The psychological and spiritual dimensions also weigh heavily upon the healing process. Yet, a recent article in The New England Journal of Medicine questions the ethics of spiritual care. In the article Richard P. Sloan, et al, argue first that the research on the relationship between religion and health is inconclusive. They have a good point. We have to ask if that research even is appropriate.
Science can only measure objective data.
There are just too many variables and too many subjective qualities. Spirituality, by its very nature, cannot be quantified. Second, the authors argue that the relationship between the health care professional and the patient is unequal, so prescribing religious activity is coercive and, therefore, unethical. Here they compare recommendations for involvement in religious activity with other areas considered private, such as marriage and childbearing. However, there is a big difference between prescribing and educating.