Comments about ‘Faith in the ICU: Doctors, patients consider the role of spirituality in the healing process’

As a fellow hospital chaplain serving in an Army combat support hospital in Korea, I am happy to report that hospital chaplains wherever I've been in the Army are fully integrated into the comprehensive medical treatment of patients. I begin everyday by attending the morning report where I get to key in on critical patients who may need additional spiritual and psychological support. I then spend my day visiting patients, offering pastoral care when want it. I also spend considerable time with the clinical staff, who themselves need attention from time to time as they deal with resiliency issues and secondary trauma (also known as compassion or caregiver fatigue). Spirituality is an important slice of the holistic treatment pie.

BUT is it true that chaplains in the military are no longer allowed to use "Jesus'" name in their prayers and consultations? If so, shame on whoever stopped it. I'm soooooooooo tired of the interference of state with church.

@JRR I pray in Jesus' name when the person(s) I'm praying with are Christian. Otherwise, I use more generic language. I have had Muslims and Jews compliment me on public and small group prayers for "including" them in the prayer. It does not bother me to use inclusive language. It is not my job to convert them to my faith, but rather to promote theirs as part of their healing process. Personally speaking, I believe God is big enough, wise enough, and loving enough to understand who/what's in my heart when I pray. I hope that addresses adequately your question.

By the way, kudos to you, Chaplain Allison on your work. Good to see you and all the other chaplain brothers at our recent seminar. God bless you in your work.

Thank you for your service chris dengen.

Maybe some day people will realize that non Christians are also fighting to maintain this country's freedoms too.

What about helping those without insurance that need medical care. Oh wait that's socialism, can't have that. The medical profession is all about money. The tea party want's those without health insurance to just do without. After all they must have made some bad decisions and failed to take responsibility for their life. Spirituality to me is helping the poor and destitue and I don't see that happening much in America. It makes me sad.