Hi Benjamin, This is an interesting debate you have let yourself in for.
Religion in my opinion if looked at positively and practised in the correct
manner is a way to good health and sanity.
I am a Hindu, therefore it is a way of life to me and therefore it has a
huge impact on my daily life. Having faith heals, gives people a good
balance of heart,mind and soul and often spirituality plays a major role in
people's lives because it gives people a sense of direction and a path in
life. A sense of postiveness in life and inner strength to get over the
hurdles in life.
So, given this inner strength, do you not think that it can only be a
positive contributing factor to our health as it could aid recovery, help us
to maintain good health. Don't forget in many religions even what you eat
affects you emotionally, physically and mentally. The aim would be to
maintain a balanced equilibrium. Religious beliefs give people particularly
in time of hardship, terminal illness, ill health etc a sense of hope and
more importantly strength. In my experience religious beliefs have been very
helpful to good health. Where people have lost a sense of belief, you will
find that often their life and indeed their families is in turmoil. People
have become materialistic, selfish and when in difficulty they find it hard
to get on the right path to life again. This attitude could have greater
impact to ill health socially, physically, and mentally.
I think what does have a greater impact on our lives in terms of health,
physical, mental and access to it is more to do with cultural factors.
Some examples would be cross cultural conflict especially with the younger
generation who find it difficult to find a balance between eastern and
western lifestyles. This then leads to them not wanting to accept some of
their religious or cultural practices. The social pressures then increase
and you begin to get rise in self harm, drugs abuse, teenage pregnancies and
so on.
This is a very broad subject and a long debate could be had. In the
meantime I hope some of these comments are helpful.
-----Original Message-----
From: Benjamin Jones [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 28 January 2002 15:38
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Subject for Discussion - Religion and Health
hey everyone i need some help
I gave a talk the other day where I cited Religion as a cause of ill health,
and conversely as a factor contributing to good health.
A discussion ensued amongst the audience between people who said that it was
not a cause and those who said it was.
Now i have had this discussion with a colleague before about using the word
religion and the word cause in the same sentence. I have no problem
associating the two. Although some people like to tip toe around the issue.
However, i have told the group that i will supply further info on both sides
of the story.
So what are you opinions.
a - use of the word religion and the word cause. (lifestyle choice like any
other?)
b - the effects of religion on physical health
c - the effects of religion on mental health
d - the effects of religion on acccess to health services.
Now this list has over 240 members now, so you lot should be a mine of
information.
This will be collated by me and fed back to the group in question.
All opinions welcome, inflamatory, staid etc.
I will also feedback to the list.
ONE thing though. When you reply to this, please CC the list too, so all
members can see the answers.
thanks in advance and i look forward to a rousing discussion.
ben
(next week politics and health)
Ben Jones
Patient Profiling Development Officer
PCG Central West
0151 222 2963
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