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The Relationship between Medicine, Spirituality and Religion: Three Models for Integration

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Abstract

The integration of medicine and religion is challenging for historical, ethical, practical and conceptual reasons. In order to make more explicit the bases and goals of relating spirituality and medicine, we distinguish here three complementary perspectives: a whole-person care model that emphasizes teamwork among generalists and spiritual professionals; an existential functioning view that identifies a role for the clinician in promoting full health, including spiritual well-being; and an open pluralism view, which highlights the importance of differing spiritual and cultural traditions in shaping the relationship.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA, 02115, USA

    Michael J. Balboni & John R. Peteet

  2. George Washington Institute for Spirituality and Health, 2030 M Street, NW, Suite 4014, Washington, DC, 20036, USA

    Christina M. Puchalski

Authors
  1. Michael J. Balboni
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  2. Christina M. Puchalski
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  3. John R. Peteet
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Correspondence to John R. Peteet.

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Balboni, M.J., Puchalski, C.M. & Peteet, J.R. The Relationship between Medicine, Spirituality and Religion: Three Models for Integration. J Relig Health 53, 1586–1598 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-014-9901-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-014-9901-8

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