An study reported in today's Houston Chronicle found that terminal cancer patients who identified themselves as religious believers sought more aggressive treatment in the last week of life from their doctors than those who did not.
That's not what I would have predicted. I would have thought that those who believe in the providence and grace of God would be less likely to seek this kind of care. But then I don't have experience as a health care provider or minister.
One of the explanations was that because believers hold life to be sacred, they may feel a duty to live as long as possible.
Is that what those of you who provide pastoral care as ministers and chaplains find in your own experience?
That's not what I would have predicted. I would have thought that those who believe in the providence and grace of God would be less likely to seek this kind of care. But then I don't have experience as a health care provider or minister.
One of the explanations was that because believers hold life to be sacred, they may feel a duty to live as long as possible.
Is that what those of you who provide pastoral care as ministers and chaplains find in your own experience?
