Faith Diversity

Faith Diversity
Nina Ramos
Grand Canyon University

Faith Diversity
Religion is a major component in the health care setting. There are many religious beliefs among different ethnic backgrounds, all which need to be respected while patients are in the hospital. This paper will discuss the differences between the Sikh and Christian religion and what practices in health care are important to people of these different belief systems. In addition the worldview question will be addressed from Called to Care and beliefs in prayer , healing and when being cared for by a patient of different beliefs. Any implications for health care will be looked at as well. Culturally sensitive nursing is imperative in today’s healthcare setting with all the diversity here in the USA.

 

The worldview questions from Called to Care address some of the aspects of the Christian faith. What is prime reality Prime reality? The Christian faith encompasses God as the ultimate creator and he is known as the Lord of the universe, he is the One Christians worship. What is a human being? Christians define a human being as someone who sins, is redeemed, and accountable. In addition human beings are created by the image of God and loved by him. What is the nature of the world around us? The world around Christians is composed of things seen and unseen, it’s all separated from God but is under his control. Nature was created good, but is poisoned by sin at some point (Shelley & Miller, 2006). What happens to a person at death? Christian faith believes in life after death-heaven is the term to describe this. Its also believed that what is done now is not unseen in ones next life. Why is it possible to know anything at all? The universe is here, not by accident, but by purpose (Collins, 2006). Humans may not fully comprehend the outline of intergalactic life or the complexity of mankind. How do we know what is right and wrong? Right is that in everything one pursues to do to others is what one would want others do to us, and Christians can work with all who seek to live out this need. Christian worldview teaches what is right or wrong is not ultimately a matter of individual decision but even as people alone and mutually must separate right courses of actions in circumstances that are always new and always changing. What is the meaning of human history? Christian worldview and what it perceives to be the nature of reality, that which supports it, and has hope for the future. Basic beliefs and morals can assist as guides for religious instructors to give direction to followers (Valk, 2012).
In comparison, the worldview questions from Called to Care from the Sikhism belief system. What is prime reality? In Sikhism there is only one God and everyone’s follows this God. . What is a human being? One that leads an exemplary existence so that one may merge with God. Sikhs remember God at all times and practice living a moral and truthful life while keeping balance between their spiritual obligations and temporal obligations. What happens to a person after death? People are reincarnated after death, the soul never dies. All living beings are recreated many times until they are what God intended for them. Why is it possible to know anything at all? Teachings are passed through the 10 Gurus in the Sikh Holy Book. How do we know what is right and wrong? There are 5 traits, which are the good: Truth, Compassion, Contentment, Humble, and Love. Then the bad are the 5 vices people must over come to be closer to God: Lust, Anger, Greed, Emotional Attachment and Ego. What is the meaning of human history? People are reincarnated time and time again until they prove worthy of their loyalty of God. What is the nature of the world around us? Sikhism teaches that Kartar shaped the universe in one command and cares for it. His grasp set the world into existence, and his orders rule it (“Sikhism,” 2015). The Sikh worldviews are similar to those of the Christians, but also have some very different beliefs.

There are some critical components of religious beliefs, which should be looked at in detail. These components can also cause dilemmas in the health care setting, if workers are unfamiliar with specific beliefs. The Christians believe in God and pray to him for insight and help when ill. A passage from Mathew; “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness” (“Bible ,” 2015, p. Mathew 9:35). This passage shows that God sent his son to heal everyone who is sick. Christians like to see a personal approach to health care; which does include touch, holding ones hand when they are afraid or just need someone close for them. Faith and prayer are also important practices while in the hospital and in daily life (Shelley & Miller, 2006). Having a hospital chaplain come around to chat and pray with patients is a powerful practice to keep the Christians spirituality up while in the hospital. The nurse taking a holistic approach to ones care also can provide faith for the patients as well.
In the Sikh religion there are many beliefs that are used on a daily basis in regards to prayer and meditation. It’s important that patients are allowed time for this while in the hospital. Kartar means the creator and this to many is God, in Sikhism there is no one name for God. Sikhs like to pray first thing in the morning before their workday begins , this allows Sikhs to proclaim truth through the day. Again in the evening before bed Sikhs have another prayer session. In making sure that prayer is conducted twice daily there is not one holy day, like in the Christian belief, which is Sunday. Sikhs celebrate the lunar days, which include the night of no-moon and the full moon, in addition to birthdays of the Gurus and birthdays to their loved ones. When a baby s born the Sikhs choose a name with the first letter of the first full hymn in which the holy book is opened. This would be very important for people in labor and delivery to know as this would need to be decided prior to filling out paper work for a birth certificate. A child’s first visit to Gurdwara, and is the first occasion to pay reverence to the holy scripture, is celebrated. Prayers and verses from the Granth are whispered in the child’s ear, the Gurdwara means house of the Guru. The Granth is the religious text that the Sikhs religious beliefs and hymns are kept similar to the bible in Christian faith. At death, Sikhs prefer cremation, prayer, and the simple pouring of remains into water, which flows. The Sikhs believe once the spirit has left the body, remains are returned to nature. A person’s actions in life, and divine grace, determine what will happen to the soul, determining what their next will entail. Sikh males including children wear the turban. Hair is the most important element to the turban. Men must have their hair covered at all times. Men and woman both are not to show their hair, this being a symbol of spirituality. The unshorn hair is a state of connection to Kartar’s creation of humans (Gill, 2008-2015). There are many spiritual aspects of the Sikhs that should and must be met while in the hospital setting to keep their spirit and fight alive.
When caring for patient of different spiritual backgrounds in the hospital there are many factors to consider. If a nurse caring for a patient who’s belief is in Sikhism its important for the nurse to understand that the patient will need time for prayer twice a day. The morning prayer should happen before any other tasks are asked of them as that’s what they do in their daily lives. The patient may feel uncomfortable in this situation if the nurse is unfamiliar with the Sikh beliefs. It’s also important for the nurse to know that the turban is a major part of the Sikhs beliefs and respect to their Gods. The turban should be worn whenever possible, it may be difficult for the patient if the turban must be removed for particular tests or even surgery. The patient may also want their holy book close by so when they want to pray they can reference their hymns. The nurse must be sensitive to the patient wanting and needing all of this to fulfill their spiritual obligation. On the other hand when caring for a Christian patient he or she may want someone to pray with or someone to hold their hand. The hospital chaplain would be an appropriate great resource to come see the patient incase there is anything they would like to discuss from their faith and or possible sickness. A Christian patient may have a bible close by so they can read certain scriptures. Family is also a key component and they may like to have visitors. The nurse who is of different faith should understand the importance of spirituality and take a holistic approach when caring for patients no matter what their belief is.
In conclusion, there are many belief systems in America today and the healthcare team needs to be educated so that culturally sensitive care can be used across the spectrum. The Sikh and Christian faith have some similarities as they believe that God, or the Gods are the most sacred person and they are the creator of everything. In addition, both believe that we must not give into temptation and we must follow the path to get to heaven. Although Christians either go to heaven or hell they remain there in the after life. The Sikhs ultimate goal is to follow Kartar and have their soul finally die along with their spirit. The differences between the faiths are much larger concerning the use of the turban and making sure hair is unshorn. Also, the Sikhs do not just have one God but many Gurus that have contributed to their beliefs. I have a Catholic background but I can relate to the Christian faith, I try on a daily basis to use touch on a daily basis whether its holding their hand or just rubbing their back trying to make them feel better. The main goal is to ensure that health care workers have an understanding of different belief systems so when caring for people out of ones faith one can be sensitive to what’s important to the patient who is relying on the health care team for trust and support.

References

Bible Gateway. (2015). Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com
Gill, R. S. (2008-2015). Sikhism. Retrieved from http://www.patheos.com/Library/Sikhism/Ritual-Worship-Devotion-Symbolism/Symbolism.html
Real Sikhism Exploring the Sikh Religion. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.realsikhism.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1218574923&ucat=7
Shelley, J. A., & Miller, A. B. (2006). Called to Care A Christian Worldview for Nursing (2nd ed.). Retrieved from https://viewer.gcu.edu/SignIn/UGPTQ4
Valk, J. (2012). Christianity through a Worldview Lens. Retrieved from http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=313e3593-944a-45ac-9b50-9627aef7e612%40sessionmgr115&vid=11&hid=121
Nina Ramos
Grand Canyon University

Faith Diversity
Religion is a major component in the health care setting. There are many religious beliefs among different ethnic backgrounds, all which need to be respected while patients are in the hospital. This paper will discuss the differences between the Sikh and Christian religion and what practices in health care are important to people of these different belief systems. In addition the worldview question will be addressed from Called to Care and beliefs in prayer , healing and when being cared for by a patient of different beliefs. Any implications for health care will be looked at as well. Culturally sensitive nursing is imperative in today’s healthcare setting with all the diversity here in the USA.
The worldview questions from Called to Care address some of the aspects of the Christian faith. What is prime reality Prime reality? The Christian faith encompasses God as the ultimate creator and he is known as the Lord of the universe, he is the One Christians worship. What is a human being? Christians define a human being as someone who sins, is redeemed, and accountable. In addition human beings are created by the image of God and loved by him. What is the nature of the world around us? The world around Christians is composed of things seen and unseen, it’s all separated from God but is under his control. Nature was created good, but is poisoned by sin at some point (Shelley & Miller, 2006). What happens to a person at death? Christian faith believes in life after death-heaven is the term to describe this. Its also believed that what is done now is not unseen in ones next life. Why is it possible to know anything at all? The universe is here, not by accident, but by purpose (Collins, 2006). Humans may not fully comprehend the outline of intergalactic life or the complexity of mankind. How do we know what is right and wrong? Right is that in everything one pursues to do to others is what one would want others do to us, and Christians can work with all who seek to live out this need. Christian worldview teaches what is right or wrong is not ultimately a matter of individual decision but even as people alone and mutually must separate right courses of actions in circumstances that are always new and always changing. What is the meaning of human history? Christian worldview and what it perceives to be the nature of reality, that which supports it, and has hope for the future. Basic beliefs and morals can assist as guides for religious instructors to give direction to followers (Valk, 2012).
In comparison, the worldview questions from Called to Care from the Sikhism belief system. What is prime reality? In Sikhism there is only one God and everyone’s follows this God. . What is a human being? One that leads an exemplary existence so that one may merge with God. Sikhs remember God at all times and practice living a moral and truthful life while keeping balance between their spiritual obligations and temporal obligations. What happens to a person after death? People are reincarnated after death, the soul never dies. All living beings are recreated many times until they are what God intended for them. Why is it possible to know anything at all? Teachings are passed through the 10 Gurus in the Sikh Holy Book. How do we know what is right and wrong? There are 5 traits, which are the good: Truth, Compassion, Contentment, Humble, and Love. Then the bad are the 5 vices people must over come to be closer to God: Lust, Anger, Greed, Emotional Attachment and Ego. What is the meaning of human history? People are reincarnated time and time again until they prove worthy of their loyalty of God. What is the nature of the world around us? Sikhism teaches that Kartar shaped the universe in one command and cares for it. His grasp set the world into existence, and his orders rule it (“Sikhism,” 2015). The Sikh worldviews are similar to those of the Christians, but also have some very different beliefs.
There are some critical components of religious beliefs, which should be looked at in detail. These components can also cause dilemmas in the health care setting, if workers are unfamiliar with specific beliefs. The Christians believe in God and pray to him for insight and help when ill. A passage from Mathew; “Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness” (“Bible ,” 2015, p. Mathew 9:35). This passage shows that God sent his son to heal everyone who is sick. Christians like to see a personal approach to health care; which does include touch, holding ones hand when they are afraid or just need someone close for them. Faith and prayer are also important practices while in the hospital and in daily life (Shelley & Miller, 2006). Having a hospital chaplain come around to chat and pray with patients is a powerful practice to keep the Christians spirituality up while in the hospital. The nurse taking a holistic approach to ones care also can provide faith for the patients as well.
In the Sikh religion there are many beliefs that are used on a daily basis in regards to prayer and meditation. It’s important that patients are allowed time for this while in the hospital. Kartar means the creator and this to many is God, in Sikhism there is no one name for God. Sikhs like to pray first thing in the morning before their workday begins , this allows Sikhs to proclaim truth through the day. Again in the evening before bed Sikhs have another prayer session. In making sure that prayer is conducted twice daily there is not one holy day, like in the Christian belief, which is Sunday. Sikhs celebrate the lunar days, which include the night of no-moon and the full moon, in addition to birthdays of the Gurus and birthdays to their loved ones. When a baby s born the Sikhs choose a name with the first letter of the first full hymn in which the holy book is opened. This would be very important for people in labor and delivery to know as this would need to be decided prior to filling out paper work for a birth certificate. A child’s first visit to Gurdwara, and is the first occasion to pay reverence to the holy scripture, is celebrated. Prayers and verses from the Granth are whispered in the child’s ear, the Gurdwara means house of the Guru. The Granth is the religious text that the Sikhs religious beliefs and hymns are kept similar to the bible in Christian faith. At death, Sikhs prefer cremation, prayer, and the simple pouring of remains into water, which flows. The Sikhs believe once the spirit has left the body, remains are returned to nature. A person’s actions in life, and divine grace, determine what will happen to the soul, determining what their next will entail. Sikh males including children wear the turban. Hair is the most important element to the turban. Men must have their hair covered at all times. Men and woman both are not to show their hair, this being a symbol of spirituality. The unshorn hair is a state of connection to Kartar’s creation of humans (Gill, 2008-2015). There are many spiritual aspects of the Sikhs that should and must be met while in the hospital setting to keep their spirit and fight alive.

When caring for patient of different spiritual backgrounds in the hospital there are many factors to consider. If a nurse caring for a patient who’s belief is in Sikhism its important for the nurse to understand that the patient will need time for prayer twice a day. The morning prayer should happen before any other tasks are asked of them as that’s what they do in their daily lives. The patient may feel uncomfortable in this situation if the nurse is unfamiliar with the Sikh beliefs. It’s also important for the nurse to know that the turban is a major part of the Sikhs beliefs and respect to their Gods. The turban should be worn whenever possible, it may be difficult for the patient if the turban must be removed for particular tests or even surgery. The patient may also want their holy book close by so when they want to pray they can reference their hymns. The nurse must be sensitive to the patient wanting and needing all of this to fulfill their spiritual obligation. On the other hand when caring for a Christian patient he or she may want someone to pray with or someone to hold their hand. The hospital chaplain would be an appropriate great resource to come see the patient incase there is anything they would like to discuss from their faith and or possible sickness. A Christian patient may have a bible close by so they can read certain scriptures. Family is also a key component and they may like to have visitors. The nurse who is of different faith should understand the importance of spirituality and take a holistic approach when caring for patients no matter what their belief is.
In conclusion, there are many belief systems in America today and the healthcare team needs to be educated so that culturally sensitive care can be used across the spectrum. The Sikh and Christian faith have some similarities as they believe that God, or the Gods are the most sacred person and they are the creator of everything. In addition, both believe that we must not give into temptation and we must follow the path to get to heaven. Although Christians either go to heaven or hell they remain there in the after life. The Sikhs ultimate goal is to follow Kartar and have their soul finally die along with their spirit. The differences between the faiths are much larger concerning the use of the turban and making sure hair is unshorn. Also, the Sikhs do not just have one God but many Gurus that have contributed to their beliefs. I have a Catholic background but I can relate to the Christian faith, I try on a daily basis to use touch on a daily basis whether its holding their hand or just rubbing their back trying to make them feel better. The main goal is to ensure that health care workers have an understanding of different belief systems so when caring for people out of ones faith one can be sensitive to what’s important to the patient who is relying on the health care team for trust and support.

References
Bible Gateway. (2015). Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com
Gill, R. S. (2008-2015). Sikhism. Retrieved from http://www.patheos.com/Library/Sikhism/Ritual-Worship-Devotion-Symbolism/Symbolism.html
Real Sikhism Exploring the Sikh Religion. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.realsikhism.com/index.php?subaction=showfull&id=1218574923&ucat=7
Shelley, J. A., & Miller, A. B. (2006). Called to Care A Christian Worldview for Nursing (2nd ed.). Retrieved from https://viewer.gcu.edu/SignIn/UGPTQ4
Valk, J. (2012). Christianity through a Worldview Lens. Retrieved from http://eds.b.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=313e3593-944a-45ac-9b50-9627aef7e612%40sessionmgr115&vid=11&hid=121

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