The Sign of the Fish
A Chaplain's Territory in an Ecumenical World
by
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So we also taught what was needed about Sikhism. Have you ever seen men wearing turbans and wondered what that meant? Men who are Sikhs wear turbans... but more about that later. I wondered too, and needed to learn about Sikhism since 80% of the population where our hospital is located in Punjab, is of that faith.
Even here in the USA, as we learn more about the beliefs of others we are able to develop more positive relationships. I believe that in today’s world, we are increasingly called to open our minds and hearts to the presence of God’s Spirit at work among people of all persuasions. I have seen and experienced that presence in my Sikh friends both here and in India.
Sikhism is the 15th largest organized religion in the world numbering almost 30 million people. This religion was begun in the 15th Century in Punjab by Guru (teacher) Nanak Dev and continued to develop through ten gurus or leaders. Their faith is centered in a belief in one God. Salvation is to be sought through meditation on the name and message of God. This salvation is not an attempt to avoid hell or get into heaven, but rather to attain spiritual union with God.
Other principal beliefs include social reform through the pursuit of justice. They also believe that no matter what one’s race or religion or gender, all are equal in God’s eyes. Men and women are equal; and women can lead in prayer. One expression about this equality is the fact that all Sikhs take the same surname Singh (meaning lion) for men, and Kaur (lioness) for women. But bearing the same last name, Sikhs further acknowledge relationships as being one family under God.
Before we even hear the name of Singh, we can recognize Sikh men when we see them. This is because they wear certain symbols called the “5K”. One of these symbols is the turban mentioned earlier. The other symbols include their hair which is never cut, a special comb, metal bracelet, sword or dagger, and a special under garment. These symbols serve as reminders of their faith.
In the Sikh religion, there are five evils that can separate people from one another and from God: ego, anger, greed, attachment and lust. Counter to these evils, one can draw closer to God through three main avenues that provide a balance to life – worship, work and charity.
Sikhs go to their temple called a gurdwara to pray and hear sacred Scripture readings. Their holy writings are called the Guru Granth Sahib. These contain teachings of the gurus/leaders.
Charity is a major tenet of Sikh belief. I have seen personally the great generosity of Sikhs. They as individuals and sometimes through the gurdwara give to the work of our hospital staff in outreach medical programs for the poor. Sikhs provide free medicines and donations for villagers who would otherwise go without basic healthcare.
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About the Book
The inevitable, absorbing, yet invigorating world of the chaplaincy awaits. This objective journey into The Sign of the Fish begins in 1770, on a Massachusetts bridge.
By comparing real cases in therapeutic settings or witnessing great personal changes the chaplain deals with, much is learned. Today’s chaplain covers cases from hospital to campuses, from military bases to prisons, from retirement homes to sports arenas, to shipboard, hospice and abroad; volunteer or professional, all are trained.
A chaplain’s obedience is to the God each serves. Read why the chaplain asks, “And how did that make you feel?”—the answer that allows withheld tears and feelings to flow.
A newspaper reporter’s style keeps the book informative but simple, honest but confidential, allowing participation in the conflict and debate that introduces the field of bio-ethics.
The book, in its later segment, introduces ancient religions.
The spiritual attitudes of the eight chaplains and two professional writers, a professor and a nurse, give the book the special ambiance they gained from their religious experiences. A one-time student of Professor Elie Wiesel at Boston University, the author’s humanizing of spiritual care was well learned. She chose her contributors well.
Carefully explained is why each of the chaplain’s venues required additional training in the ancient religions in this ecumenical world.
Of special interest are the images on loan from Irlen Institute that explain the frequently undiagnosed perception difficulties of our non-readers in elementary schools and into our colleges and businesses. One New England hospital with an entire floor empty brought in reading specialists to work with the community’s non-readers of all ages. Many industrial firms now test for scotopic sensitivity before hiring.
About the Author
A journalist, Emmalou Kirchmeier went into the ministry after raising her seven children.
Ordained, she visited a military hospital; the chaplaincy kept calling her. She took 1,200 hours of CPE and qualified for director of pastoral care at Elizabeth Church Manor in New York after 9/11.