Introduction

Religion and provision of healthcare have been interrelated for a long time. Several religious practices have been associated with healing over the years, and this is likely to continue even in future. It is normal for people to pray for good health and relief from illness. It is, however, wise to note that it ‘s hard to prove the mechanism upon which healing is accomplished through these religious practices.  Also, there are at times when religious practices and beliefs have been in contention for the routine health practices.  It is, therefore, essential understanding the mechanisms of healing through prayers, meditation and other religious practices and how they relate to medical treatment (Koenig, 2011). This research paper intends to have an in-depth analysis of religious beliefs and medication. A comparative analysis of Christianity and Buddhism will help us understand the underlying concept.

Critical common components to all religions in regards to healing

As aforementioned, the contemporary medicine world is increasingly becoming aware of the existing links between spirituality, religion, and health. It is prudent that the modern and civilized medical camps must understand that someone’s spiritual beliefs and practices form an integral part of their sound health.  Religious beliefs and practices can affect the healing process of an individual by different ways (Shermer, 2012). For instance, the way people understand health, illness, diagnosis and recovery is significantly affected by religious beliefs and practices. It is also worth noting that the ways people cope with illnesses also vary from one religion to another. This is also the case in the day to day health practices amongst individuals from different religious background. The decision-making process and the people’s expectations on matters of medicine and relationship with heath care providers are also significantly affected by religious beliefs and practices.

It is worth to note that the healing process for patients is an essential aspect that involves attending to the patient’s physical, spiritual and religious needs. It is always in the best interests of the patient that his or her religious beliefs and ideas and feelings are adequately addressed during the healing process. Although Christianity and Buddhism are guided by different doctrines, some components are essential to the healing process to the followers of these religions. The two religious groups urge their followers to attain healing and attain it in abundance. However, it is paramount to note that Buddhists create confidence through meditation which is paramount for individual healing. On the other hand, Christians believe that through prayers, the Almighty God will provide the necessary healing. There is a distinction between the administration of healing practices among the Christians and the Buddhists. The Buddhists are known to engage in the practice of yoga and meditation as was the case with the founder Buddha. According to the Buddhists, practicing yoga help in achieving self-confidence and the optimism that enables reduce suffering amongst the patients (Koenig, 2011). However, this is not the case with Christianity, and they do not practice yoga.

Although there are some isolated instances of Christians who fail to seek consultations from qualified physicians, most Christians believe that these doctors are used by God to heal His people. This is also the case amongst the Buddhists whose faith accommodates both modern science and divine revelation in healing. It is prudent to note that the two religious groups believe in the power of spiritual healing as well as physical healing (Shermer, 2012). It is also worth to understand that the two religious groups have distinct symbols such as the church for Christians and the Bah’u’llah for the Buddhists. The Christians display the cross as they pray for healing. Nevertheless, it is essential noting that the Buddhists have no clergy to lead the spiritual healing process like is the case with the Christians. However, the religion allows for another clergy to lead the prayers but must read from the Buddha’s sacred writing.

It is, however, imperative noting that there are some distinctions between Buddhism and Christianity as far as suffering is concerned. The Buddhists do not believe in the existence of God and Christians believe that God exists and at times brings suffering to man. From the Christian point of view, it is only through accepting God that human can escape from earthly suffering. Failure to adhere to the God’s teachings and the Ten Commandments will lead to sufferings on earth and in hell after death (Matthew 21:21). However, Buddhists believe that individuals are the redeemer of their sufferings and no God’s role as savior of human sufferings.  Some Christians are of the opinion that some illnesses are a punishment from God resulting from men disobedient to God. Nevertheless, this is not the case for Buddhists who do not acknowledge the existence of external God and believe that everything arises spontaneously, and diseases and illnesses are not an exception (Koenig, 2011). Nevertheless, religious practices such as prayers, meditation, moral conduct and recitation of holy verses from the Bible and other Buddhists texts are the standard components of spiritual healing.

Patient’s with different religious beliefs to those of the care providers

It is worth to note that most are the times when health care providers and their patients have various religious beliefs. These conditions will always be experienced on a daily basis since health care providers will always encounter patients from a diverse cultural background, nationalities, and religious beliefs. It is on this note that the healthcare providers and the patients should get into a consensus to initiate a productive healing process. It is essential that the significance of the patient’s belief system should not be miscalculated and should not be regarded as right, wrong, good or bad. The spiritual understanding of the patient forms an important part of his healing process (Matthew 21:21). Utmost healing will only be realized if the healthcare provider helps address the patient’s physical, spiritual and emotional needs.

On this note, the health care provider must ensure that they treat their patients with dignity, respect, love and compassion. Such attributes are essential as they help ease the sickness and at the same time make the pain bearable. It is also wise for the healthcare provider to avoid forcing their spiritual beliefs on their patients as this would make the matter worse for the patient. It is prudent for the healthcare provider to put their religious differences aside and concentrate on providing the best healthcare services (Shermer, 2012). It is essential to point out that all religions inspire the human morals, love, and ethics, and such differences should not be used as a boundary or hindrance to effective medication but rather should be a bridge to better health services.   The healthcare provider should always embrace the healing concept in spite of existing differences in religious beliefs between them and their patients.

On the other hand, patients should also embrace the services from healthcare providers with different religious beliefs. From the above analysis, it is evident that both the Christians and the Buddhists have no problem with the scientific healing process. Incorporation of the religious and spiritual beliefs is essential to the healing process, but they should not be a hindrance to the effectiveness of the healing process. It is always necessary for the healthcare provider and the patients to ensure a smooth healing process.

Conclusion

From the above analysis, it is clear that healing is an integral part of evolving spirituality. It is worth noting that as one develops spiritually, emotional, physical and mental illnesses will automatically improve or be resolved instantly. Most people have resulted in religious practices and beliefs in pursuit of physical and emotional wellness.  I believe that there is divine power in prayers as some people have been healed of serious illnesses such as cancer and HIV. Although there some people who doubt the power of prayers, I firmly believe that prayer is essential in the healing process. Besides, the differences in spiritual and religious beliefs should not be a source of conflict but instead, should promote unity amongst us. Health practitioners should also ensure that they incorporate the religious beliefs of their patients in the healing process to speed up the process (Koenig, 2011).  By so doing, it will be easy to ensure the social, physical, spiritual and emotional wellness of the affected people. In essence, it is prudent that we cultivate a culture that embraces religious diversity for healthy living.

References

Koenig, H. (2011). Spirituality & health research. West Conshohocken, PA: Templeton Press.

Shermer, M. (2012). The Believing Brain. London: Constable  & Robinson.

The Bible. King James Version

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