Faith Diversity Nina Ramos Gra

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FAITH DIVERSITY 2 FAITH DIVERSITY 3 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 is God, the ultimate creator and Lord of the universe, whom Christians worship. What is a human being? Christians define a human being as someone who sins, is redeemed, and accountable. Human beings are created in the image of God and loved by Him. What is the nature of the world around us? The world is composed of seen and unseen things, separated from God but under His control. Nature was created good but is corrupted by sin. What happens to a person at death? Christians believe in life after death—heaven—and that actions now influence the next life. Why is it possible to know anything at all? The universe exists purposefully, not by accident (Shelley & Miller, 2006; Collins, 2006).

Humans may not fully comprehend the universe’s vastness or mankind’s complexity. How do we know what is right and wrong? Right is doing unto others as you would have them do unto you; morality isn't solely individual but rooted in divine principles. What is the meaning of human history? It reflects God's plan with hope for a future guided by moral and spiritual principles (Valk, 2012). Comparatively, the worldview questions from Called to Care regarding Sikhism. What is prime reality? Sikhism recognizes only one God, whom everyone follows. What is a human being? A person leading an exemplary life to merge with God, practicing truth, morality, and balance. What happens after death? The soul reincarnates until it is worthy of union with God. How is knowledge attained? Through teachings passed by the 10 Gurus in the Sikh Holy Book. How do we discern right and wrong? By the five virtues—truth, compassion, contentment, humility, love—and vices to overcome—lust, anger, greed, ego, emotional attachment. What is the meaning of human history? Reincarnation until divine grace is achieved. What is the nature of the world? Created and cared for by Kartar, the divine Creator (“Sikhism,” 2015).

Both worldviews emphasize a divine creator and a moral life but differ in their conception of the divine, the afterlife, and concepts of reincarnation. Recognizing these differences is crucial in healthcare practice to deliver culturally respectful care.

Christianity emphasizes prayer, faith in divine healing, and spiritual closeness. Biblical passages, such as Matthew 9:35, illustrate Jesus’s ministry of healing, symbolizing divine compassion (Bible Gateway, 2015). Christian patients often value prayer, touch, and the support of hospital chaplains. A holistic approach that includes spiritual support can enhance recovery and comfort.

In Sikhism, prayer is integral to daily life, with two prescribed daily prayers before work and at night. The Sikh holy book, the Granth, and rituals like naming ceremonies and reverence at the Gurdwara are vital. During hospitalization, respecting their prayer times, ensuring the presence of their sacred texts, and allowing their hair to remain unshorn and covered with turbans are essential. At death, Sikhs prefer cremation, and regards their remains as returning to nature, emphasizing the importance of spiritual and physical dignity (Gill, n.d; Real Sikhism, 2015).

Healthcare providers must understand that Sikh patients may request specific accommodations, such as sustaining their turbans during procedures or timing prayers, and hold sacred their connection to divine grace through their appearance and rituals. Balancing respect for these practices with medical needs requires sensitivity and awareness.

In conclusion, both Christian and Sikh faiths deeply influence healthcare perceptions, needs, and practices. Awareness of their core beliefs allows healthcare providers to offer respectful, culturally sensitive care, reinforcing trust and promoting better health outcomes. The shared recognition of divine creation, moral living, and communal support underscores the importance of spiritual care in health settings. Building cultural competency around these beliefs facilitates holistic healing and patient well-being, essential in today’s diverse healthcare landscape.

Paper For Above instruction

Faith diversity is a fundamental aspect of healthcare that requires sensitivity and understanding to effectively support patients from varied religious backgrounds. Among the many religions encountered in clinical settings, Christianity and Sikhism present distinct beliefs and practices that influence health-related behaviors and attitudes towards medical care. Recognizing these differences is essential for healthcare providers to deliver culturally competent and respectful care, thereby fostering trust and promoting optimal health outcomes.

Christianity, a predominant faith in many societies including the United States, emphasizes a personal relationship with God through prayer, Scripture, and divine healing. The Christian worldview posits that God is the prime reality—the Creator and Lord of the universe—who sustains all life. Humans are believed to be created in God's image, inherently moral, and accountable for their actions (Shelley & Miller, 2006). Death is viewed as a transition to eternal life in heaven or hell, depending on one's faith and deeds, emphasizing the importance of spiritual well-being alongside physical health. The biblical account of Jesus healing the sick (Matthew 9:35) exemplifies the divine endorsement of healing practices and the importance of faith in recovery (Bible Gateway, 2015).

In daily healthcare practice, Christian patients often find comfort in prayer and the presence of faith-based support. The hospital chaplain plays a vital role in providing spiritual counseling, prayer, and sacramental support. Touch, such as holding a patient's hand during prayer or pain management, is often seen as a way to convey compassion and spiritual solidarity. The inclusion of Scripture readings, prayer sessions, and pastoral visits can significantly enhance a Christian patient's sense of spiritual security and hope during illness or hospitalization. Respecting religious texts and prayer rituals, as well as facilitating access to faith leaders, is a critical component of holistic care.

Sikhism, a religion with roots in Punjab, India, presents a different yet equally profound worldview. Sikhs believe in one God—Kartar—who created and cares for the universe. Their religion emphasizes leading an exemplary life through truthful conduct, morality, and balancing spiritual and secular duties (Real Sikhism, 2015). The core virtues include truth, compassion, humility, contentment, and love, while vices such as greed, anger, lust, ego, and emotional attachment are to be overcome. Reincarnation is central to Sikh belief; the soul undergoes numerous rebirths until it attains union with God through divine grace and ethical living.

Daily routine includes prayers conducted twice daily—morning and evening—to maintain spiritual mindfulness. The sacred text, the Granth Sahib, is revered, and rituals such as the naming ceremony at birth and reverence at the Gurdwara are important cultural milestones. During illness, Sikhs seek to uphold these practices, including the recitation of hymns, prayers, and maintaining unshorn hair under turbans, which symbolize spirituality and devotion (Gill, n.d.; Real Sikhism, 2015). At death, Sikhs opt for cremation, believing the remains should return to nature, with the soul moving onward based on actions and divine grace.

Culturally competent healthcare must accommodate these religious practices. For Sikh patients, respecting their prayer times, allowing the presence of sacred texts, and maintaining their turbans and unshorn hair are critical. Healthcare professionals should be attentive to their spiritual needs, facilitating prayer sessions and understanding the significance of rituals. For Christian patients, providing a supportive environment for prayer, Scripture reading, and spiritual counseling—possibly involving hospital chaplains—can significantly improve their comfort and spiritual health.

The integration of these beliefs into healthcare is not merely about religious accommodation but about honoring the patient's dignity and worldview. Training healthcare staff in cultural competence, including understanding Sikh symbols and Christian practices, enhances communication and reduces spiritual distress. Moreover, interdisciplinary collaboration involving chaplains, spiritual care providers, and cultural liaisons can bridge the gap between medical treatment and spiritual well-being.

In conclusion, the diversity of faiths such as Christianity and Sikhism necessitates a nuanced approach to healthcare. Appreciating their similarities—belief in a divine creator, moral living, and hope for salvation—and understanding their differences—such as the Sikh emphasis on physical symbols like turbans and reincarnation—are vital for delivering respectful and effective care. Culturally sensitive practices not only meet legal and ethical standards but also promote healing by addressing the spiritual dimensions of health, thereby fostering holistic well-being in an increasingly diverse patient population.

References

• Bible Gateway. (2015). The Bible, Matthew 9:35. Retrieved from https://www.biblegateway.com
• Gill, R. S. (n.d.). Sikhism. Retrieved from https://www.realsikhism.com
• Real Sikhism. (2015). Exploring the Sikh religion. Retrieved from https://www.realsikhism.com
• Sikhism. (2015). Retrieved from https://www.sikhism.info
• Shelley, J. A., & Miller, A. B. (2006). Called to Care: A Christian worldview for nursing (2nd ed.). Pearson Education.
• Valk, J. (2012). Christianity through a worldview lens. Journal of Christian Nursing, 29(4), 210-213.
• Collins, S. (2006). Understanding the Christian worldview. Christian Education Journal, 3(2), 44-53.
• Shelley, J. A., & Miller, A. B. (2006). Called to Care: A Christian worldview for nursing. Pearson.
• National Sikh Forum. (2015). Sikh beliefs and practices. Retrieved from https://www.sikhforums.com
• World Religions & Spiritualities. (2014). An introduction to Sikhism. McGraw-Hill Education.