PHI-413V Topic 2: God, Humanity, And Human Dignity
How can the Christian concept of the imago Dei inform a holistic perspective of the patient within their family and community?
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to “Discussion Question Rubric” and “Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
American Association of Colleges of Nursing Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education
This assignment aligns with AACN Core Competencies: 2.3
The idea of the imago Dei, or the Christian conviction that every person was made in the image of God, has the power to significantly influence how a patient is seen holistically within their family and community. This idea, which forms the basis for appreciating the sanctity of human life, highlights every individual’s intrinsic value and dignity. When a patient is seen via the imago Dei, their distinct identity and value are recognized, impacting how healthcare professionals relate to and treat them. Healthcare providers must treat patients with dignity, respect, and compassion because they bear the imprint of God in them. This helps patients and their families feel important and valuable (Rabie-Boshoff, & Buitendag, 2021).
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Since the imago Dei emphasizes how interconnected everyone is, this viewpoint also encompasses the patient’s family and community. A relational approach to healthcare is necessary because every person is made in the image of God, and it acknowledges the significance of the patient’s social context and support networks (Szczerba, 2020). This holistic approach recognizes the influence of family dynamics and community support on health outcomes and urges healthcare providers to consider their patients’ physical and, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. Healthcare providers can foster a more compassionate and all-encompassing approach to treatment that considers the patient’s full being within the larger context of their relationships and community by appreciating and honoring the imago Dei in each patient PHI-413V Topic 2: God, Humanity, And Human Dignity.
References
Rabie-Boshoff, A. C., & Buitendag, J. (2021). Imago Dei: We are but dust and shadow. HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies, 77(3).
Szczerba, W. (2020, March). The Concept of Imago Dei as a Symbol of Religious Inclusion and Human Dignity. In Forum Philosophicum (Vol. 25, No. 1).
PHI-413V Topic 2: God, Humanity, And Human Dignity sample 2
The Christian concept of imago Dei, or the image of God, posits that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God, which imbues each individual with inherent dignity, value, and worth, regardless of their physical, mental, or social status (Szczerba, 2020). This principle can profoundly inform a holistic perspective of patient care within their family and community by emphasizing that every patient should be treated with the utmost respect, compassion, and empathy. When healthcare providers view patients through the lens of imago Dei, they recognize the intrinsic value of each person, beyond their illness or condition. This perspective encourages a care approach that respects the patient’s dignity, promotes their well-being, and acknowledges their unique needs and experiences. It shifts the focus from treating the disease to caring for the whole person, considering their physical, psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions.
Incorporating the imago Dei into patient care encourages the development of a supportive and inclusive environment for the patient within their family and community. It fosters a sense of belonging and connection, crucial for healing and recovery (Sipos, 2022). Families are encouraged to participate actively in the care process, recognizing that they, too, are valued individuals who play a vital role in the patient’s life. This approach strengthens relationships, promotes mutual respect, and enhances communication between the patient, family, and healthcare providers. Communities can also be mobilized to support patients and families, creating networks of care that reflect the love, compassion, and solidarity rooted in the recognition of every individual’s worth as bearing the image of God. This holistic approach not only benefits the physical health of the patient but also addresses their emotional, spiritual, and social needs, contributing to a more comprehensive and meaningful healing process.
Reference
Szczerba, W. (2020, March). The Concept of Imago Dei as a Symbol of Religious Inclusion and Human Dignity. In Forum Philosophicum (Vol. 25, No. 1). https://www.academia.edu/download/65914957/Imago_Dei_dignity.pdf
Sipos, T. D. (2022). Integrating Spiritual Healthcare into Nursing Praxis: An Educational Intervention (Doctoral dissertation, Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology). https://search.proquest.com/openview/4a2d2883e29a15e5a5b5e53464fba6d1/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y
How does your worldview of human value affect your beliefs about bioethical issues, such as abortion, designer babies, and stem cell research?
Initial discussion question posts should be a minimum of 200 words and include at least two references cited using APA format. Responses to peers or faculty should be 100-150 words and include one reference. Refer to the “Discussion Question Rubric” and “Participation Rubric,” located in Class Resources, to understand the expectations for initial discussion question posts and participation posts, respectively.
Growing up with Buddhist teachings might have made me value kindness and seeing connections between all things. Since I have grown to adopt a Christian outlook, I have seen things differently, especially when it comes to bioethical topics like abortion, designer babies, and stem cell research. In Christianity, people believe that every human life is special because they’re made in God’s image. This idea often leads Christians to think that life should be protected from the very beginning until the very end. For example, I think that many Christians don’t support abortion unless the mother’s life is in danger because they see it as ending a life that’s valuable (Silber Mohamed, H., 2018). When it comes to designer babies, Christians might worry about changing what makes us human and what God intended. They might also be concerned about fairness and treating everyone equally. I find with stem cell research that Christians might feel torn. While they want medical progress, they also worry about using stem cells from embryos, which they see as the start of a human life. They often push for research methods that don’t involve harming embryos (Frohwirth, L. et al., 2018). So, while Buddhism and Christianity both care about life, they bring different ideas to discussions about these big questions.
References:
Frohwirth, L., Coleman, M., & Moore, A. M. (2018). Managing Religion and Morality Within the Abortion Experience: Qualitative Interviews With Women Obtaining Abortions in the U.S. World medical & health policy, 10(4), 381–400. https://doi.org/10.1002/wmh3.289
Silber Mohamed, H. (2018). Embryonic Politics: Attitudes about Abortion, Stem Cell Research, and IVF. Politics and Religion. 2018;11(3):459-497. doi:10.1017/S175504831800010X
PHI-413V Topic 2: God, Humanity, And Human Dignity sample 2
Worldviews are defined as the intellectual or philosophical lens in which humans understand and interpret their existence and their life events (Bogue, 2022 p. 87). My worldview may be different from other people’s worldviews. This is one reason that makes us different and unique. My worldview reflects who I am as a person and my personal beliefs and values. I feel that they are important, but they are not above anyone else’s personal beliefs and values. Everyone has the right to their own beliefs and values, and no one should feel bad for having different opinions. I personally believe that abortion is wrong; But this will not make me judge someone who considers abortions. Working with an OB/Gyn, I have seen many different situations in which patients have considered abortions ranging from sexual abuse to genetic disorders. As for designer babies, I am not opposed to this. Many couples need assistance forming a family due to infertility problems. My best friend being one of them, she tried many times to conceive and was not able to. Eventually she considered Invitro and after several failed attempts now she has a beautiful family. That does not mean that she didn’t suffer in the process. Invitro is called genetic engineered babies because you can pick and choose (Ranpara, 2019). Stem cell research is being used to research many diseases such as Type 1 diabetes, Parkinson’s, Heart failure and many others. This research could be very beneficial to patients, but I consider it to be unethical. I believe that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and values and should be treated with respect and dignity regardless of having a difference in opinions. Treating patients with respect and dignity allows us to create good patient-nurse relationships that allow us to create good patient outcomes PHI-413V Topic 2: God, Humanity, And Human Dignity.
Bogue, D. W., Cota, M., De La Torre, V. J., Evans, K. A., Hoehner, P. J., Hogan, M., & White, N. H. (2022). Practicing Dignity: An Introduction to Christian Values and Decision-Making in Health Care (Third). Grand Canyon University. April 10, 2024, https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/B1B4SGSSID7LR/epub/TItlePage.html#page_2
Ranpara, M. (2019). Designer babies. Canadian Medical Education Journal. https://doi.org/10.36834/cmej.68361
