Abstract
This paper explains that the religion of Christian Science impacts the health care of religionists because Christian Scientists generally choose not to consult doctors, use medicine, and even refuse vaccines unless mandated by law. The author points out the extensive influence of the Spanish culture, with Roman Catholicism as the main religion that is prevalent in Spain and several other countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Columbia, Cuba, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Equatorial Guinea, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The paper relates that the main religion practiced in India is Hinduism, though India has large population segments that follow the Christian and Islamic faiths. The most commonly followed traditions are those that are linked to popular Hindu festivals, such as Diwali or the festival of lights, which is celebrated every year to mark the anniversary of Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya from exile.

Table of Contents
Religions
Roman Catholic
Christian Scientist
Buddhism
Cultures
Spain
Vietnam
India

From the Paper
"The Roman Catholic religion believes in the Holy Trinity of a creator God the Father; Jesus Christ, His Son; and the Holy Spirit. Other beliefs that characterize the religion are the original sin; the forgiveness of sin; the second coming of the Lord; and life after death. Given its belief in sin, the religion offers the hope of salvation through its sacraments and baptism. Infant baptism is encouraged to erase the original sin and as a start to a spiritual life through the Church. In addition, the Roman Catholic Church holds that the mass is a continuation of the sacrifice made by Christ and thus teaches the doctrine of transubstantiation or that the bread and wine at communion actually become the body and blood of Christ. Generally, the religion has no dietary restrictions. However, it advocates abstaining from meat and meat products on Ash Wednesday and the Fridays of the month of Lent."

Tags:ahimsa, diwali, health, influence, sacraments