ABSTRACT
Spiritual issues that are universally applicable find their expression in specific faith traditions and religious institutions. The religion of N. Paul’s family of origin would not give us an insight into what drove Paul in his spiritual quest, which had become more intense as his illness progressed. The health-care professional needs not only to identify the spiritual and religious traditions of the particular groups that he or she serves, but also to develop an understanding of their broader cultural norms and their needs. The role of the health care professional includes clarification for the family of how the system works and the implications for individual members. Initiation of a community prevention effort may come from concerned parents, teachers, government offidals, health-care providers, the police, the people most impacted by the problem, those concerned that they might be impacted, or, in fact, from any facet of the community.
