provide comfort.
- The last thoughts are of God
Diet
- Fasting is important on special holy days as wells as certain days for the lunar calendar, and days of the week representing specific deities.
- The right hand is used for eating and the left hand for toileting and hygiene.
- Vegetarianism common, or may avoid beef and pork.
Health
- Bathing after a meal may be considered the cause of dyspepsia.
- Blood and blood products acceptable.
- Father or husband is the primary spokesperson for the family and to whom questions should be directed, and women may not request special care.
- Hot water can be added to cold, but cold water may not be added to hot.
- Organ donation and receipt acceptable.
- Personal hygiene important and daily bathing required.
- Prayer for health is not favorable; stoicism is preferable.
Holy Issues
- Must be barefoot during religious worship
- Must sit at a lower elevation than where the deity image has been placed.
- No formal hierarchical structure
- Not a church-based religion
- Praying, meditating, recitation, and scripture reading
- Several holy days
- Special respect for elders
- Specific ceremonies vary due to local customs
- A supportive environment and privacy for rites
- Ten to eleven days after birth, the priest performs the naming ceremony.
Pregnancy
- Against abortion, unless the mother's life is in danger.
- Birth control and artificial insemination acceptable.
- Circumcision is uncommon.
- The exact time of birth is important.
- May not want to name the newborn immediately
Symbols and Rites
- Sacred writings and objects include candles, fresh flowers, incense, prayer beads, and sandalwood.
Clinical Significance
- No clinical issues that inhibit healthcare.
Islam
The followers of Islam are Muslims who believe in one God, Allah, and his prophet Abraham. They believe Adam, of the Bible's Old Testament, was the first prophet. Other prophets include Abraham, David, Jesus, Moses, and Noah.
Beliefs
- Complete submission to God
- Judgment day
- Life after death
- Muhammad God's messenger
- Required to pray 5 times a day
- Give 2.5% to a charitable cause once each year
- Oneness of God, his angels, scriptures, and messengers
- Pilgrimage to Mecca required at least once in their lifetime.
- Ramadan is a month-long fast of drink, food, and no sexual intercourse during daylight.
- Reward and punishment
- The Quran is the final revelation of humanity.
- One God, Allah
Death
- Autopsy only for legal or medical reasons
- Confession of sins and begging forgiveness may occur before death
- Death in God’s plan
- Euthanasia prohibited
- Organ donation acceptable
- Prayer for the deceased led by a male within 72 hours after death; death certificate should be signed quickly to facilitate the process
Diet
- Children, women who are pregnant, and those who are ill may be exempt from fasting
- Eat food that is clean, good, pure, nourishing, pleasant, tasteful, and wholesome
- Eat with the right hand, considered to be the clean hand
- Food not invoked in God’s name may be prohibited
- Use only vegetable oil
- Pork, shellfish, and alcohol are prohibited
Health
- Custom prohibits handshakes or any contact between genders
- Female patients may require a female physician
- Most surgical procedures permitted.
- No restrictions on amputations, biopsies, blood or blood products, medications, amputations.
- Providers are seen as helpers of God’s will.
Holy Issues
- Congregational Prayer: Fridays are the Holiest Day for Muslims and has noon prayer.
- Days of observance occur throughout the Muslim lunar calendar
- Eid-ul-Aha (Celebration of the Sacrifice of Abraham) is a three-day celebration beginning on the 10th day of the 12th month called Dhul Hijjah
- Eid-ul-Fitr (Celebration of the Fast-Breaking) is held on the first day of the 9th of the lunar calendar
- Prayer 5 times a day facing Mecca (dawn, midday, mid-afternoon, sunset, night)
- Ramadan is during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the year.
- Wash face, hands, and feet before prayer.
Pregnancy
- Abortion is prohibited except in cases of incest, rape, or when the mother's life is threatened.
- A fetus is considered a human being after 25-weeks of gestation.
Symbols
- Only symbols the Holy Quran
- Some women required to wear a burqa, covering the head, face, and entire body including hands and feet, or a hajib, a veil covering the head but leaving the face uncovered.
Clinical Significance
- Find the same-sex practitioner if not an acute emergency
Shia Muslims
- Approximately 15% of Muslims are Shia. Iran and Iraq have a majority of Shia Muslims.
- Shia means, Party of Ali.
- Shia Muslims are a minority in the rest of the world. Shia Muslims pray three times a day; Sunni Muslims pray five times a day.
- Shia Muslims believe that when Muhammad died, it was his wish that Ali, his cousin, would be the new caliph. They believe that the leaders of Islam should be direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Shia Muslims ignore the elected Sunni leaders and instead follow their leaders, which are direct descendants of Muhammad called Imams.
Sunni Muslims
- Most Muslims are Sunni.
- Sunni means words and actions of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Sunni Muslims believe that Muhammad's wish upon his death was that the next leader would be elected.
- Sunni Muslims believe the leaders of Islam should continue to be elected.
Jehovah’s Witness
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the destruction of the present world system is imminent, and the establishment of God's kingdom over the earth is the solution for all problems faced by humanity.
Beliefs
- The world will be restored to a state of paradise; beneficiaries of Christ will be resurrected with healthy physical bodies and inhabit the earth
- Do not give gifts on holidays and do not recognize birthdays or national holidays
- God is the Father, and Jesus Christ is his son.
- The Holy Spirit is God’s motivating force
- Reject the doctrine of the Holy Trinity
- Do not salute the national flag or sing the national anthem, and refuse military service
Death
- Autopsy acceptable if legally required
- Body organ donation is a personal choice
- Death is a state of unconsciousness
- Euthanasia is forbidden
Diet
- Avoid any food that contains blood
- Meat products must be properly drained of blood
Health
- Refuse blood transfusion and blood products
- Whether to prolong life or right to die is an individual choice
Holy Issues
- An annual congregational celebration of the memorial of Christ’s sacrificial death changes annually
- Prayer and reading of scriptures
- Meetings held three times a week in local Kingdom Halls with a focus on education
Pregnancy
- Abortion is forbidden
- Artificial insemination by donor forbidden
- Birth control is an individual choice
Rituals
- Adult baptism
- Shunning of those who fail to live by the group's standards and doctrines
Symbols
Clinical Significance
- Refuse all blood products
Judaism
Judaism is the expression of the covenant that God established with the Children of Israel. Judaism includes texts, practices, theological positions, and forms of organization.
Beliefs
- One all-powerful God who created the universe
- God communicated the commandments to Moses on Mount Sinai, and they are written in the Torah
- Commandments, commitments, duties, and obligations have priority over individual pleasures and rights
- Sanctity of life overrides religious obligations
- Orthodox Jews: Strict interpretation of the Torah. The Torah is divine and unalterable. Following the code of Jewish Law
- Conservative Jews: Modern and traditional religious observances accepted
- Reform Jews: Choose religious observances and freedom to interpret the Torah
Daily Practices
- Orthodox: Pray three times daily, usually in the community
- Conservative: Daily prayers
- Reform: open to multi-faith and prayers at the bedside
Death
- Autopsy and organ donation acceptable
- Belief in life after death
- Burial as soon as possible
- Cremation discouraged or prohibited.
- The family may stay with the body until it is moved by the funeral director
- Graveside services are typical
- Persons approaching death are encouraged to connect with the community and pray to denominational beliefs
- Prayers for the sick can be an important part of the faith; the common prayer is called Mi Cheberach
Diet
- May request kosher-certified food
Health
- Amputated limb buried in consecrated ground
- Blood and blood products acceptable
- May consult Rabbi regarding the decision for life-support and tube feeding
- Sick exempt from fasting
Holy Issues
- Asara B'tevet: Fast days of mourning
- Channukah: Eight-day festival of lights
- Passover: Weeklong Holiday of Freedom
- Shavuot: Holiday of revelation
- Purim: Preceded by Fast of Esther (no eating or drinking) holiday of the Book of Esther
- Rosh Hashanah: Jewish New Year.
- Sabbath and Holy Days maybe without electricity
- Yom Kippur: Fast (no eating or drinking), Day of Atonement
Pregnancy
- Allow abortion to save the mother
- May not allow birth control
Rituals
- Lighting candles before Holidays and Sabbath
- Synagogue attendance.
Symbols
Clinical Significance
- Kosher food
- Require saving of amputated limbs
Protestant (Amish, Anglican, Baptist, Christian, Churches of Christ, Disciples of Christ, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Mennonites, Methodist, Presbyterian, and United Church of Christ)
Protestantism originated with the Reformation, a movement against what followers believed to be errors in the Roman Catholic Church. They emphasize justification by faith alone rather than by good works, and the highest authority of the Bible alone in faith and morals.
Beliefs
- Community worship is important
- Emphasis on the Holy Bible and Scriptures
- Jesus of Nazareth is the son of God
- Two Sacraments: Baptism and Communion.
Death
- Autopsy, organ donation acceptable
- Euthanasia is generally not acceptable
Diet
Health
- Blood, blood products are an individual choice
Holy Issues
- Daily prayer and Scripture reading
- Traditional holidays observances
Pregnancy
- Baptism of infants practiced in some denominations
- Birth control and artificial insemination are an individual choice
Rituals
- Anointing, prayer, Eucharist, and other rituals
- Prayers for healing, individual prayer, and the Sacraments
Symbols
- Bible
- Cross
- Most ordain both men and women while some only men
Clinical Significance
- No clinical issues that inhibit healthcare
Rastafarian Movement
Both a religious movement and social movement, developed in Jamaica. It lacks any centralized authority. Rastafari refer to their beliefs as "Rastalogy." It is a monotheistic belief in a single God—Jah—who partially resides within each.
Beliefs
- African civilization and culture are superior
- Being as close to nature as possible
- Dream of returning to Africa
- Following the Old Testament
- Jah is the Messiah promised in the Bible
- Love and respect for all living things
- One God, Jah, the former emperor of Ethiopia incarnated
- Spiritual use of marijuana
- Believe in everlasting life; may not talk about terminal illness or impending death
Diet
- Limited or no meat, pork, or shellfish
- May be vegan
- Avoid alcohol
- Caribbean food is popular with fruits and vegetables
- May only want to eat natural foods
Health
- The body is seen as a church and may be hesitant to put anything unnatural into it
Daily Practices
- Buttons and pins with images of Haile Selassie or the Lion of Judah
- Dreadlocks common
- May wear robes, headscarves, and knit hats
Pregnancy
- Birth control individual choice but may not want non-natural drugs
Rituals
- Dancing, singing, and marijuana use
- Old Testament readings
Symbols
- Local, national, and international representatives may perform special religious rituals
- Marijuana is common during ceremonies and is seen as cleansing spiritually, and is written about in the Bible
- May avoid taking non-natural drugs
- Often use green, red, and yellow colors
- Spiritual use of marijuana
Clinical Significance
- Maybe mistrusting of medications or drugs that contain alcohol
Roman Catholicism
The Catholic Church or Roman Catholic Church is the largest Christian church. The Catholic religion teaches that it is the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church founded by Jesus Christ, its bishops are successors of Christ's apostles, and the Pope is the successor to Saint Peter to whom Jesus Christ conferred primacy.
Beliefs
- Belief in Apostolic leaders that are male successors of the original apostles of Jesus
- Dedication to creeds
- Emphasis on sacraments including baptism, confession, confirmation, Eucharist, holy orders, penance, prayers for the ill, and marriage
- A strong tradition of liturgy
Death
- Autopsy and organ donation acceptable
- Life after death
- Persons approaching death are encouraged to compare their suffering to that of Christ
- Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick very important for the seriously ill called the Last Rites
Diet
- Avoid meat on Fridays, especially during Lent; may eat fish
- Fast and sacramental confession prior to receiving Eucharist
- No general dietary restrictions
Health
- Believe suffering is a punishment from God
- Blood and blood products acceptable
- May request amputated limb be buried in consecrated ground
- Sacrament of the Sick by a priest important
Holy Issues
- Attendance at Mass is an obligation
- Prayers at bedside, dinner table, and other times
- Holidays such as Christmas and Easter are celebrated as a season
- May desire daily Eucharist or Mass attendance
- Use of sacramental candles, holy images, and rosary beads
Pregnancy
- Abortion prohibited
- Artificial conception discouraged
- Baptism of infants required if the prognosis is grave
- Natural birth control only
Rituals
- Attending Mass on Sunday and Holy Days, optional daily
- Lighting candles
- Observing sacraments
- Praying the rosary beads to aid in prayers
Symbols
- Cross with a corpus of Jesus
- Holy water
- Incense
- Jesus pictures and statue
- Leadership includes priest, deacon, nuns, and brothers whom all have taken vows, Eucharistic ministers, and chaplains
- The name of Jesus is important
- The only priest can offer Sacraments
- Rosary beads
- Saints, especially Mary, the mother of Jesus and saints associated with healing
Clinical Significance
- May request saving of amputated limbs
Scientology
Scientology’s beliefs and practices are based on rigorous research, and its doctrines are accorded an equivalent to scientific laws.
Beliefs
- Adherents are encouraged to validate the practices through their own experience.
- Aims to create a society without insanity, criminals, and war; where the world prospers, and honest beings can have rights, and where a man is free to rise to greater heights.
Death
Diet
Health
- Rely on the advice and treatment of medical doctors.
- Scientologists do not take mind-altering psychotropic drugs.
- Use prescribed medical drugs when physically ill
Holy Issues
- The human is an immortal, spiritual being that is resident in a physical body.
Pregnancy
- No mandate or a position on these subjects.
- Individual’s personal choice and parishioners are free to decide for themselves
Rituals
- Congregations celebrate weddings, namings and mark the passing of their fellows with funeral rites.
- Each Sunday public worship service is open to both members and non-members of the Church.
- Services comprise a recitation of the Creed of Scientology, sermons, congregational auditing, and prayer.
Symbols
- The Scientology symbol is an "S" curving through two triangles.
Clinical Significance
- A Scientologist with a physical condition will usually seek and obtain examination and treatment by a qualified medical professional.
Seventh-day Adventist (Adventist, Advent Christian Church, Church of God)
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is a Protestant Christian that observes Saturday, the seventh day of the week in Christian and Jewish calendars, as Sabbath. The religion also emphasizes the imminent Second Coming of Jesus Christ. The Seventh-day Adventist Church teachings correspond to common Protestant Christian teachings, such as the Trinity and the infallibility of Scripture. Unique teachings include the unconscious state of the dead and the doctrine of an investigative judgment. The religion emphasizes diet and health, its "holistic" understanding of the person, conservative principles, lifestyle, and promotion of religious liberty.
Beliefs
- Bible is interpreted literally.
- The body is the temple of God and must be kept healthy.
- Duty to warn others to prepare for the second coming of Christ.
Death
- Autopsy and organ donation acceptable.
- Death is a state of unconsciousness with a return to consciousness with the Second Advent or coming of Christ.
- Euthanasia not practiced.
Diet
- Consuming alcohol, coffee, and tea is a matter of individual choice although most refrain.
- May practice fasting
- Vegetarian diet
Health
- Emphasize rehabilitation and therapeutic diets.
- Healing accomplished through medical intervention and divine healing.
- Many avoid narcotics or stimulants.
- No restrictions on blood or blood products.
- No restrictions on surgical procedures.
- Physicians and chaplains are inseparable.
- Holy Issues
- Daily Prayer
- Saturday is the Sabbath.
Pregnancy
- Abortion is discouraged.
- Birth control is acceptable.
- No infant baptism.
Rituals
- An ill person anointed with oil; elders and Pastors and elders may pray.
Symbols
- Pastors and elders may be male or female.
Clinical Significance
- May require a special restricted diet.
Sikhism
Sikhism originated in the Punjab region of India. It is one of the newest of the major world religions. The fundamental belief is faith and meditation in the name of one creator, unity of all humankind, engaging in selfless service, striving for social justice, and honest conduct.
Beliefs
- All people are equal.
- God is eternal, formless, and unobserved.
- God is the supreme Guru, guide, and teacher.
- The ideal life is charity, work, and worship.
- Reincarnation is a cycle of rebirth.
- Salvation is achieved through disciplined meditation and union with God.
- Salvation is liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
- There is a tension between God’s sovereignty and human free will.
Death
- The body is bathed, dressed, and then cremated.
- The floor is washed and covered with white sheets; shoes not worn room.
Diet
Health
- May not cut the hair on any part of their body
Holy Issues
- Meet as a congregation for prayer service on six holidays
- Morning and night private worship
- Following the 10 Sikh gurus and the Holy Scriptures
Pregnancy
- A member of the family gives a drop of honey to the newborn to give the child his characters later in life.
- There are no rituals connected with the birth of a child.
Symbols
- Guru Granth Sahib is a collection of religious writing.
- A turban is worn as a symbol of personal sovereignty and symbolizes responsibility to others.
- Symbolic objects include a cloth around the chest, an iron bracelet, and a wooden comb.
- Khanda reflects fundamental concepts of the faith.
Clinical Significance
- Hair removal may be an issue for surgery.
Spirituality - Hawaiian
Hawaiian spirituality teachings reflect the daily practices of oneness and self-greatness, known loosely as the "aloha spirit." The sense of connection to oneness includes all those who have departed from the physical world. In Hawaiian spirituality, there is no death, just “changing address” from human to spirit form.
Beliefs
- "Aumakua" are family guardians and are respected.
- A basic sense of community
- Inter-connectedness of all-natural things
Death
- Body treated with respect
- Burial is a family decision
- Funerals not attended by pregnant women.
Diet
- After a prayer ceremony, foods consumed provided by the family.
- Fasting is a regular practice.
- No dietary restrictions
- Specific foods used to depend on the ceremony.
Health
- Bad health results from not living in harmony with nature.
- Healthcare interconnected with cultural and religious beliefs.
- Health is the connection between the body, mind, and spirit.
- An individual is responsible for becoming healthy.
- Medications acceptable for pain as long as they do not affect the state of mind.
- Prayers, fasting, and silence promote healing.
Holy Issues
- Closely related to the moon and seasonal changes
- Daily prayers
- Observance occurs throughout the lunar calendar
Pregnancy
- Avoid wearing Lei or garlands in a full circle as this is believed to ward off unfortunate circumstances
- Massaged to avoid early labor
- A newborn name may be delayed because the mother relies on dreams, signs, and visions to obtain a name.
Rituals
- Ceremonies are done to connect to elements and self for value and respect.
- Chanting for ceremonies.
- Menstruating females are observers during ceremonies and have a separate responsibility.
- Performed with the intent of seeing, obtaining, or understanding a vision of clarity related to one’s self and others.
Symbols
- Cleansing before the ceremony may start days to weeks prior and may include fasting and physical cleanse.
- Offerings are called ho’okupu which is valued from the time it is gathered to the time it is given.
- Respect for male and female elders.
- Respect of caretakers and protectors of images.
- Silence is golden, and observation is key.
- There are no written scriptures or writings; everything is handed down by stories.
- Traditional ceremonial wear is expected.
Clinical Significance
- No clinical issues that inhibit healthcare.
Spirituality – Native American
Native American religions spiritual practices can vary widely and are based on the differing histories of individual tribes. Theology may be animistic, monotheistic, henotheistic, polytheistic, or some combination thereof. Traditional beliefs are passed down in the form of oral histories.
Beliefs
- A basic sense of community
- Fundamental inter-connectedness of all-natural things - life, land, and Mother Earth
- Passed down by storytelling
- Use “God” and “Creator” interchangeably
- Daily Practices
- Prayers often include sacred objects
Death
- After death, some tribes will not touch clothes or belongings.
- The body is often prepared for burial by family or tribe.
- Varies from tribe to tribe
Diet
Health
- Health care practices related to cultural and religious and beliefs.
- Ill health occurs from failure to live in harmony with nature, social, and supernatural environments.
Holy Issues
- Related to the moon and seasons
Pregnancy
Rituals
- Prayer accompanied by the burning of cedar, sage, sweetgrass, or tobacco.
- Seeing and understanding a vision of clarity for oneself.
Symbols
- A woman should not come near-sacred objects during menstrual periods.
- Include elder, medicine person, or spiritual leader in assisting in healing.
- A medicine bag is a leather pouch worn around the neck that should not be touched.
- No written scriptures
- No one other than the elder should not touch religious articles.
Clinical Significance
- No clinical issues that inhibit healthcare.
Voodoo
The Voodoo religion is elaborate, steeped in secret languages, spirit possessed dancing, and special diets that are usually eaten by the voodoo priests and priestesses. The ancestral dead are thought to walk among the living during dances. Touching the dancer during this spirit possessed trance is considered dangerous enough to kill the offender.
Beliefs
- All creation is considered divine and contains the power of the divine.
- Ewe ask for help and change.
- Ewe rule the world and decide the fate of everything.
- One God, Bondye, and other spiritual beings, called Ewe.
Health
- Medicines such as herbal remedies and objects in religious ritual may be used for healing.
Rituals
- Animals are sacrificed to thank the spirits.
- Ceremonies include animal sacrifice, drums, and dancing.
- Ceremonies may be held in secret.
Clinical Significance
- Maybe mistrusting of modern medicine
Wicca
Wicca is a neo-pagan, earth-centered belief.
Beliefs
- Concern for ecological issues
- Consecrated items should not be removed or handled by anyone but the wearer.
- Multiple gods and goddesses
- No action occurs without significant repercussions throughout the world, eventually affecting the original actor (Law of Nature).
- Pre-Christian civilization worship practices
- The principal deity is Mother Nature
Death
- No restrictions on autopsy
Diet
Health
- May want to contact coven to request a healing rite
Holy Issues
- Individual study daily
- Worship is called a circle or ritual
Pregnancy
- The ritual blessing of pregnancy is held every trimester.
- Ritual of blessing and naming children
Rituals
- The full moon is a time of great magical energy
- Rituals are a large part of the faith
Symbols
- A consecrated pendant in the form of a pentacle or pentagram is often worn which should only be removed by the individual.
- The five-pointed star inside a circle
- Priests and priestesses perform rituals
- Sacred objects include candles, chalice, herbs, images of gods or goddesses, incense, juice, oil, and wand, wine
- Weekly classes and worship
- Written codes of conduct
Clinical Significance
- Maybe mistrusting of modern medicine