Contemporary Religions

  • Assignment:
  • What are some of the challenges facing major religious traditions in the modern world? As nurses, what are some of the particular issues that you might encounter with patients regarding the intersection of faith and healthcare (see the Science and Ethical Issues section of Chapter 12; you can address one or more of the issues noted in this section)? How might the material covered in this course affect the way in which you respond to these concerns?
  • Select one of the topics from Chapter 12 listed under Modern Influences on the Future of Religion and examine how modern religious traditions are dealing with these contemporary challenges. If you identify with a particular religious tradition, how has your religious tradition responded to the topic you have chosen? Make sure that you support your answer.
  • Example:

Dr. Rooney

There are many challenges facing the major religious traditions including: peer to peer networks, integration of religion and technological advancement (Bauwens, 2003). These challenges stem from the increasing interconnection of religions and cultures as well as the availability of information sharing. Nursing provides opportunity for unique encounters and challenges. The differences in culture and religion may intersect medical decisions on issues such as fertility, ethical termination of life at various stages, organ transplant, stem-cell research, and animal and environmental rights (Molloy, 2014). Working in the ICU, I often encounter challenges in both organ transplant (heart and lung) as well as futility of care and termination of adult life. People draw on their faith to help with decision making in these difficult circumstances. In these cases, it is important for the nurse to recognize and be respectful of potential religious differences. Learning of the different religions throughout this class will enable me to better understand and support decision making. The nurses’ role in facilitation of a healing environment and religious connection is integral, especially for the patient and family brought to the unfamiliar hospital environment. In my workplace we have various private quiet spaces, I direct people to these areas (if they prefer this space) for prayer and meditation as it is outside of the bustle of the ICU. In my 15 years of nursing experience I have found when people are able to connect with their faith, and feel supported by the multidisciplinary team, they are able to make more confident decisions about medical treatment. Though my personal beliefs and connection with God may be different than the people I encounter, this class has given me perspective. I will continue to be respectful of the space needed for prayer and meditation.

I identify as a Roman Catholic Christian. Working in a 32-bed cardiac surgery ICU at a large university hospital brings ethical challenges that may not be seen in other nursing specialties. Throughout my unit, I care for patients who have undergone high risk cardiovascular and thoracic surgeries, received Ventricular Assist Devices, heart and lung transplantation, or ECMO. Many of these patients have successful treatments, but the risks are high and occasionally I am faced with ethical challenges. With regards to advanced medical and surgical care, futile treatment and euthanasia, the Catholic Church has held a historically strong position. Euthanasia is against Catholic teaching, while “[it] is also permitted, with the patient’s consent, to interrupt these means, where the results fall short of expectations. But for such a decision to be made, account will have to be taken of the reasonable wishes of the patient and the patient’s family, as also of the advice of the doctors who are [especially] competent in the matter” (CAN, n.d., para. 8). Therefore, discontinuing treatment or withdrawing mechanical means of life support are not against the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Roman Catholics have strong associations with the sacraments and traditions. The sacrament “Anointing of the Sick” is occasionally brought to a patient for whom I am caring. There have been times when there is a plan to withdraw life support and this sacrament was offered. Families are invited to pray and offer support to the patient for peace and comfort at the time of suffering. This sacrament is not only for those who are actively dying but may also be done when a patient is diagnosed with a terminal illness. The anointing is believed to bring strength and peace to the person being anointed, and though God does not always heal the person physically this sacrament is strongly valued within the faith (Catholic Answers, 2013). A spiritual compass is provided to those who follow a religious path. It is important to be respectful of the differences and support each other in our journey through life.

Angie

References:

Bauwens, M. (2003). Three Challenges for Global Religion in the 21st Century. Religion and Globalization. Retrieved from: http://www.integralworld.net/bauwens.html (Links to an external site.)

Catholic Answers. (2013). Anointing of the Sick. Catholic Answers. Retrieved from: https://www.catholic.com/tract/anointing-of-the-sick (Links to an external site.)

CNA. (n.d.). Vatican Document on Euthanasia. Catholic News Agency. Retrieved from: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resources/life-and-family/euthanasia-and-assisted-suicide/vatican-document-on-euthanasia

 

Calculate the price of your order

550 words
We'll send you the first draft for approval by September 11, 2018 at 10:52 AM
Total price:
$26
The price is based on these factors:
Academic level
Number of pages
Urgency
Basic features
  • Free title page and bibliography
  • Unlimited revisions
  • Plagiarism-free guarantee
  • Money-back guarantee
  • 24/7 support
On-demand options
  • Writer’s samples
  • Part-by-part delivery
  • Overnight delivery
  • Copies of used sources
  • Expert Proofreading
Paper format
  • 275 words per page
  • 12 pt Arial/Times New Roman
  • Double line spacing
  • Any citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, Harvard)

Our guarantees

Delivering a high-quality product at a reasonable price is not enough anymore.
That’s why we have developed 5 beneficial guarantees that will make your experience with our service enjoyable, easy, and safe.

Money-back guarantee

You have to be 100% sure of the quality of your product to give a money-back guarantee. This describes us perfectly. Make sure that this guarantee is totally transparent.

Read more

Zero-plagiarism guarantee

Each paper is composed from scratch, according to your instructions. It is then checked by our plagiarism-detection software. There is no gap where plagiarism could squeeze in.

Read more

Free-revision policy

Thanks to our free revisions, there is no way for you to be unsatisfied. We will work on your paper until you are completely happy with the result.

Read more

Privacy policy

Your email is safe, as we store it according to international data protection rules. Your bank details are secure, as we use only reliable payment systems.

Read more

Fair-cooperation guarantee

By sending us your money, you buy the service we provide. Check out our terms and conditions if you prefer business talks to be laid out in official language.

Read more