Important elements of human existence, esp. in relationships, health and illness
Religion and social group, spirituality and ultimate meaning, faith and trust
Primary human needs for love: being cared for, understood, respected,
appreciated, trusted, accepted
Morality and ethics, wisdom and virtue
Human life cycle involvements: birth, circumcision, dedication, coming of age,
marriage, homebuilding, death
Doctor-patient relationship, synchronize lives of physicians and patients
Facilitate and enhance healing, compliance
Training paradigms: biological vs. biopsychosocial models
1 generation ago, inquiring about sexuality, alcohol, smoking was a new practice
Family Medicine a new discipline, George Engel in Rochester
Dual sources of authority in medicine and ministry, “medical care”
Ethics of intervening, “imposing” one’s faith with secular authority
Reverse of imposing one’s secular beliefs with spiritual authority
No formal training yet for faith-related inquiry and intervention
Taking faith-related history and becoming involved personally
Referring to appropriate religious resources
Knowledge of religious beliefs and practices
Christianity majority confession in US, secular humanism majority practice
Other minority faith systems, denominational, ethnic and cultural associations
Spiritual events and steps or life cycle
Conviction, revelation, conversion, dedication, consecration, sanctification.
Redemption, salvation
Prayer as active intervention, many different types
Formal written prayers (ceremonial) vs. extemporaneous prayer.
Based on relationship, knowledge, choosing appropriate forms
Intercession for wisdom, discernment, insight, knowledge, understanding,
healing, comfort, conviction, strength, deliverance, forgiveness,
cleansing, release, etc.
Personal faith search, study, awareness
Interest and openness to patient leading in encounter
Integration of open faith-related questions
Availability and eagerness to learn