Should doctors be allowed to talk about God to patients?

[Christofine]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8116497.stm

In the above article it is suggested that doctors could discuss spiritual matters as part of the doctor patient relationship.

I think it would be easier to open up to a doctor or nurse in a life or death situation if they were open about their own beliefs.

Sorting out all the denominational issues would be another matter however.

God bless

Christofine

[Fez]

Good question. I went through an unholy bout of depression just prior to being saved. The councilor who was working with me, who is now a good friend, (we both attend relating churches) told me later that she was bursting to tell me about Jesus and how He could save me. Could have saved a lot of time if she had been allowed to!

She was restricted from doing so by her contract conditons.

[Guest Reddevil]

I Think they should, the Gospel should be spread by whatever means necessary.

Just by a simple word from a doc, it can take seed and grow.

[Massorite]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8116497.stm

In the above article it is suggested that doctors could discuss spiritual matters as part of the doctor patient relationship.

I think it would be easier to open up to a doctor or nurse in a life or death situation if they were open about their own beliefs.

Sorting out all the denominational issues would be another matter however.

God bless

Christofine

It would be great if doctors could pray with patients.

[Christofine]

Sad to think good people are gagged this way.

The high regard and trust most people have for doctors could make their sharing about Jesus especially potent to.

Its good to hear God brought you through your depression Fez. Its is a real scourge as I know from personal experience.

My best friend's son who suffered from depression took his own life a few years ago. My own son had it but recovered several years ago now.

God answered all my prayers to my eternal and sincerest gratitude.

Yours in Jesus

Christofine

[Rick-Parker]

There are subtle ways that health care professionals can communicate their faith. Words like "praise God" "God bless" and "Lord willing" are just a few. We are not hamstrung about talking about faith in health care. Part of healing is the spiritual component. You can tell how open a person is to faith a person is just by talking to and interacting with them. You just need to be sensitive about it.

[traveller]

Just before I went into surgery a couple of years ago, my surgeon asked if he could pray over me first. It was a very comforting experience to hear the doc ask the Lord to guide his hands and to bring me quick recovery. He asks this of all his patients. He also travels to Africa to donate his time and skills there a couple of times a year. He pretty much bucks the system. I wish more were like him.

[Believer1997]

I've had many doctors pray with me. My gastroenterologist is Jewish and we discuss religion and he always blesses me and prays for me before treatment. Just as he did my Mamma. My family doctor always prayed with us when we were sick. I have been very blessed with having doctors who believed in the Greatest Healer of all time. Blessings!!!

[Guest lovinghim4ever]

If the doctor is a Christian and the patient doesn't mind I

see no reason why a doctor can't pray for his patients.

My doctor prays for me, and I am very thankful for that.

[Christofine]

I've heard people in the US talk freely about God and I love that about them.

Here in Australia, although there are exceptions, the only socially acceptable expression of passion is for your football team.

So I suppose it would be a bigger challenge for a doctor here to approach the subject with patients.

My doctors have been great, but care has not included any spiritual dimension.

Jesus rules!

Christofine