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Is Evidence Based Spiritual Care an Oxymoron?

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Abstract

Evidence based spiritual care utilizes empirical evidence on spirituality in addressing the spiritual needs of patients. Objections to evidence based spiritual care include issues of methodology and ethics. Reasons favoring evidence based spiritual care stem from a view that it is not an oxymoron but a paradox. An example of evidence based spiritual care is described using cardiac patients in a CCU unit. Concluding remarks note that we are at the beginning and need a new scientific/theological paradigm that integrates not separates science and theology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Waterloo Lutheran Seminary, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

    Thomas St. James O'Connor

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  1. Thomas St. James O'Connor
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St. James O'Connor, T. Is Evidence Based Spiritual Care an Oxymoron?. Journal of Religion and Health 41, 253–262 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1020288920502

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