Question

Prior to going through the two units on Religion Identity, have you thought about religion vs. spirituality? What about now? How would define religion and spirituality and what are the differences between the two. Can you think of specific examples which differentiate the two? Do you think human societies are moving more towards adhering to conservative religious ideas or moving more towards spirituality? Why or why not? Quote a couple of real-life events/experiences to support your views and show how the knowledge might be helpful in providing patient-care.

Answer 1

Religion refers to an Institution with a set of organized practices and a belief system which is shared and followed by the members of the institution. Their beliefs are passed on from generations to generations and are based on a documented creed which also establishes their cultural practices. There are professionals in all the religions who take over positions of leadership. These leaders carry out the rituals which become the basis of how the members of the religion should live their lives. A good example of the same is Pope from the religion of Christianity. Religions formulate other aspects of one's life as well like the dress codes, moral codes and soefic action as mandated (example fasting in hinduism). Following the guidelines as set by one's religion is what a member commits to which transcends to observing the rites and practices which is said to have a bearing on how an individual turns out in the future. Example of the same are attending church service on Sundays and fasting during Ramadan.

Spirituality on the other hand involves holding one's own set of beliefs and searching for one's own life purpose. Unlike religion, each person's definition of spirituality can vary from one another and throughout one's lifetime too. This is subject to one's unique experiences and self-reflection as well as introspection. It looks at helping oneself realize one's own potential and connecting with something which is bigger than oneself. An example of the same can be the people who incorporate art therapy in their lives, may have specific rituals to set their creativity in motion, which in turn helps them to connect with a higher sense of calm and peace to rejuvenate one's mind.

In my view the world is moving more towards conservative religious ideas which is evident in what is happening in India. The citizenship amendment Act which is a law that has been passed in the country is discriminatory against Muslims which has led to an uproar in the entire country. There have been episodes of hindu-muslim riots wherein groups with rigid thought process and are following stringent dogmas have been targetting innocent people and killing them in brutal ways.

In my view, an understanding of the fact that religion does affect the way one thinks, feels and behave, will help us to appreciate the idea that religion itself is making these walls between people and is the root cause of a lot of conflict in this world. For me the best way to care for patients is by giving your all as a medical professional and not getting affected by who the person is who needs your help, which religion does he belong to, which religious texts does he read and so on. A practician serves humanity not the dogmas which were made for convenience of a handful of people and have been forced on others.