The chapter provides an introduction and outline of the book Spirituality and Religion within the Culture of Medicine. We offer a brief explanation of why there appears to be growing openness within the medical and health community toward religion and spirituality. The Chapter also includes a brief discussion concerning definitions of religion and spirituality, noting the strengths and weaknesses of retaining both constructs within research and clinical settings. The focus of the book pertains especially to medical professionals (e.g. nurses and physcians) since it is their spiritual care role that is currently disputed. Finally, we provide a preview of the remaining chapters of the book.
Doing justice to the complexities of spirituality and religion in a pluralistic world