Hlt-205 Health Care: Christianity And Assessment Answers

Answer:

Introduction

The practice of health care could be more efficient than it is today if only the worlds, societal and individual religious belief perspectives and the principles guiding the health profession were understood (Abu & Exline, 2015). Contrary to that, health care provision in handling some diseases or situation posing a threat to human life may be ineffective or posed with greater challenges and lead to loss of lives. Therefore there is great need of knowledge and understanding and also acceptance of a diversity of faith expression. All these should be centered on the principle that life is important and sacred and should be protected by all means. This study will provide a comparative analysis of some of the religious beliefs towards health between the Christian faith and Buddhism faith.

Comparative Analysis of Religious Beliefs between Christian Faith and Buddhism Faith towards Provision of Health Care

Differently, from other forms of religions, Buddhism is not a religion based on faith, but it is a faith of experience, exploration and discovery. Therefore there is no question of allegiance to a supernatural power as it is to other religions (Madigan, 2016). But their belief about protecting life, by all means, has been regarded as best by some scholars of religious beliefs and faiths. Christian faith on the other end is based on faith in Jesus Christ and His resurrection from the dead. The Bible is used as the reference book in Christianity and as the guiding principle of Christian living. This paper, therefore, examines the religious beliefs which cut across the Christian faith as well as that of Buddhism faith towards the provision of health care.

The Buddhists believe in life and death, these in addition to illness are seen as natural events and not natural enemies’ .the dignity of life is highly honored in Buddhism faith and that special care and attention should be given to those affected by such conditions. So this is because these are simply conditions which need to be taken care. On the other hand, according to Christian faith, the concept of life and death attracts a different view as seen in the Buddhism faith as illness and death are seen as the work of the enemy. Concerning The New Testament, Jesus Christ is the greatest physician, and it’s believed he can heal all kinds of disease and illnesses. Therefore suffering is seen as the work of the enemy which must be fought. The four gospel books in the New Testament, all through records the Mighty works of Jesus Christ in regards to His healing ministry where he healed many, gave sight to the blind, hope to the hopeless and compassion to the multitudes(Mark 8:2).  It’s also recorded in (Luke 9:2) that Christ Jesus sent the twelve disciples to preach the kingdom of God and heal the sick. (Matthew 25:36) also records the words of Jesus Christ to His disciples that when you look after, you look after me. All these provide the facts that Christianity supports the provision of health care.

Secondly the Buddhism faith, they support blood transfusion in support for life and also artificial reproductive technology as well as the use of genetic engineering to cure conditions. The only consideration given is the wishes of the patient who if he or she is okay with it then no one can prevent you from accessing health care (Stettner, & Douville, 2016). It’s legally permitted in their faith. The issue of abortion is allowed but its left between the individual and the religious teacher providing support and consultation. The family may also be involved in circumstances where the individual is not in a position to make the decision.

On the other hand, some of the Christian groups do not support the idea of the blood transfusion but a significant number of them worldwide. Some of those objecting the practice include the Jehovah witness. The argument here been that the scripture prohibits eating meat with blood still on it and drinking blood from animals offered in sacrifice to pagan gods (Genesis 9:4). And therefore belief, that blood transfusion is central to biblical admonitions is a theory not accepted by other Christian communities.

Thirdly, organ transplant to both the donor and recipient in Buddhism are permissible although among some individuals there is fear that the process may affect the consciousness of the decedent. The practice of health provision may also be permissible in Christian faith. The argument is based on the scriptures in (Matthew 5:40-45) of Jesus teachings of loving one another as you love yourself and also from the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-35) (Pelcc et al., 2016). Although some groups of Christians still don’t support this practice based on the argument of the totality of the body during resurrection.They also believe that those without some of their body parts will not inherit the kingdom of God. So such a belief has hindered many from practicing organ transplant even at the expense of losing the life.

On the issue of birth control and the use of artificial insemination, the Buddhism faith the practice is entirely acceptable, and there are no restrictions whatsoever on blood or blood products (Cumbie, 2011). On the other hand some Christian faith especially the Catholic church is against the use of contraceptives as a measure of controlling birth concerning the scripture in (Genesis 1.28) which states that Be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it. The primary argument by many Christians worldwide, regarding that scripture was that man has been given the responsibility of stewardship but never implied that birth control should not be exercised. The Buddhists also don’t have issues with the sex of the health care professional which may occur mostly because of cultural or ethnic values but not because of their faith which also applies to the Christian faith.

The major critical and shared component to all religions and beliefs regarding healing is faith, which the patients may have faith in certainly meditations made to him or her by the priest or even the meditation made by seers or prophets and the belief that they will be well (Bresnahan et al., 2011). The faith that when treated by the doctor they will be well; therefore faith becomes the major and most important component of all. The most important thing also to faith patients when cared for by health care providers of different spiritual beliefs is their state of mindfulness or their peace of mind during that period of illness.

Conclusion

From the research above, it is pointed out that life is sacred and must be protected by all means. Our affiliation or ascriptions to particular religious faith should not become a hindrance to accessing health care. Healing is a component of faith and action in my perspective, and therefore the society needs sensitization on the importance of upholding religious beliefs and used for the advancement of human life and not to deteriorate it. Health care providers also need to understand these beliefs to facilitate effective health provision. The entire well-being of an individual is important, and his or she wishes regarding the treatment he or she wants to receive a decision rested on him or her alone. But health practices which pose a threat to human life should be abolished in the society at large whether or not it’s in our belief systems, cultural values or not.

References

Abu I., & Exline, J. J. (2015). Understanding and Addressing Religious and Spiritual Struggles in Health Care. Health & Social Work, 40(4), e126-e134.

Bresnahan, M. J., Guan, X., Smith, S. W., Xiao, W., &Edmundson, J. Z. (2010). Cultures of the soul: spiritual beliefs about organ donation in China and the United States. Chinese Journal Of Communication, 3(2), 133-146. doi:10.1080/1754475100374033

Cumbie, S. A. (2011). Development of a conceptual nursing model for the implementation of spiritual care in adult primary healthcare settings by nurse practitioners. Journal Of The American Academy Of Nurse Practitioners, 23(10), 552-560. doi:10.1111/j.1745-7599.2011.00633.x

Madigan, P. (2016). The Jews and the Bible. Heythrop Journal, 57(1), 201-202. doi:10.1111/heyj.67_12307

Pelcc, G., Kara?i?, S., Mikirtichan, G. L., Kubar, O. I., Leavitt, F. J., Cheng-tek Tai, M., & ... Tomaševi?, L. (2016). Religious exception for vaccination or religious excuses for avoiding vaccination. Croatian Medical Journal, 57(5), 516-521. doi:10.3325/cmj.2016.57.516

Stettner, S., & Douville, B. (2016). "In the Image and Likeness of God": Christianity and Public Opinion on Abortion in The Globe and Mail during the 1960s. Journal Of Canadian Studies, 50(1), 179-213