The Sonic Dimension of Spiritual Integration and Healing
Scott C. Alexander, PhD, Catholic Theological Union
Shakeela Z. Hassan, MD, University of Chicago
Steven R. Janco, DMin, St. Joseph's College
Rabbi Michael Zedek, DHL, Emanuel Congregation
For some time now, one of the axioms of more holistic approaches to medicine is that the practices of health care can only successfully pursue their goal of achieving physical homeostasis in the patient by recognizing that human persons are spiritual beings. The recognition that human persons are “spiritual beings” does not constitute a forfeiture of the autonomy of reason in medical science, but rather underscores the rationally validated understanding that the physical systems, cognitive systems, and affects of each individual are delicately integrated in a way which constitutes her or his unique personhood.
A critical aspect of exploring the implications of human spirituality for medicine is the realization that physical homeostasis, as a key dimension of human spiritual integration, cannot be effected in isolation, but rather unfolds precisely in the context of inter-subjective mutuality—connecting the individual person in meaningful and purposeful relationships with other human beings, as well as with the rest of creation.
Often overlooked is the role that each of the five senses play in this process of human spiritual integration, and thus the achievement of homeostasis so central to the healing process. This is especially the case with respect to the role of sacred sounds in connecting people of faith to the transcendent, to their innermost selves, and to one another.
The panel session will proceed as follows:
• It will begin with 15 minutes of experiential learning designed to introduce session attendees to the sonic dimension of the process of spiritual integration. Beginning with the sounds of the intrauterine environment and segueing to the theological implications of the sounds of human respiration, this segment of the panel will provide an important experiential frame of reference for what will follow.
• The session will continue with three 10-minute presentations by the three principal panelists who will discuss various aspects of the intersection of sacred sounds and the spiritual integration of both the patient and the care-giver from the perspective of each of their faith traditions.
• The session will conclude with 15 minutes for Q&A and discussion involving all the participants.
The three principal panelists will be:
1. The Jewish presenter will be Rabbi Michael Zedek of the Emanuel Congregation in Chicago, IL. Rabbi Zedek is a seasoned clergyman with extensive pastoral experience and a deep and nuanced understanding of rabbinic tradition. He will discuss the role of sound in holistic human life and healing from a Jewish perspective.
2. The Christian presenter will be Steven R. Janco, DMin. Dr. Janco is Associate Professor and Director of the Rensselaer Program of Church Music and Liturgy at Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana. A well-known composer of liturgical music, Steve also serves as Director of Liturgy and Music at St. Eulalia Catholic Church in Maywood, Illinois. He will discuss the healing potential of music as ritual symbol.
3. The Muslim presenter will be Dr. Shakeela Hassan. Dr. Hassan is Prof. Emeritus of Anesthesiology at the University of Chicago and founding director of the Harran Productions Foundation which has pioneered a paradigm for experiential interreligious learning focusing on the sonic dimension of the religious experience (i.e., Sounds of Faith). She will discuss the traditional role of sacred sound in al-tibb al-nabawi (i.e., “prophetic medicine”) and thus healing in Islamic tradition.
The session moderator will be Scott Alexander, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Islamic Studies and Director of Catholic-Muslim Studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and member of the Advisory Board of the Martin Marty Center for the Advanced Study of Religion at the University of Chicago.
Shakeela Z. Hassan, MD, University of Chicago
Steven R. Janco, DMin, St. Joseph's College
Rabbi Michael Zedek, DHL, Emanuel Congregation
For some time now, one of the axioms of more holistic approaches to medicine is that the practices of health care can only successfully pursue their goal of achieving physical homeostasis in the patient by recognizing that human persons are spiritual beings. The recognition that human persons are “spiritual beings” does not constitute a forfeiture of the autonomy of reason in medical science, but rather underscores the rationally validated understanding that the physical systems, cognitive systems, and affects of each individual are delicately integrated in a way which constitutes her or his unique personhood.
A critical aspect of exploring the implications of human spirituality for medicine is the realization that physical homeostasis, as a key dimension of human spiritual integration, cannot be effected in isolation, but rather unfolds precisely in the context of inter-subjective mutuality—connecting the individual person in meaningful and purposeful relationships with other human beings, as well as with the rest of creation.
Often overlooked is the role that each of the five senses play in this process of human spiritual integration, and thus the achievement of homeostasis so central to the healing process. This is especially the case with respect to the role of sacred sounds in connecting people of faith to the transcendent, to their innermost selves, and to one another.
The panel session will proceed as follows:
• It will begin with 15 minutes of experiential learning designed to introduce session attendees to the sonic dimension of the process of spiritual integration. Beginning with the sounds of the intrauterine environment and segueing to the theological implications of the sounds of human respiration, this segment of the panel will provide an important experiential frame of reference for what will follow.
• The session will continue with three 10-minute presentations by the three principal panelists who will discuss various aspects of the intersection of sacred sounds and the spiritual integration of both the patient and the care-giver from the perspective of each of their faith traditions.
• The session will conclude with 15 minutes for Q&A and discussion involving all the participants.
The three principal panelists will be:
1. The Jewish presenter will be Rabbi Michael Zedek of the Emanuel Congregation in Chicago, IL. Rabbi Zedek is a seasoned clergyman with extensive pastoral experience and a deep and nuanced understanding of rabbinic tradition. He will discuss the role of sound in holistic human life and healing from a Jewish perspective.
2. The Christian presenter will be Steven R. Janco, DMin. Dr. Janco is Associate Professor and Director of the Rensselaer Program of Church Music and Liturgy at Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana. A well-known composer of liturgical music, Steve also serves as Director of Liturgy and Music at St. Eulalia Catholic Church in Maywood, Illinois. He will discuss the healing potential of music as ritual symbol.
3. The Muslim presenter will be Dr. Shakeela Hassan. Dr. Hassan is Prof. Emeritus of Anesthesiology at the University of Chicago and founding director of the Harran Productions Foundation which has pioneered a paradigm for experiential interreligious learning focusing on the sonic dimension of the religious experience (i.e., Sounds of Faith). She will discuss the traditional role of sacred sound in al-tibb al-nabawi (i.e., “prophetic medicine”) and thus healing in Islamic tradition.
The session moderator will be Scott Alexander, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Islamic Studies and Director of Catholic-Muslim Studies at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and member of the Advisory Board of the Martin Marty Center for the Advanced Study of Religion at the University of Chicago.