ABSTRACT
We hope that this book has helped to create a foundation for learning and talking about spirituality and medicine. In all likelihood, the reader had at least a passing interest in these issues before choosing to read this book. If so, you were probably halfway there before you even started to read. We have tried to outline an argument about why spirituality and medicine must work more closely together than we have in the past. As Americans live longer, and hopefully healthier, lives, the search for meaning in those lives will only intensify. Neither healthcare workers nor spiritual professionals are alone. We share a common quest to enrich the lives of those around us, to create healing and caring environments in the families and communities of those under our care.
