Christians with Hindu background and their understanding of death : a pastoral approach

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate "fear" an emotion known among certain Hindu Christians who are terminally ill. It has been observed that they were traumatised by fear of death. A qualitative research design was employed to interview the terminally ill. Eight individuals were interviewed, though it was desired to have ten. The collected data was transcribed, analysed, compared and presented. Initially in the proposal it was suggested that participants will come from the Benoni area including some of its suburbs but it went further to the neighbouring towns, Lenasia, Palmridge and Dersley. A pastoral methodology developed by Kubler-Ross was assessed as to whether it can be utilized to assist the clergy in counselling the terminally ill through the five stages of death. Death from a Hindu perspective was discussed and various literature on fear of death was examined to facilitate counselling to the terminally ill. Ethical procedures is out lined to protect the patients" rights and preserve their trust in counsellors. It was discovered that as the terminally ill grew in their faith in Jesus, their fears subsided to a minimum. Even though informal counselling was ministered, it encouraged, it strengthened and assisted them to overcome the terror of death. Counselling took place in the form of praying, singing hymns and other devotional songs as well as reading and hearing the Word of God preached. Visitations from Elders, Pastors, congregants as well as friends and relatives made a tremendous positive impact on their lives. The literature has indicated that fear is real but the qualitative research has proved that fear can be overcome.