Naturalism and humanism have long histories in China, side-by-side with a long history of theistic belief. In this paper I will first sketch the early naturalistic and humanistic traditions in Chinese thought. I will then focus on the synthesis of these perspectives in Neo-Confucian religious thought. I will argue that these forms of non-theistic belief should be considered aspects of Chinese r...

Moses Maimonides, the illustrious medieval rabbi and philosopher, dedicated the last decade of his life primarily to medicine. His strong interest in medicine was an integral component of his religious-philosophical teachings and world view. In this paper various sources from his rabbinic writings are presented that explain Maimonides' motivation regarding and deep appreciation for medicine: (A...

This article presents an overview of both the processes and the results of an international, interdisciplinary, and interreligious feminist study of "good sex" that resulted in a volume by the same name. We argue that religion (including its secular equivalent, i.e., global capitalism) remains a powerfully influential cultural force that shapes people's lives, in general, and sanctifies their b...

Background: Anxiety in psychiatric patients is more prevalent than the general population. Non-pharmacological methods for the treatment of anxiety are beneficial to the health of the patient, but it is not clear which of these approaches are more appropriate. Objectives: The aim of this study is comparison of the effects religious teachings and muscle relaxation on reducing anxiety in patient...

In this article, rational arguments and religious teachings that underlie the necessity of peaceful coexistence with the followers of other religions will be discussed. Moreover, the core impediments to coexistence, such as lacking self-knowledge and being ignorant about the others, will be examined, and practical ways for effectively interacting with the followers of other religions will be su...

It is difficult to harmonise faith and the desire to follow religious teachings and obligations on the one hand, and scientific advances and their use for the benefit of suffering humanity on the other. This is an especially delicate matter for patients and health professionals in reproductive medicine. It deals with the conflicting issues of contraception, termination of pregnancy, assisted re...

THIS PAPER WILL PRESENT some rhetorical and discursive elements in oral versions of the history of the Kālacakratantra as currently presented by the Fourteenth Dalai Lama. Focusing on the definition of the Kālacakra’s “word of the Buddha” (buddha vacana), the paper will show how the Fourteenth Dalai Lama constructs an innovative version in his teachings, manifesting the relations between the es...

atholic health care is embedded in a moral tradition that has been formed by a profound dynamic between word and deed, thought and action, theory and practice. The ministry's words, thoughts, and theories have been informed by a larger faith tradition encompassing the Scriptures; the official teachings of the church; reflections and ideas of theologians; and the insights of philosophers, econom...

The Islamic Republic of Iran has a long history of medicine. The principles derived from core Islamic teachings provide a comprehensive moral, ethical, and legal framework for the practice of medicine. The issue of brain death has significant impact on the procurement of organs from cadavers. It is a major subject of debate and interest to bioscientists, legal experts, religious scholars, and t...