When miracles cease…

  • D Cameron University of Pretoria
  • E de Klerk Little Company of Mary Hospital,
  • J Paley University of Stirling, Scotland

Abstract

Some patients believe firmly in miracles and are convinced that they have a right to a miraculous cure of their illness. Such believers are often encouraged by their religious leaders to proclaim their “cure in public. Belief in this type of miraculous healing may make the person reject conventional medical treatment or effective pain relief. When healing does not occur and the decline becomes obvious, such a person may feel overwhelmed with guilt and frustration. They will begin to question themselves, “Didn’t I have enough faith? They may feel that their faith was undermined by a family member or even by the doctor who seemed to doubt their claim of a cure. This article discusses the concepts of miracles, healing, cure and faith and gives the reader a basic classification system for miracles. SA Fam Pract 2006;48(6): 8-9

Author Biographies

D Cameron, University of Pretoria
MBChB, MPrax Med, MPhil(Pall Med) Associate Professor, Family Medicine, University of Pretoria
E de Klerk, Little Company of Mary Hospital,
MBChB, MPhil(Pall Med) Palliative Care Physician Little Company of Mary Hospital Pretoria
J Paley, University of Stirling, Scotland
MA Senior lecturer, Dept of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Stirling, Scotland.
Published
2006-09-04
Issue
Vol 48, No 6 - July 2006
Section
Forum
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