Both medicine and spiritual institutions are concerned with birth, death, healing, and alleviation of suffering. Most people have spiritual beliefs in some form, whether part of a formal religion or a general philosophy of life. Our society has more than 270 subcultures and 1200 religious groups. Organized religions provide values, beliefs, norms, and a frame of reference to organized information and govern daily activities. At the heart of religion is the faith that one's beliefs are true and valid.
Religious beliefs can have a strong influence on views about health and illness.
Illness may be interpreted as a punishment for certain deeds. Some religions promote very healthy life styles - no alcohol or tobacco. Religious values and beliefs affect health decisions. Christian Scientists avoid using medicines and believe in laying on of hands by ministers. The spiritual dimension is that part of the person concerned with meaning and is therefore a principle determinant of health-related attitudes.