In Chaplaincy, I am called upon by people who are in one form of need or another. In my specializations, no one calls me to tell me everything is just fine, never been better, and they need me immediately to bail them out of such good fortune.

It is natural when they are feeling down about something to look to devotional literature, and doctrine to boost their spirits. I do that. It is appropriate. It is also one part of a team approach.

In Hebrew, since pre-Biblical times, there are distinctions made among types of illnesses.

One is Choleh Goof (physical malady). I always insist that people see their primary care physician if they have not already done so to rule out any organic basis to an illness. If a sickness of the body is involved, they need the help of medical doctors for that. 

A second is Choley Regeshowt (emotional illness). For this there is therapy, and pharmacological intervention. For these things they need the help of a therapist and a medical doctor. Until they are on an even keel emotionally, it will be hard for them to communicate to me on what I do.

That brings us to Choleh Ruach (sickness of the spirit). Once we have either ruled out the physical illnesses (mind and body) or get treatment for them we can go on to address the metaphysical maladies.

Short cuts which side step the role of doctors, therapists and other medically trained staff are not in the best interests of someone seeking the Pastoral care of a Chaplain. This is in regards to coping will illness, including terminal illness. I speak about both the sick person, and their care givers.

There is certainly a place for faith in religion. That place is not as a substitute for common sense, or medical diagnosis and treatment. Religion is not magic. Religion deals with the largest of life's issues. Magic is a form of entertainment. They are not the same thing.  

Peace, Blessings and Abundant Good Health to One and All.