Appropriate Faith Conversations

Vignette #2 explores proselytizing and physician to patient relationships: Actors: Physician and patient Scene: Patient sits in chair with blanket to simulate a patient in bed. The physician is making note in the patient’s chart. Patient: I am so happy that my heart attack was mild, and thank you for doing my open heart surgery so quickly. I feel like I've been given a second chance in life. I'm so grateful. Physician: God has given you that second chance. He has something in mind for you. Do you have a personal relationship with the Lord? Do you have a church home? Patient: Well, I haven’t been much of a church-goer. You know. Sometimes at Easter I’ll take the family. Maybe it would be a good thing. I’m not really not sure. Physician: Our church has a wonderful course called "Getting to know God in the New Millennium". . . I'll leave some literature for you and your family. For now let's go to God on bended knee and with a humble heart for the gratitude which we all feel at this moment. Patient: Doc, you’re gonna have to help me out of bed. I've just had open-heart surgery. The actors freeze momentarily to mark the end of the vignette. Some questions to stimulate small group discussion for the second vignette are: What did you think of this physician’s remarks? What would you do differently? Is it ever appropriate to share your faith with a patient? When is it appropriate to share your faith or beliefs? How do you do it? What are the signs and symptoms of spiritual distress? What are some good openings? Are you aware of publications about this? (Ref Prayer is good medicine by Larry Dossey as a reference.) Some questions to stimulate large group discussion for the second vignette are: What did you talk about most in your groups? What surprised you during your conversations? How will you change your practices? While the participants are fully engaged and before the dialogue is fully completed, move to dinner. The conversations will often continue informally over the meal. Resume the program after the meal. Allow about 45 minutes for dining.