Posted on May 9th, 2008

October 3, 2008

to

October 5, 2008

Invitation

“Over the last four centuries, and due especially to strong religious intolerance, the gulf between science and religion has deepened, with the majority of scientific communities opting for the materialistic paradigm. It has been no different within the context of Medicine, especially in the 20th century, when the field was strongly saturated with a reductionist vision that limited it strictly to the physical body.

However, a new paradigm has emerged, particularly over the last decade with the introduction of Spirituality in medical research and in the practice of medicine itself. The concept of Spirituality adopted is that defined by William James, i.e., the most elevated and noble sentiment joining the creature to the Creator. Physicians and health care professionals from the most diverse religious faiths, and even those who have no formal religious ties but who simply believe in the Supreme Being have adopted this new paradigm bridging spirituality and medicine.

In the United States in 2001, almost two thirds of all medical school curricula had already included required or elective courses in Religion, Spirituality and Medicine. However, currently less than a third of American physicians are willing to ask patients about their religious convictions. Many allege a lack of time, inability to deal with the subject, or irrelevancy for the practice of medicine.

If you are in the area of health care and want to know more about the subject, or if you enjoy dialogue and the free exchange of ideas, come participate with us at the Second United States Congress on Medicine and Spirituality. It will be our great pleasure to see you there.”

Marlene Nobre, MD
President
International Spiritist Medical Association

For more details and registration, go here