nameName:
Grand Canyon University: HLT-310V
dateDate:
Abstract
The worldview of a person is their view and understanding of their entire existence, including the world they live in. Religious beliefs reflectcolor a person’s worldview very strongly. In a comparative look, Christianity and Sikhism have some commonality as monotheistic approaches to the world, in the necessity for moral and ethical behavior that is good, in seeking truth, and in serving an all-knowing God Wwho imparts some of that knowledge to mankind. However, there are noticeable differences in beliefs about death and afterlife, human definition, and the meaning of human history. These beliefs structure their worldviews differently in such a way that a healthcare provider would be well-advised to use specific cultural competence when rendering passionate care to these people as patients.
Faith Diversity: A Comparative View
In essence, the worldview is one’s “everything”, the “whole” of their existence and the foundation of which life is based, a core belief system broken down into the basest of elements. A worldview is defined by Sire as “A commitment, a fundamental orientation of the heart, that can be expressed in a story or a set of presuppositions (assumptions which may be true, partially true, or entirely false) which we hold (consciously or subconsciously, consistently or inconsistently) about the basic constitution of reality, and that provides the foundation on which we live and move and have our being.” (Shelly & Miller, 2006, p. 34). While faith and religion do not necessarily comprise a worldview, they can certainly inform and shape it for each person.
In this paper, the author will take a comparative look at two different worldviews that have a strongly religious affiliation;: Christianity and Sikhism. The key elements of worldview (prime reality, nature of the world, human definition, the death experience, epistemology, ethics, and the meaning of human history) will be identified for each group for comparison (Shelly & Miller, 2006, p. 34). There will be identification of key elements particular to the care of each group from a patient’s perspective. Finally, the general applications to healthcare providers will be discussed.
Prime Reality
Prime reality speaks to the most basic of building blocks within a worldview. It is the underlying comprehension of where everything starts and how all of the other elements of a worldview come into play. It is’s what is’s believed as “really real” (Sire, 2009, p. 22). It is such a key element that it is really the cornerstone of the understanding of the entirety of existence.
Christian Perspective
While Christians may vary in their beliefs in some of the other elements of worldview, their prime reality is relatively consistent. There is a single, supreme, eternal God who has three distinct entities and roles, a Holy Trinity, that are separate and yet integrated within each other as God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son (or Lord), and the Comforter which is the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit (Luke 11:13 & John 15:26, King James Version). God is the Creator of all things, whether they can be seen or not; nothing exists that God did not create (Colossians 1:16, KJV). He has all knowledge and supernatural power, is limitless and has no beginning or ending of His existence (Revelation 1:8, KJV). He is interactive with His creation in the most personal of ways, by which the Son, Jesus, came to earth as a man, lived among mankind without wrongdoing, died and then was raised back to life (Acts 4:10-12, KJV), returning to heaven with the Father and the Spirit (Acts 7:55, KJV).
God continually communicates with mankind throughout the ages. Men have written the Holy Bible,or Scripture, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as a record of historical events showing the actions of God and men with the preservation of God’s Word to mankind. The Bible has many different translations, all of which are viewed as the holy Word of God. While science can support the historical record we have in the Bible and even points to the reality of a supreme Creator(Creator (Strobel, 2004), there are some elements or concepts written therein which require faith or belief without proof.
Sikh Perspective
The Sikh faith teaches that there is a single, supreme, eternal God who cannot take on human form and is “inaccessible by man” (Siri Guru Granth Sahib, n.d., p. 14-15). God is the Creator of all things. He created men and women as equal. God also sustains the world, but can destroy it as well. He is personal towards His creation, caring for humans and communicating through His Word, which has been inspired to ten gurus, whoich are recognized as enlighteners, guides, or teachers. (Vlach, 2012)
When He is personal, God is referred to as “Saguna” and when He is impersonal, He is known as “Nirguna” (Vlach, 2012, p.1). God exists in the world and can be accessed by focusing the heart upon Him. However, God also transcends the physical world. The Holy Sikh Scripture is also known as Sri Guru Granth SahiborAdiGranth, which contains readings and hymns and prayers recorded by the gurus as words from God Himself. (Vlach, 2012) However, the Scripture also refers in entry [38] SHALOK to “Air is the guru, Water is the Father, Earth is the Great Mother of All” (Sri Guru Granth Sahib, n.d., p. 12) but earlier wordings in entry [29] describe “The One Divine Mother conceived and gave birth to the three deities: One, the Creator of the World; One, the Sustainer; and One, the Destroyerthe Primal One, the Pure Light, without beginning, without end, throughout all the ages, He is One and the Same.” (Sri Guru Granth Sahib, n.d., p. 10).
The Nature of the World
In addressing the nature of the world, one defines a belief system regarding everything we know of the world and its “structure”. Often, this element of a worldview can get lumped in with the prime reality due to the theories of origin (i.e., creation versus big bang). However, the details wherein one sees the world as chaos or order, personal or impersonal, literal or spiritual all serve to flesh out or add further color to prime reality as a separate and free-standing concept (Sire, 2009).
Christian Perspective
For Christians, this concept is framed by Creation. With a Creator at the helm, there is an order to the planet and universe (Genesis 1, KJV), even if we, as humans, do not yet comprehend all of it. However, Tthis perspective acknowledges that the world exceeds the mere boundaries of the scientific, however. There is a faith-based, unseen spiritual realm that coexists along with the physical nature that man explores through sensory and scientific input. The Bible records indications of an existing heaven and hell as well as the earth (Psalm 139:8, KJV) and also references intentions of a future heaven, earth, and lake of fire yet to come (Revelation 20:14, KJV). This record is also documentary of created, non-human beings known as angels that are obedient to God (Psalm 91:11, KJV) and evil angels, or devils, who have disobeyed God (Deuteronomy 32:17 & Psalm 78:49, KJV) that possess abilities beyond that of humans, seemingly not bound by the physical laws encompassing Earth.
Within the spiritual realm, there is God who is good and cannot be evil. The created beings have a choice to follow the commands of their Creator or to disobey. Disobedience is sin and such actions separate the relationship between the created and the Creator, bringing an eventual death sentence of eternal damnation and permanent removal from all fellowship with the Lord (Romans 6:23, KJV). Sin was introduced to the earth by Satan, a fallen angel (also known as a devil) who sinned in heaven and was thrown out of heaven by God (Luke 10:18, KJV). Sin by the first man and woman is known as “the fall” (Genesis 3, KJV). God had a plan at Creation, though, should the need arise (Genesis 3:15, KJV). There has been a redemption and restoration for sinners back to God through the sacrificial death and shed blood of Jesus Christ, the Son (Acts 4:10-12, KJV), for those who believe on Him and choose to continue a personal relationship with Him (Romans 10:9, KJV). Relationship with God is a spiritual adoption as children of God and brothers and sisters to Christ (Galatians 4:5, KJV). There are promises for believers of a life after this earthly existence in heaven with God forever where the earthly, scientific boundaries are removed, the physical form does not decay, there is love and joy without heartache or sadness, and time does not end (Revelation 21:4, KJV). There is also promise for sinners who do not repent or seek a relationship with God through Jesus to suffer immeasurable and eternal torment in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15, KJV). Sikh Perspective
The concept of karma is supported here, which presumes that the performance of an individual’s bad deeds will be revisited back to the person in the form of ill fortune or an undesirable form of reincarnation. Reincarnation or rebirths are a cyclical process of redoing life until there is an acceptable existence that enables merging with God. God is seen to exist within the human heart and can be accessed by focus upon Him. (Vlach, 2012).
Human Definition
Defining humans is key to any worldview. While it seems feasible that all people would agree on the flesh and blood nature of mankind, this concept is essentially complex. more complex than a quick perusal might initially surmise. Human definition can be basic and obvious, such as homosapiens or ape evolution philosophy, or it can venture beyond just the physical to establish relationship within unseen planes, such as the realm of the supernatural.
Christian Perspective
The Bible clearly establishes Imago Dei (Shelly & Miller, 2006, p. 77), the concept that
humansthat humans are created in the image of God Himself (Genesis 1:27, KJV). Not evolved from apes or earlier life forms, human beings are highly complex, created to be superior to, in charge of, and given responsibility for all animals (Genesis 1: 26-28, KJV). Like God, humans also have three distinct parts that coexist within one entityform:; the physical body, the emotional heart and mind, and a soul or spirit (Matthew 22:37 & Deuteronomy 6:5, KJV). Despite being created in the image of God and given a certain amount of authority over the creation and the animals that reside therein, Christians do not believe that they are themselves gods despite being created in the image of God and given a certain amount of authority over the creation and the animals that reside therein,. Sikh Perspective
The Sikh faith presents humans as created by God, and they are viewed as a physical body having a soul which has intellectual and emotional properties. The purpose of the soul soul’s purpose is to focus on or commune with God. Being separated from God is not painful if the person inhabiting that body is in fellowship with God, but suffering occurs when selfish, ungodly pursuits or thoughts are embraced. The key tenets of this faith are meditation with on God, obedience to the teachings of the guru, and charitable acts or service (Vlach, 2012) which includes care of and reverence for the elderly (Singh & Singh, 2010). There is also no separation between castes, classes, or ethnicities within the Sikh faith (Vlach, 2012).
The word “Sikh” means disciple or learner in the Punjabi language (Singh & Singh, 2010, p. 138). Sikhs have a unique appearance, due in part to the five religious symbols, or “panjkakars,” which are to be worn at all times by those men who have been baptized. The panjkakars include kesh (long uncut hair kept wrapped up in a turban), kangha (a wooden comb for cleaning the hair), kara (an iron bangle worn on the right wrist), kirpan (a small strapped sword or dagger), and kachera (underwear similar to a loin cloth). In on overall view, they , which represent the honesty, equality, fidelity, meditation on God and refusal to bow to tyranny that are ideals within the faith; “women wear a piece of cloth called chuni/dupatta at all times” (Singh & Singh, 2010, p. 138). Persons within the Sikh faith also recognize several evil behaviors which are to be avoided at all times: lust, anger, greed, pride, and worldly attachment (Vlach, 2012).
Further, the Sikh belief also supports that the entrance of a person “in the Court of the Lord” will also “save” others as mentioned in [38] SHALOK (Siri Guru Granth Sahib, n.d., p. 12). The merger with the Lord creates a union or absorption existence rather than a “paradise” recognized by other religions or worldviews. Since all of the previous gurus have achieved this, their teachings are then seen as a manifest from the Lord directly.
What Happens at Death?
Understandably, Again, the question of events occurring at the time of death can be simple or complex within worldviews. While some will hold to the belief that death implies ceasing to exist and nothing more, many others will range from multiple lives through reincarnation. Others will hold to the belief of to an eternal and undying state in a specific afterlife to achievement as well as or advancements from life accomplishments to a very “gray” and unknown continuation that has yet to be determined (Sire, 2009). The perspective on death within a worldview is colored by many of the other elements of that worldview, including the prime reality.
Christian Perspective
For Christians, the end-of-life to this life is made very clear within Scripture.There is a physical death (Hebrews 9:27, KJV), which is then followed by a judgment (Matthew 12:36, KJV) and entry into an eternal destination of heaven with God Himself or the devil’s torment in the lake of fire (Matthew 25:31-46 & Matthew 13:42, KJV). The human spirit never dies (Matthew 10:28 & John 11:26, New International Version), but the human body, experiencing death, will be recreated in newness and immortality, impervious to death and decay for its existence in eternity (1 Corinthians 15:53, KJV). Heaven, the promised destination for all true Christians, is a place of joy and peace and light (Revelation 21:1, KJV), with an unending, perfect relationship with God, and Jesus and Spirit. Therefore, life on Earth has importance, determining the a permanent destination after earthly life ends. The afterlife is not a repeat of life on earth this life on this earth nor is it a blank oblivion, but glory and peace forever and ever, beyond what a person can imagine or comprehend.
Sikh Perspective
At death, a person who has been fully meditative and in communion to God, who has lived a good life, and who has been charitable is believed to merge with God. However, if vices have been allowed or if communion and meditation have not been fulfilled, the person will be reincarnated into another life. This cycle repeats until the integration with God is achieved. There is no belief in heaven or hell and the preferred treatment of the deceased body is cremation. (Vlach, 2012).
Epistemology
Worldview must embrace a belief of knowledge. This belief again is widely variable, ranging from the supernatural to the science of chemical brain processes to accidental reactions required for survival (Sire, 2009). As with other elements, the knowledge belief of epistemology (How do we know what we know? What do we know?) is formed within, and influenced by, the other components of the worldview of each person.
Christian Perspective
Christians adhere to the belief of Imago Dei, the creation of man in God’s own image (Shelly & Miller, 2006, p. 77). The Bible records illustration by Jesus of three sources of human knowledge: ourselves as deduction made from sensory input (Matthew 15:13-14, KJV), the devil Satan (Matthew 16:22-23, KJV), and the Holy Spirit which is part of God, who is omniscient and wise, knowing all things (Matthew 16:16-17 & John 14:26, KJV). Not only does science corroborate Scripture and vice versa (Strobel, 2004), but God can freely give knowledge and wisdom to whomever He chooses (Proverbs 2:6 & Daniel 2:21 & Ephesians 1:17 & 1 Corinthians 12:8, KJV) and invites us to ask Him for it (James 1:5, KJV).
Sikh Perspective
Knowledge comes to man through God, who holds all knowledge and is all-wise and the Supreme, Primal Being. The Lord is acknowledged as unrivaled such that human knowledge will never approach His (Sri Guru Granth Sahib, n.d., p. 14-15). Indeed, many of the guru writings within the Sikh Scripture sound similar to the Christian poetry of David’s Psalms, posing queries as to who is as great as the Lord and acknowledging repeatedly that none can approach His grandeur and superiority.
Ethics
The ability to establish right from wrong is as individual-based as any other element of worldview. Moral code and ethics have long been debated, with fierce defenses given for survival instincts of a species versus innate abilities versus pleasure-seeking incentive versus obligations to the commands of another being versus imitation of exampled behavior (Sire, 2009). Informed by the other elements of worldview, ethics or morals as expressed beliefs or ideals may not always match the “acted” ethics or morals that they exhibit, perhaps creating conflict between what is said and what is done. Nevertheless, the ethical part of worldview is just as deep-seated in the core beliefs of a person as any of the other elements.
Christian Perspective
The Christian perspective embraces the Biblical truth that man, as a created being, has a will with which he may freely make choices (Joshua 24:15, KJV). However, since the Fall of mankind in the Garden of Eden, people now possess the knowledge of good and evil, giving them an inborn sense of right and wrong (Genesis 2:17 & Genesis 3:6, KJV). This ability to choose means that there is a sin nature, an inability to be perfectly good or right (Romans 3:23, KJV).
While humans have the capacity, but not the inclination to make right choices, the Holy Spirit gives encouragement, knowledge, and inspiration to believers in God to help them lead lives that are good, pleasing, righteous and holy with His guidance (John 14:26, KJV). As a result, man can overcome the natural tendency to desire or choose or desire to do what is wrong or immoral by embracing and carrying out what is good and perfect, the will of God, their Father. This prompting is both good for man and glorious for God.
Sikh Perspective
The right-and-wrong, good-and-evil concepts are strongly embraced within this worldview. Good is to be pursued and evil to be shunned. In fact, warriorhoodwarrior hood was added by the tenth guru along with baptism and the mandate of wearing of the kesh, kangha, kara, kirpan, and kachera as tenets of faith. Five evils in particular are more repulsive than any other, namely lust, anger, greed, pride and attachment to the world.
Strong family values, including respect and care for the elderly, are encouraged. Good extends beyond the person directly, On the other hand, as hard, honorable work is expected and charitable contributions and efforts are encouragedrequired also. An illustration of this charitable extension is seen within the Gurdwara, houses of worship, where there are no reserved seats since where no reserved seating is allowed, for all people are equal and do not hold any ranking or hierarchy and all visitors are provided with any necessary shelter, comfort, and food. Similarly, all men adopt a middle name of “Singh” which means lion, and women choose “Kaur” which means princess to emphasize the equality of all persons (SikhNet, 2016). Tobacco, alcohol, and mind-altering drugs are the only forbidden dietary elements within the life of a Sikh. Idolatry is considered pride and worldly and is not supported so statues or pictures of gurus are discouraged and even shunned. Marriages may be arranged or love matches, but are to be monogamous without external sexual relations. (Vlach, 2012).
The Meaning of Human History
A person’s stance on the what history holds in the way of meaning within life appears to wrap back around and embrace not only their prime reality, but every aspect of their worldview. The way How a person comprehends their world gives impetus for how they construct and carry out a path through their life. The actions of purpose versus futility, defined versus abstract, present versus future, selfish versus selfless, individual versus mankind, are often most colorfully illustrated here.
Christian Perspective
Sikhs believe that people may have had previous lives and may return for more lives after their death. Therefore, history is destined to be repeated through multiple existences by a single human. The intent of all history is for people to attain worthiness through a good life to achieve absorption or union with God. There is no clear afterlife apart from this union. (Vlach, 2012).
Comparative Analysis Betweenbetween Christianity and Sikhism
There are several elements of similarity and points of difference within these two worldviews. Both are in agreement of a singular, supernatural, almighty Deity as the Creator of the world. These worldviews are inclusive of all groups of peoplepeople groups, see humans as capable of failure, and acknowledge God as wise and omniscient.
While agreeing that He is interactive, the Triune God of Christianity is more personalized, with Jesus taking the form of a man and living on Earth among His creation. Another differing point becomes the death and afterlife experience. Whereas Sikhism attempts to earn its way into eternal communion with God, Christians acknowledge that they can never achieve anything good enough to get to that place and rely on the death, shed blood, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as a Messiah and Savior in a tenet of faith unlike any other. The redemption and restoration found within Christianity seems to be the peace and perfection that Sikhism seeks to attain with repeated effort. However, the reverence for the body and rejection of idolatry and intentional good work and charity is something to strive for, even within Christian circles. A final common thread appears through the recognition of the emergence of good works resultant from a relationship with the Creator of all things.
Critical Components of all Beliefs or Religions
All beliefs or religions have some common ground in the rites or behaviors that they use to continue or practice their beliefs. Books and reading are key elements, whether it is the professional journals for scientism or a holy book for religion, for maintaining and even growing within a belief system. Fellowship or congregating with like-minded people is also a commonality, whether it is attending services and ceremonies for religious belief systems or attending conferences and meetings for scientism. Behaviors that are connections to what one believes in, such as hiking through nature for naturalists and scientists, or prayer and worship for religious groups, or wearing certain garments and taking trips to particular places believed to have anointing and blessing for other religious groups, also seems to be a thread seen throughout most worldviews. Meditation, whether in the form of deep thinking and consideration or calming techniques or even mind-body-spirit rituals, appear in many belief systems through study of science and math, to religious retreats, to study of sacred texts, to classes in transcendental meditation. Finally, speaking and listening are both required elements of any belief system, as people usually hold to some sort of sermons or instructional content while also embracing teaching others or reaching out through prayer, song, or incantation.
Key Care Elements for Healthcare Providers
In providing healthcare, providers must realize that every worldview has things that are embraced or practiced,and things that are not. Unless there is a high level of knowledge and awareness where these elements are given careful consideration, providers may find themselves doing things that would beare contradictory to their role of support and compassion for their patients. Great care and sensitivity are a priority in caring for persons with differing worldviews., Ffor some elements of behavior can be interpreted as highly offensive in a very personal manner and might erode trust between patient and provider in a way that would undermine the ability to continue to provide further care.
Christian Perspective
When managing a With a Christian patient, the healthcare provider would do well to explore the specifics of their personal faith system. While Christians usually have some core beliefs that are similar, they may also have rituals or behaviors that are vastly different. Some Christians will maintain a strong system of belief and ritual, which are adhered to at all times, especially in times of illness. However, some Christians may not be overt in their beliefs and may not appear to desire or display any indication of rituals or faith practice. The Christian faith is a personal commitment and choice and is at times practiced solely between the person and God. There are also elements of Christianity wherein participation occurs with other people. Some elements can be individual or group driven or both. One cannot assume a specific belief pattern from one patient to the other, because that pattern is as unique and individualized as one person is from another.
At times, a patient who is ill will maintain their own faith system without outside assistance, through reading the Holy Bible or prayer or worship. The patient may request support from a religious authority, such as a priest or pastor. Offering chaplain support for such a patient can be useful, but may not be accepted, as many Christians attend a specific church and have a strong relationship with their particular spiritual leader. However, offering to contact someone of their choiceosing opens the door for the Christian patient to request someone who can minister to them spiritually in a way that is expected, familiar, and comforting to them.
Christians may find fellowship with other Christians, specifically those from their own family or church group, to be encouraging. However, some Christians will not choose this form of interaction. Some Christians may have no specific or formal affiliation with a church or organization while others will identify strongly only with those who share their identical viewpoints. Cues can be obtained by inquiring from the patient themselves and in reading nonverbal indications for signs of satisfaction or discomfort. It is the responsibility of the provider to support the patient, which may include rest. For some, rest may require isolation or limitation of visitors. For others, rest may require constant presence or background music or prayer. In weakened states, the ill Christian may not have the strength to feel strong in their faith and may require others to assist or perform prayers or songs or rituals that they can no longer perform themselves. Again, asking the patient may assist the provider in determining the best course of action in providing supportive care.
Assumptions cannot be made about Christians as an entire population because of the individuality of faith and belief. Some will believe in rituals like last rites of a priest for a dying patient. Others will be okay with dying alone without any specific requirements. Some will appear strong or peaceful, while others may struggle with doubts or fears or regret.
Christians are often willing to discuss their faith with others. Communication can be very useful with Christians, especially with a difficult or serious disease course. While a provider of differing worldview may not fully appreciate patients and families who reach out to share their views with that provider, such conversations can often lend clues to the patient’s state of mind, their personal struggles, their beliefs, and their needs. For the astute provider, these insights can help them encourage a patient through discouragement, can give rise to compassion and personalized care., They may also may establish common ground and rapport through some commonalities within belief systems, and give indication of need for outside or non-provider resources useful in the emotional, physical, and spiritual support of the Christian patient. Sikh Perspective
Healthcare providers for Sikh patients would be well-served to remember several key points in order to administer compassionate care. First and foremost is the perception by the patient that suffering is an indication of selfish thought, desires, and actions or even failure to meditate or focus sufficiently on God. Since this belief is firmly held and practiced, allowing the patient to have the Sikh Scriptures played or read for them and maintaining an environment for reflection and meditation may help ease their peace of mind as they pursue the harmony they belief they have’ve lost. For patients with a terminal or painful diagnosis, offers of pain medications may be appreciated. However, the provider must be aware that some patients may prefer to minimize these or may refuse altogether, due to the side effects that cloud the mind, which hinders meditation and the ability to read or pray. Caregivers should find ways to encourage the patient and family. They should and to instill hope and lift their spirits through extended family time and privacy for devotions and the offering of kind words since bad days, even attributed to a diagnosis or disease process, are still considered a sign of personal failure in their pursuit of God (Kristiansen et al., 2014).
Building rapport with patients is the key within healthcare setting. However, for a provider of non-Sikh faith, there may be a level of distrust due to widespread prejudice and persecution of this people group (Cowan, 2014). Although education is highly valuable and English is commonly spoken, offers to use interpreters or a language line (usually Punjabi speaking) may be greatly appreciated. Including family members in patient care, showing respect for rituals, beliefs, and practices, and even having a rudimentary knowledge of their faith will go a long way towards cooperation between patient and provider. Respect can be shown by using care and getting permission before touching or moving their holy book, Sri Guru Granth Sahib, which will be wrapped in a cloth. Additionally, for critically ill patients or even after death, under no circumstances should the patient have their hair cut or trimmed by healthcare providers unless permission is obtained first, as this is one of the five key mandated religious symbols within their faith (Singh & Singh, 2010).
Sikhs value modesty. Care providers may find that a Sikh woman will prefer to have a female staff member. Some Sikhs maintain a vegetarian diet by choice. There is a preference that the body remain intact. However, there is usually no objection to blood transfusion, organ transplantation or even an autopsy should the need arise (Singh & Singh, 2010). When in doubt, the healthcare provider has to inquire about preferences and make assurances that they will be respected.
Also, their views about idols can sometimes translate into a reluctance to perform certain health behaviors, like exercise after a myocardial infarction or open-heart surgery. Compliance can often be gained by adapting programs to be outdoors or an indoor setting like the perimeter of a large mall rather than in a gym or exercise center.; tThis just requires some teaching on safe levels of exertion and signs of fatigue or weakness to should be heeded (Galdas, Oliffe, Kang, & Kelly, 2012). In essence, Again, communication is key in exploring perceived reluctance regarding healthcare behaviors and creativity applied as they are adapted into an acceptable form for these patients.
At the time of death, several things will be important to people of this worldview. Reciting hymns from the holy book will be cherished. The patient may benefit from the presence of a Sikh priest and also presence of family. It is of highest importance that the patient be allowed to have the five K’s present and that they not be removed, but accompany the body after death (Singh & Singh, 2010).
Conclusion
Healing, from the Christian perspective of this author, always comes from God who alone has the power to heal. However, healing is accomplished by more than one methodology. Although God has the ability to command healing with immediate results (Genesis 1:3 & Psalm 33:6, KJV), He often uses other means, such as modern medicine by working through treatments, lifestyle changes, medications, surgery, or herbs. Sometimes, God answers requests for healing through prayer and confession (James 1:16, KJV), while at other times, He acts of His own accord and moves toward healing without a petition from human voices. At all times, God’s followers are commanded by Scripture to ask for healing during illness (Matthew 7:7 & James 1:13 & 1 Thessalonians 5:17, KJV), to offer praise and thanksgiving to God (1 Thessalonians 5:18, KJV) as the all-wise giver of all good gifts (James 1:17, KJV) which may include life and healing, and to ask for and receive prayer and anointing with oil by spiritual authorities such as religious or church leaders (James 1:14, KJV).
Regardless of how healing occurs, the ability to heal always comes from God directly or through the ministry and care of others. Likewise, the decision to allow non-healing in the form of disease or even death is also His. Belief in the consistent goodness of God (Luke 18:19, KJV), His intentions for the good of mankind (Jeremiah 29:11, KJV), and His supreme wisdom to know what man can bear that can still fulfill a good purpose (1 Corinthians 10:11, The Message), which allows for a persistence of faith and hope in the face of the appearance of failure or the apparent finality in an ending.
There have been several lessons gleaned in the course of this project, some as timely reminders of base beliefs and tenets of faith and the others as new insights to be embraced and practiced. There is more similarity between Christianity and Sikhism than perhaps many people realize. Both devout people groups worshipping a single yet Triune and almighty Creator as God, faith is clearly evident in both sickness and health. They are diligent about their beliefs. However, there seems to be more room for hope, promise, and assurance among Christians than Sikhs and the relationship between Christians and God appears more intimate and personal.
A key component to both groups appears to be communication. Inquiry rather than assumptions allows a provider to meet the patient’s specific spiritual and physical needs during illness or even impending death. Religious leaders and rituals of reading, prayer, and song would be common and should be accommodated if possible. Of unique importance is to help , helping the patient protect and ensure the five ‘K’ elements are crucial to their faith journey. However, listening, offering support, and making allowances for support and fellowship with family and like-minded faith participants would make care of these patients similar to that of most other patient populations.
The lessons gleaned here would be applicable to all healthcare providers. Part of compassionate care, whether healing or palliative, is the support of the patient in their own journey. Reassurance, and peace and hope are important to all people and these two worldviews are no different. Accommodation for individual beliefs and respectful inquiry should be offered. One of the more harmful actions a provider can take would be making assumptions regarding expectations or even care choices. But the provider is also responsible for cultural sensitivity towards patients, and armed with a few basics, especially regarding their views on death and afterlife, can be instrumental in providing assistance and care with meaning and loving care.
In summary, there are both similarities and differences between the Christian worldview and the Sikh worldview. Care of patients within these people groups should be individualized, as is the case with any other patient. Communication and respect for specific needs allows for compassionate care in the hour of their greatest need for either a Christian or a Sikh.
Comments
The paper looks good particularly on the content
There is a flow of ideas but this has been compromised by the disintegrated format especially on headers and sub headers which are difficult to follow through
There are too many in text citations within a single sentence which would be interpreted as combined works of different authors as opposed to your work
Some sentences are too long and there is need that they be rephrased. Short sentences with weighty subject are more catching and easy to follow than long sentences
The transitions from one paragraph to another are not well set out in some sections
Make amends of the various grammatical and spelling errors in the paper.
References
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