A Comparative Analysis of Healing Perspectives

A Comparative Analysis of Healing Perspectives
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ABSTRACT
The research compared two perspectives on healing, on which both focused on the laying-on of hands as a healing methodology, but the research finds a more critical discourse in which healing represented a powerful medium for spiritual and physical transformation
This research compared the Christian and the Buddhism perspectives on healing. Both type of healing that is mediated primarily through the laying-on of hands. In summarizing my research on the Christian-based laying-on of hands, when authentic healing took place, the end result was not simply physical healing. Jesus demonstrated in his life and ministry that the purpose of healing was to bring those in need of spiritual healing into relationship with his Father. For this reason, as the consummate biblical counselor, he confronted those who sought healing with the truth of man’s plight and spiritual healing took precedence over physical healing.
For the Buddhist-based laying-on of hands, two aspects of Buddha and healing have been discussed: healing using medical or natural remedies and spiritual factors as a cause for disease. While it is very clear that Buddha mediated healing primarily through his words, the discussion would be incomplete if healing as spiritual growth was not considered. For Buddha, the crux of his “healing ministry” was not about relieving physical symptoms of sickness and disease. His real goal was in the elimination of all suffering by transforming the mind. He frequently stated that ill individuals were those who suffered from their “insatiable craving.” Thus, healing was ultimately connected to becoming enlightened.
Finally, this research has offered some amount of insight about the laying-on of hands as a healing methodology and has compared the two distinct healing perspectives, the Christianity perspective and the Buddhism perspective, and the spiritual realities employed in each practice. Critical insight has been given that challenges how healing is defined under each perspective.
A Comparative Analysis of Healing Perspectives
Healing, especially as a religions or a belief system has been a major topic of discussion for several decades already. In the beginning of this research, my goal was to compare two healing perspectives, and their belief systems. Specifically, from the Christian perspective, the Bible teaches that Jesus healed through the laying on of hands and from the Buddhism perspective that Buddha healed also through laying on of hands.
Christian Perspective: Jesus and Healing
When the concept of healing was presented in the New Testament, Jesus’ major focus was that he brought a soteriological message. At the core of healing was soul salvation. Physical healings served as signs of messianic fulfillment of prophecy, tangible evidence that God now dwelt among his people—that the kingdom, or the government, of God was now being inaugurated on the earth. Yet, the essential message of the kingdom was not physical healing (Anderson, 1984).
The gospel of Jesus Christ represented healing for the spirit and a restored personal relationship with God. Outside of the sa...