Health Care and Religion Pt. 3 of 3

By anonymous contributor through Rev. Dr. James Kenneth Powell II, opensourcebuddhism.org The author runs through a variety of concerns various traditions have when it comes to health care. Catholics it seems, need privacy especially for sexual history discussions. Venal sins are not so lightly taken. A kosher-keeping Jew might reject swine-based insulin among dietary concerns as well. Death rituals are presented as are funerary practices. Autopsies are seen by some traditions as sacrilegious. Islam maintains hygienic standards that are high and views the doctor and nurses as sent by God. All diseases are seen to have cures, and thus the challenge, and dietary restrictions also apply, similar to those of Judaism. Islam also is sometimes opposed to preserving life beyond what God has ordained. Seems Muslims are more liberal about abortions than Cahtolics or a number of Protestants. Hindu needs often require a vegetarian diet, this includes animal products in medicines. Donating organs causes concern due to the lack of knowledge about how it affects the atman or “soul”. Cremation and a lengthy view of the afterlife and reincarnation are part of that story. Buddhists view the consciousness as a powerful healer and view external medicine as rarely necessary. Vegetarianism is in the picture with this Indian family religion. Birth control is a personal decision, but abortion varies from Buddhism to Buddhism. No drugs near death! Otherwise, a clouded consciousness cannot make proper choices in the afterlife. Cremation is usual. I agree with Paske: whatever aids healing should be pursued and healthcare providers need to be sensitive to this fact. Very apt visuals, the music might’ve been better with a selection from each tradition, but hey! How much can one do? This is a GRADE A work and a handy reference for any health care worker. Jp

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