Religion and Medicine: part I

Author's note: This is the first of several posts where I address the association of Religion and Science as they relate to healthcare. There are many more points on this important topic than this shallow note might suggest.

Transubstantiation and consubstantiation are summed up nicely here: http://www.encyclopedia.com/html/l/lordss1up.asp

Cynically speaking, I believe your blessed according to your faith and those of little faith will take Communion and still have 95% wine; whereas, the faithful can get the full transformation. I personally have sooooo much faith that I don't wear seat belts, drive without headlights and take potentially harmful risks on a whim. I'm convinced my being in good Graces will assure my health and longevity. But, really, I'm convinced my child gets more colds from one hour/ week at Sunday School than 18 hours/ week at Kindergarten. If the Most Holy created all things, then also were viruses, vectors, and the laws governing random chance created. Can there be a Higher Law that says: Those with a specific amount of faith will never catch a virus (or get sick) from taking Holy Communion? Is the divine intervention of bending the laws of probability falsifiable? Seems mankind is drawn to superstition as much as to religion. Maybe religion has more to do with the soul. My faith may not prevent misfortune, but it will effect how I cope with it. My reference here would be The Book of Job.

Does "wholistic" medicine mean you accept it all?

I’m sure you’ll find nurses among those who share perspective and ideals of wholistic healthcare, myself among them. But does wholistic care need to include special gizmos and gadgets, pill and potions, and practitioners preaching beyond the fringes of understood science?

Pseudoscience dressed up as legitimate science compromises legitimate science. Soothsaying, self-designated health professionals compromise the legitimate healing arts and their professions. This is all without mentioning the dangers to the users.

I am hoping that my tax dollar and insurance premium is not spent on health treatments that have no legitimate evidence of benefit. I've been known to take vitamins, practice meditation, practice religion, burn fragrant candles in my house, drink chamomile tea when I’ve a cold - and support "Evidence Based Medicine." And, I think I’m not a hypocrite.