ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores one important element in providing spiritual care in a religiously pluralistic society – the distinction between spirituality and religion. It provides a general overview of the various relationships among physical health, overall well-being, and spirituality and religion as these factors relate to and affect patient care. The book offers principles to provide spiritual care for patients of varying faith traditions and philosophies of life – a literal “A to Z” compendium, from American Indian Spirituality to Zoroastrianism. It describes numerous cultures, early in their history, have thought of illness, disease, and health as matters of both body and spirit. The book focuses on Hinduism, for example, would be appropriate for every Hindu patient.
