ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses both the meaning of the illness and the place of religious belief in the patient's life. Because the various religions have different beliefs and customs relating to terminal illness and death, a brief summary of the commoner religions is provided. The spiritual dimension tries to be in harmony with the universe and strives for answers about the infinite, and comes into focus when the person faces emotional stress, physical illness or death. Patients who are seeking spiritual guidance and comfort need to have this issue addressed as quickly as any distressing physical symptom. Many patients fear dying without making peace with (their) God, and this is an important area to address quickly when the time remaining in which to make the appropriate response is limited. A World Health Organization Expert Committee on Palliative Care stated that patients have the right to expect that their spiritual experiences will be respected and listened to with attention.
