Introduction on Religion Religion is an important Essays

Introduction on Religion Religion is an important aspect on studies of early mental health practice. Religion is important to as many as 75% of the population, more profound and relevant with people over 65 years of age and older (Richards and Bergin, 1997). Religion plays a pivotal role on older adults, it becomes part of their identity and personality (Koenig, Siegler George, 1989). According to Koenig (1989), religion incorporates people's rituals, beliefs, and practices pertaining to the "transcendent." Which means, these beliefs relates to the supernatural and mystical elements of the world (Koenig, Siegler George, 1989). Religion is always practiced within a community, group, or cult. Religion is often organized and it incorporates beliefs, rules and regulations on the afterlife. Religion is unique in a sense that binds people in a community, who share the same beliefs and sentiments in solidarity. Religion could be measured relating the mental, physical, and emotional outcom es with humans who are believers of the supernatural world. Introduction on Spirituality Spirituality is considered more independent and open freely to the public. Unlike religion, not organized. It doesn't follow the Bible for rules, regulations, such as the Ten Commandments. Everyone has their own unique and special interpretation of what spirituality means to them. Considered vague by many researchers because the meaning of spirituality is constantly changing. Spirituality is very diverse because it doesn't only pertain to a belief in one God, it could relate to having an appreciation for nature, such as trees as a spiritual journey. Many people believe in different aspects of the afterlife. In some cultures, sun, rain, horses and pigs are considered "godly." Overall, it seems like in today's generation, people feel more associated with spirituality than religion because they feel like it's more of a judgment free zone. You don't have to follow guidelines, rules and regulations t o live your life, the way you want to live it. Variations of Religion StudyA thorough research study composed by Walker et al, within this study he followed a compare and contrast method with senior residents. The staff was comprised from different religious organizations and from 13 facilities, in which long-term care was provided. A survey was conducted with this researcher. The first group that Walker et al focused on was understanding religion from the Jewish perception. The Jewish residents all belonged to the same synagogue, in which the survey was conducted. The first task given was to identify 35 words that incorporates what Judaism personally means to each person. The five religious words that were repeated in the study were: Torah, heritage, social activism, Ten Commandments, and belief in one God. The Jewish residents defined spirituality as a deep connection with God. The five religious words that were repeated in the study for spirituality were: connection with God, app reciating other beliefs, understanding foundation of the afterlife, and meditation (Walker et al. August Spirituality and the Elderly: Survey of Staff and Residents From Long-Term Care Facilities, 1998).The second group Walker et al focused on was Christianity with Christian residents all above the age of 65. These residents were told to come up with 23 words that best described Christianity. Collectively speaking, they weren't able to successfully come to a group consensus. Instead the group put all their focus and attention on the obvious staple of Christianity. They all recognized that Christ was born, died, then rose from the dead. Second concept they demonstrated as a group, in order to live successful, live through Christ, one must show aspects of love and show compassion for the less unfortunate by doing charity work. The third concept they've all agreed that one must have a personal relationship and with Christ. That simply means one must pray daily and read scriptures of th e bible. Christianity heavily relies on the bible for words of encouragement, to follow basic rules and regulations of bible verses as a guide to live healthier lifestyles (Walker et al. August Spirituality and the Elderly: Survey of Staff and Residents From Long-Term Care Facilities, 1998).The third group Walker et al focused on was the perception of religion and spirituality with Caucasians. These residents immediately communicated with one another, verbally speaking. They came up with a