Spirituality

Categories: uncategorized

Date: 13 June 2005 12:51:11

I have just finished a lecture entitled "Introduction to Spirituality". It was a discussion orginated lecture looking at the best and the worst factors of spirituality and how it relates to nursing. It was very interesting listening to a largely secular group discuss spirituality. Previous discussions that I have participated in on this subject have been with Christian or people of other religions (Muslims and Hindus).

One person in the group stated that "religion could be the worst aspect of spirituality as it controls the weak". In my church I have never found religion to be controlling of the weak, I have always thought that religion supports the weak, and Jesus took pity on the weak and provided for them. But i can see what this person means. In certain fundamentalist sectors religion is thrust upon people and it can be very controlling. It can be easy for a vulnerable person to enter into all sorts of spirituality and religions. Personally, I have never found my religion controlling, in a sufficating sense - my beliefs are a personal decision. My religion helps to mould those beliefs, but it doesn't have absolute control of them. Whereas in evangelical sectors of Christianity, where you sign up to specific doctorines, I can see that it is more controlling.

Another interesting issue that came out of this discussion was whether or not bibles should be bedside hospital beds. According to the BBC they have been re-issued at the bedside, after a recent dispute. The groups thoughts on this were mixed, some Christians present were declaring that they should remain, whereas others stated they shouldn't be due to discrimatory reasons towards people of other faiths. Someone suggested there could be a place on the wards with magazines, bibles, Qu'rans, etc for people to access if they wanted to. I don't know how that sort of set up would affect the spread of infections like MRSA. My opinions on this issue are mixed. I do think that when people are in hospital, it is often the time when they turn to religion, and it is important to provide for individual's spiritual needs. But i can see how it could be affending towards Muslims and other faiths. I have always thought the a gideons bible in cupboard was a good way to evangelise as it is not controlling or threatening - its the patient's choice to pick up and read that bible and to think what they like about it, in their own space and time.

Any thoughts fellow bloggers?