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Out of the depths
Theology and spirituality within palliative care
a Theologica - Nordic Journal of Theology
- Published online: 24 Sep 2014
Abstract
A
fundamental approach of theology as practiced within the palliative
setting is care for the whole human being, with particular focus on
spirituality and the spiritual dimension. Theology and medicine come
together in palliative care in which the spiritual aspect is an
important component together with the physical, psychological, and
social. This article is based on a mixed methods study of spirituality
among persons receiving palliative care. Findings revealed the
importance of spirituality and its multidimensional elements by which
spirituality was perceived as a complex phenomenon relating to religious
and non-religious aspects of human life. Theological reflection based
on the present findings indicates that a sharp distinction between the
concepts of religion and spirituality is not beneficial. It also reveals
the significance of the spiritual dimension and that theology has an
important role in creating a deeper understanding of this complex part
of human existence. Spiritual needs, expressed in various ways, were
evident among the participants receiving palliative care.
The findings
confirm that the theological approach in palliative care, with its focus
on the whole human being and emphasis on spirituality and the spiritual
dimension, continues to be the hallmark of practicing theology within
palliative care.
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