« The Golden Compass: An Honest Critique? | Main
March 02, 2008
Doctors Look to Mysticism
Topics: NewsIn a profession that prides itself on evidence based medicine the introduction of mysticism is quite ironic. However, recent reports indicate that medical schools are now pushing "spiritual practices" and meditation:
Now 100 of the approximately 150 U.S. medical schools offer some variation of spirituality-in-medicine course work. And 75 of those 100 require their students to take at least one course on the topic.What is it that qualifies a medical doctor to give spiritual counseling and what is the basis for spiritual beliefs? The diversity of "ultimate meanings", expressed through naturalism, humanism, etc., indicates a meaningless relativism is embraced that is far from absolute truth. Where is the comfort in this?[snip]
"Spirituality is a part of caring for patients," said Dr. Puchalski, director of the George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health. "It goes to the very root of who we are."
[snip]
According to the MSOP, "spirituality is recognized as a factor that contributes to health in many persons. It is expressed in an individual's search for ultimate meaning through participation in religion, and/or belief in God, family, naturalism, humanism and the arts. All of these factors can influence how patients and health care professionals perceive health and illness and how they interact with one another."
The power, as it turns out, is in the mind. "If a patient believes ...." then they will be helped. Humanism repackaged. Yet, much of the contemplative teaching is not far from this and would likely be consistent with what a humanist or naturalist espouses.
In an ultimate sense, what we do believe does matter. Belief is not an end to itself.
Tags:
Posted by calvin at March 2, 2008 10:26 PM
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.contemplative.us/mt/mt-tb.cgi/6149
