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01.09.2013 | Original Paper

Medicine and Spiritual Healing Within a Region of Canada: Preliminary Findings Concerning Christian Scientists’ Healthcare Practices

Erschienen in: Journal of Religion and Health | Ausgabe 3/2013

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Abstract

Christian Science is the largest and most recognized of various spiritual healing groups that encourage members to forgo or overcome the need for medicine. Even so, it appears that some Scientists occasionally use medicine. In this study, I argue that Scientists in one region of Canada respond to influences on their healthcare practices differently and follow a variety of healthcare practices. These practices range from refusing medically necessary treatment (which could potentially harm individuals’ health) to making full use of the medical system. I base my findings primarily on interviews with eleven current members and one former Christian Scientist.

Former Scientist Rita Swan is a director of an organization that advocates for children’s healthcare. She defected after realizing that had she relied on medicine instead of Christian Science for her 16-month-old son, he may not have died from Hemophilus influenza meningitis, which has a very high survival rate with treatment.

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Titel: Medicine and Spiritual Healing Within a Region of Canada: Preliminary Findings Concerning Christian Scientists’ Healthcare Practices
Publikationsdatum: 01.09.2013
Erschienen in: Journal of Religion and Health / Ausgabe 3/2013
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Elektronische ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-011-9504-6

Springer Medizin

Abstract

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