According to Bogue & Hogan (2010), spirituality is experienced in and through relationships with sacred or higher power, family, individuals, connectedness with nature, which permeates life, providing purpose, meaning strength, and guidance expressed through individual’s values, beliefs, practices, and traditions. My original introduction to spiritualism began at a young age when my parents introduced me to religion and God through the Catholic Church. However, as I was exposed to other beliefs, spiritual experiences, and religions throughout the years, I have incorporated other religious aspects into my spirituality and no longer express myself through a specific faith but through a general overall spiritual belief in a higher power. For example, I have learned to treat others as I wish to be treated, that humans have a strong bond to nature, and that we are somehow all connected. In addition, I believe in the concept of karma and reincarnation (past lives), that souls travel together for love, support, and to help each other grow and learn. Although Catholicism is no longer the primary religion in my life, it is still part of my foundation and helps shape my faith.
There are many topics being explored in our readings. The one I found most interesting is the defining and understanding of the worldview. The readings overall are putting into words impressions I have personally had or wondered but never quite took the time to know how to convey and express. I’ve found the readings enlightening and helpful. I appreciate the recognition the readings provide of how a worldview is influenced and from the incredibly various sources and experiences our worldview can come to be shaped by (Bogue & Hogan, 2020). It gives space for trauma, religion, culture, and more! I believe this calls to the need for even more actions of mercy, especially in the realm of religion.
I found a lot of similarities between my personal spiritual views in regard to disease and healing and the reading’s views. I believe both disease and healing are a part of the human experience God has sent us here to have. They’re not a result of action or inaction, but just exist as a part of the reality of this imperfect world. Science can heal us and miracles can heal us. Ultimately, I believe after death, we will be transformed and freed or healed of our imperfections and in every way.
Bogue, D. W., & Hogan, M. (2020). Foundational Issues in Christian Spirituality and Ethics. Practicing dignity: An introduction to Christian values and decision making in Health Care. https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/chapter/1
I found the topic of Scientism interesting. According to scientism, the only reality we know is that which has been tested in hard sciences (Moreland, 2018). Other beliefs are based on emotions and opinions (Moreland, 2018). In scientism, nothing can be known of God’s existence (Moreland, 2018). Scientism is causing people to leave Christianity, partially because it cannot relate to developments of modern science from a biblical point of view (Moreland, 2018). Christianity and Scientism do not seem to go together. From my point of view, however, Christianity and science go hand in hand. Science and faith. It would be difficult to fathom some scientific facts without a higher power behind their creation.
In a Christian view, in restoration, there will be an absence of sin, pain, death, war, or greed (Bogue & Hogan, 2020). The disease can be an unavoidable part of the human experience. Such as sin, pain, and death. When plagued with disease, individuals can find comfort in God and the restoration. Rather than belief in physical healing, they can heal their souls and minds, finding comfort in the faith of God and his restoration.
References
Bogue, D. W., & Hogan, M. (2020). Foundational Issues in Christian Spirituality and Ethics. Practicing dignity: An introduction to Christian values and decision making in Health Care. https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/chapter/1
Moreland, J. P. (2018). 10 things you should know about scientism. Crossway.
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