Lived Religion in Religious Vaccine Exemptions.

This essay explores a more inclusive and equitable interpretation of "religion" within the context of religious vaccine exemptions. The existing literature critiques the prevalent interpretation of the meaning of religion in religious exemption cases, but frequently overlooks the importance of incorporating the concept of "lived religion." This essay introduces the concept of lived religion from religious studies, elucidates why this lived religion approach is crucial for redefining "religion," and illustrates its application in the domain of religious vaccine exemptions. The author contends that broadening the meaning of religion by employing the concept of lived religion would promote a more inclusive and equitable implementation of religious vaccine exemptions.

Nurses, Clergy, Chaplains, Parkinson's Disease, Workplace Religiosity, Women's Health and Family Issues.

This issue of JORH explores a broad range of topics looking at the professions of nursing, clergy and chaplains. This issue also concludes the series on Parkinson's disease (Part 2), and for the first time, JORH presents a collation of articles relating to workplace religiosity. Finally, this issue revisits the topics of women's health and family issues in relation to religiosity and spirituality.

Arguments for a ban on pediatric intersex surgery: A dis/analogy with Jehovah witness blood transfusion.

This article argues for a ban on the performance of medically unnecessary genital normalizing surgeries as part of assigning a binary sex/gender to infants with intersex conditions on the basis of autonomy, regardless of etiology. It does this via a dis/analogy with the classic case in bioethics of Jehovah Witness (JW) parents' inability to refuse life-saving blood transfusions for their minor children. Both cases address ethical medical practice in situations where parents are making irreversible medical decisions on the basis of values strongly held, identity, and relationship-shaping values-such as religious beliefs or beliefs regarding the inherent value of binary sex/gender-amidst ethical pluralism. Furthermore, it takes seriously-as we must in the intersex case-that the restriction of parents' right to choose will likely result in serious harms to potentially large percentage of patients, their families, and their larger communities. I address the objection that parents' capacity to choose is restricted in the JW case on the basis of the harm principle or a duty to nonmaleficence, given that the result of parent choice would be death. I provide evidence that this is mistaken from how we treat epistemic uncertainty in the JW case and from cases in which clinicians are ethically obligated to restrict the autonomy of nonminor patients. I conclude that we restrict the parents' right to choose in the JW case-and should in the case of pediatric intersex surgery-to secure patient's future autonomy.

"I Would Consult a Doctor, But What the Rabbi Says Goes": Ultra-Orthodox Jews' Relationships with Rabbis and Doctors in Israel.

We examine relationships among ultra-Orthodox Israeli Jews, their doctors, and rabbis when medical decisions are made. Analyzing excerpts from sixteen focus groups with 128 ultra-Orthodox Jews, we determine how their belief system affects their decisions about whom to trust and follow when the doctor's instructions contradict the rabbi's advice. We argue that the strict behaviors described here with regard to relations among doctors, rabbis, and patients, function as social capital that raises the status of ultra-Orthodox Jews as members of an exclusive club that balances health decisions with the social demand to obey their religious leaders.

A Glimpse into Gynecologic Practice During the Islamic Golden Age.

The Islamic Golden Age was the time in history from eighth to fourteenth century. This era was marked by expansion of Islamic world to all the Middle East, North Africa, South and East Europe, and Central Asia. The Islamic world was the wealthiest region in the world at that time and that wealth was utilized to promote great flourishing in the arts, philosophy, science, and medicine. The practice of healing was considered the most noble of human undertakings by Islamic scholars. In this era, many great physician-scientists emerged in the Islamic world, albeit several were not Muslims, who examined prior writings, corrected many, and proceeded to produce their own observations and innovations. This article highlights some of the most important contributions to gynecology of some prominent scholars during this shining phase of medical history.

A Framework for Examining Bioethical Issues from a Sunni Perspective: Maslaha.

All religions should develop convincing responses to emerging bioethical problems stemming from medical and technological advancements. Additionally, believers need to know their faiths' interpretations of bioethical issues to be able to make medical decisions in line with their religious values. Therefore, Islamic bioethics should provide Muslims with conclusive and credible answers regarding newly rising problems in health care by revisiting the religious norms and decrees. However, the diversity in the Islamic denominations, the traditionalist aspect of the Sunni jurisprudence demanding strict compliance with the scriptural texts, the lack of unanimously accepted authority, and the limited number of academic works in Islamic bioethics (at least in English) complicate exploring new standards or rules for new ethical matters. In this view, the present paper aims to delineate two primary Islamic theological schools and propose al-Ghazali's maslaha as a general framework to analyze bioethical issues in the Sunni tradition. Maslaha allows exercising discretion in light of the protection of five fundamental values: religion, life, reason, lineage, and property. Maslaha has the potential to enable Sunni Muslims to appraise contemporary ethical questions, concerns, and dilemmas through an Islamic view and make more autonomous decisions by having religious guidelines.

Mental Health During Crisis: Development and Evaluation of the Post-disaster Spiritual Coping Scale in Turkey.

This research presents the detailed development of the post-disaster spiritual coping scale, which aims to evaluate post-disaster spiritual coping processes. The study's first step in developing the scale has been to review the literature on the effects disasters have on the lives of individuals alongside spiritual coping's role in this process. The study has also taken into account the steps required when developing a scale. Data were initially collected from individuals who'd experienced the February 6 Kahramanmaras earthquake, after which the scale items were created. In line with expert opinions, a pilot application of the scale was applied before the items took their final form. During the data collection phase, data were collected three times (N1 = 388, N2 = 194, N3 = 94). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was then performed, and the scale was concluded to consist of one dimension and 13 items. Afterward, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed over the 13-item scale, confirming the results from the previous analysis. The CFA results also showed acceptable goodness-of-fit values to have been obtained (χ2/df = 2.200; RMSEA = 0.061; SRMR = 0.024; CFI = 0.933; GFI = 0.908). At the same time, each item in the scale was concluded to have a sufficient loading value. As a result of the analysis of internal consistency for the scale, Cronbach's alpha was found to be 0.950. Significant values were also obtained as a result of the criterion validity analysis for the developed scale. In conclusion, the final version of the post-disaster spiritual coping scale has been developed and validated, with the reliability and validity coefficients of the scale being found sufficient. This scale can be used as a powerful tool for evaluating the spiritual coping mechanisms of individuals who are being affected by disaster.

Spiritual Coping in Family Caregivers of Patients With Advanced Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study.

CONTEXT: Family caregivers face significant challenges when providing care to individuals with advanced cancer. Spiritual coping strategies may support caregivers in addressing these challenges. OBJECTIVES: We evaluated spiritual coping levels among Chinese family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer and explored associated factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 358 family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer. The Spiritual Coping Scale was used to evaluate spiritual coping levels, while various scales, including the Caregiver Reaction Assessment Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale-Schwarzer, and Perceived Social Support Scale, were used to identify influencing factors. T-tests and analysis of variance were used for group comparisons. Pearson's correlation and multivariate linear regression were used to analyze the associated factors. RESULTS: Chinese family caregivers of patients with advanced cancer had moderate spiritual coping levels. Differences in spiritual coping levels were observed in sex, religion, and the presence or absence of anxiety and depression (p < 0.05). Women and caregivers who identified as religious had higher levels, while those with anxiety or depression had lower levels. Spiritual coping was positively correlated with self-efficacy and spiritual health (p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that religion, anxiety, depression, self-efficacy, and spiritual health were statistically significant associated factors for spiritual coping scores, explaining 43.3% of the variance in scores (F = 53.769, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The spiritual coping of Chinese family caregivers should be considered by health care providers, who should focus on alleviating their anxiety and depression while improving self-efficacy and spiritual health, especially among nonreligious caregivers.

Aporte espiritual/religioso pela enfermagem no tratamento do câncer de mama: revisão integrativa / Spiritual/religious support for nursing in the treatment of breast cancer: integrative review / Apoyo espiritual/religioso de la enfermería en el tratamiento del cáncer de mama: revisión integrativa

Objetivo: analisar na literatura científica a importância da abordagem espiritual/religiosa pela equipe de enfermagem no tratamento do câncer de mama. Método: revisão integrativa, realizada na BDENF, LILACS e SCOPUS. Resultados: foram selecionados seis estudos, evidenciou-se que a abordagem espiritual/religiosa pelos profissionais de enfermagem auxilia para o enfrentamento positivo do câncer de mama. Assim, emergiu a categoria.: Abordagem espiritual/religiosa na assistência de enfermagem e suas repercussões positivas para o enfrentamento do câncer de mama. Conclusão: a categoria da enfermagem integra a rede de apoio social para o alívio do sofrimento, por meio do aporte espiritual/religioso, auxiliando para a minimização de sentimentos negativos associados ao diagnóstico e aos eventos adversos dos tratamentos, sendo importante incluir discussões acerca desta temática na formação de nível técnico e graduação em enfermagem.

Objective: to analyze in the scientific literature the importance of the spiritual/religious approach by the nursing team in the treatment of breast cancer. Method: integrative review, carried out in BDENF, LILACS and SCOPUS. Results: six studies were selected, showing that the spiritual/religious approach by nursing professionals helps to cope positively with breast cancer. Thus, the following category emerged: Spiritual/religious approach in nursing care and its positive repercussions for coping with breast cancer. Conclusion: the nursing category is part of the social support network for relieving suffering, through spiritual/religious support, helping to minimize negative feelings associated with the diagnosis and adverse treatment events, and it is important to include discussions on this topic in technical and undergraduate nursing training.

Objetivos:analizar la importancia del abordaje espiritual/religioso por el equipo de enfermería en el tratamiento del cáncer de mama en la literatura científica. Método: revisión integradora, realizada en BDENF, LILACS y SCOPUS. Resultados: fueron seleccionados seis estudios que demuestran que el abordaje espiritual/religioso por profesionales de enfermería ayuda a enfrentar positivamente el cáncer de mama. Surgió la siguiente categoría: Enfoque espiritual/religioso en los cuidados de enfermería y sus repercusiones positivas para el afrontamiento del cáncer de mama. Conclusión: la categoría de enfermería forma parte de la red de apoyo social para aliviar el sufrimiento, a través del apoyo espiritual/religioso, ayudando a minimizar los sentimientos negativos asociados al diagnóstico y a los eventos adversos de los tratamientos, siendo importante incluir discusiones sobre este tema en la formación técnica y de pregrado de enfermería.

[Islam and assisted reproduction treatments: an empirical study on the relationship between science and religion in Tangier and Barcelona.] / El islam ante los tratamientos de reproducción asistida: un estudio empírico sobre la relación entre ciencia y religión en Tánger y Barcelona.

In recent decades there have been significant developments in assisted reproduction techniques, which have aided couples with difficulties in having children. These techniques have been well received in different parts of the world, and Muslim countries have been no exception. Adopting sociologist Michèle Lamont's theoretical perspective on "boundaries", semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 health professionals and Islamic community leaders in the cities of Tangier and Barcelona during 2022. The aim of this article is twofold: first, to analyze how key actors in the Muslim community conceive of the relationship between Islam and science; second, to explain how this understanding is negotiated in relation to assisted reproduction treatments. The article concludes with a consideration of the complexities related to drawing the line between the positions of science and religion, and emphasized the importance of examining empirical cases in order to better capture the complex relationship between these two spheres and gain a deeper understanding of existing bioethical debates.

En las últimas décadas hubo un desarrollo significativo de técnicas de reproducción asistida que ayudaron a parejas con dificultades a tener hijos. Estas técnicas han sido bien recibidas en diferentes partes del mundo, y los países musulmanes no han sido una excepción. Desde la perspectiva teórica de la socióloga Michèle Lamont basada en las fronteras o "boundaries", en el año 2022 se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a 20 profesionales de la salud y líderes de asociaciones musulmanes de Tánger y Barcelona, con el objetivo de analizar, en primer lugar, cómo actores claves musulmanes conciben la relación entre islam y ciencia y; en segundo lugar, cómo se negocia esta comprensión en el caso de los tratamientos de reproducción asistida. Se concluye sobre la complejidad de la delimitación de fronteras en las definiciones de ciencia y religión, y se destaca la importancia de centrarse en casos empíricos para comprender mejor la compleja relación entre los dos ámbitos y entender los debates bioéticos existentes.

Holy medicine: Patron saints of wounds due to animal bites.

The cult (system of religious beliefs and rituals) of saints in Western Europe appeared in the 3rd century CE and gained momentum from the 4th to the 6th centuries. Its importance for European society in late antiquity and the early Middle Ages was undeniable; holy medicine was the only hope for sick people because the number of physicians was insufficient, and usually physicians were helpless in the face of most of the ailments that plagued society at that time. The number of saints had increased over the years, and people sought medical help from them through prayer and other religious practices. Some saints "specialized" in the treatment of various wounds, including skin diseases. Our research revealed many saints who were patrons of wounds and skin. They can be collected in three groups: patron saints against snakebites and dog bites; patron saints of the treatment of wounds, ulcers, burns, and frostbite; and patron saints against spreadable diseases such as ergotism, leprosy, and scabies. The large number of saints who were patrons against snakebites and dog bites shows the relevance and importance of the problem. In our research, we tried to find out whether the cult of saints led to the development of hospitals for the treatment of skin diseases like ergotism in the hospital of Brother St. Anthony or only in miracles of healing emphasizing the power of faith in the cure of diseases.

Spiritual coping strategies: Relationship with physical, anxiety, and depression symptoms of patients with cancer.

Introduction: Spirituality is considered an important source against chronic diseases and can promote self-esteem, mental comfort, and hope in patients. Concerning its importance, the present study aims to investigate spiritual coping strategies and its relationship with physical, anxiety, and depression symptoms of patients with cancer who are referred to the oncologic ward. Method: This was a descriptive-correlative study that 159 patients with cancer participated in the study. Information was collected using a four-part questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, Spiritual Coping Strategies Scale, physical symptoms as well as anxiety and depression symptoms. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation coefficient. Results: Results of the study showed that the mean (±SD) of the application of methods of spiritual coping strategies was 35.69 ± 10.92 and for its subscales the mean (±SD) of the application of religious coping and nonreligious coping strategies were 16.92 ± 5.6 and 18.77 ± 6.24, respectively. Furthermore, physical symptoms perceived by patients were tiredness, drowsiness, and lack of appetite. There was no significant correlation between physical, anxiety, and depression symptoms and spiritual coping strategies (r = -0.12, P = 0.12; r = 0.07, P = 0.41; and r = -0.05, P = 0.5 respectively). Discussion: Regarding no significant relationship between physical, anxiety and depression symptoms and spiritual (religious and nonreligious) coping strategies in this study, belief towards cancer and cultural aspects of patients may be more essential to their sense of wellness and help them to cope with negative aspects of illness or treatment. Therefore, more study needs to be done in this area.

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Elder Care (MBEC) on symptoms of depression and anxiety and spiritual well-being of institutionalized seniors with disabilities: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite the need to incorporate seniors from various settings into mindfulness-based empirical research, issues of geriatric frailties and non-compliance remain. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a mindfulness-based elder care (MBEC) program on mental health and spiritual well-being among seniors with disabilities in long-term care residential settings. METHODS: This single-blind, randomized controlled trial (RCT) randomly assigned seventy-seven participants into an MBEC group or control group of an eight-week MBEC program. Participants were assessed every four weeks at baseline (T0), mid-intervention (T1), post-intervention (T2) and follow-up (T3) using the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form (GDS-SF), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWBS), respectively. RESULTS: Linear mixed model (LMM) showed that MBEC participants' mental health improved significantly after completing the intervention; compared with controls, the MBEC group exhibited significantly lower anxiety (state-anxiety at T2; trait-anxiety at T2 and T3) and fewer depressive symptoms. Spiritual well-being was also significantly enhanced compared to that in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: MBEC has positive effects on both mental health and spiritual well-being outcomes among seniors with disabilities. In long-term care facilities, seniors with abilities have the potential to adhere to and engage in activities of a mindfulness-based intervention. This low risk, easily accessible, and effective 8-week program is recommended to be integrated into regular long-term care institutional routines. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered with Clinical Trial Registry (ClinicalTrials.gov - U.S. National Library of Medicine #NCT05123261. Retrospectively registered on 07/04/2021.). The CONSORT 2010 guidelines were used in this study for properly reporting how the randomized trial was conducted.

St. Zenobius, the Patron Saint of Injured Children and Non-accidental Trauma.

St. Zenobius (337-417), second only to John the Baptist as a Patron Saint of Florence, revived a 5-year-old boy who appeared to be dead after he was struck by an ox cart, one of his several acts of resurrection for which he was revered. His miracles inspired some of the greatest artists of the Florentine Republic, including Ghiberti and Botticelli. Celebrated from Late Antiquity as protector of the city, St. Zenobius might also be considered the guardian of injured children. But it wasn't the only instance where he had to revivify an injured child: a boy died while he was entrusted to the saint's care, a circumstance that today would qualify as non-accidental trauma (NAT) from neglect and prompt an investigation from the police and child protective services.

A Christmas Miracle Pantoum: Weighing Reality and Hope.

Between reality and hope, who am I to questionThe cortical ribbon dancing through your brainYour family praying for a Christmas miracleVisions of sugar plumsThe cortical ribbon dancing through your brainUp on the house top, click click clickVisions of sugar plumsFaithful friends who are dear to us, will be near to us once moreUp on the housetop, click click clickTriphasic waves on EEGFaithful friends who are dear to us, will be near to us once more,Including your deceased nana baking cookies in the hallwayTriphasic waves on EEGEvery time a bell rings, an angel gets its wingsIncluding your deceased nana baking cookies in the hallwayIn your conversations with usEvery time a bell rings, an angel gets its wingsYour wife asks if we have any other possible explanationIn our conversations with you, weTell tales of 14-3-3 and RT-QuICYour wife asks if we have any other possible explanationDown through the chimney with good St. NickTell tales of 14-3-3 and RT-QuICYour son wonders if we can try a Hail Mary pass treatmentDown through the chimney with good St. NickI have no new answers for youYour son wonders if we can try a Hail Mary pass treatmentI pass the giftshop display of the Virgin with ChildI have no new answers for youAs I finish my shift, step into the silent nightI pass the giftshop display of the Virgin with Child,Santa Claus is coming to townAs I finish my shift, step into the silent nightI think of Ms. C, ambulatory with 5/5 strength, disregarding her cervical cord astrocytoma haloSanta Claus is coming to townMy conversation with Mr. L, language spared after complete left MCA infarct1I think of Ms. C, ambulatory with 5/5 strength, disregarding her cervical cord astrocytoma haloDefying expectationsMy conversation with Mr. L, language spared after complete left MCA infarct1These miracles are not lost to meDefying expectations'Tis the season where all things are possibleThese miracles are not lost to meSo hang your stockings and say your prayers'Tis the season where all things are possibleYour family praying for a Christmas miracleSo hang your stockings and say your prayersBetween reality and hope, who am I to question.

Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy: An Islamic Perspective.

Mitochondrial replacement technology (MRT) is an emerging and complex bioethical issue. This treatment aims to eliminate maternal inherited mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) disorders. For Muslims, its introduction affects every aspect of human life, especially the five essential interests of human beings-namely, religion, life, lineage, intellect, and property. Thus, this technology must be assessed using a comprehensive and holistic approach addressing these human essential interests. Consequently, this article analyses and assesses tri-parent baby technology from the perspective of Maqasidic bioethics-that is, Islamic bioethics based on the framework of Maqasid al-Shariah. Using this analysis, this article suggests that tri-parent baby technology should not be permitted for Muslims due to the existence of third-party cell gametes which lead to lineage mixing and due to the uncertain safety of the therapy itself and because the major aim of the technology is to fulfil the affected couples interest to conceive their own genetically healthy child, not to treat and cure mtDNA disorders sufferers.

Finding Faith Through Listening.

In this narrative medicine essay, a surgical oncologist joins the hospital chaplain during his rounds to learn how to connect with patients who have strong faith in God, even when her own beliefs are uncertain.