PHI-413V – Topic 2 DQ 1 – How can the Christian concept of the imago Dei inform a holistic perspective of the patient within their family and community?
PHI-413V – Topic 2 DQ 1 – How can the Christian concept of the imago Dei inform a holistic perspective of the patient within their family and community?
Topic 2 DQ 1
How can the Christian concept of the imago Dei inform a holistic perspective of the patient within their family and community?
sample
The concept of Imago Dei is significant as it bears relevance to many aspects within humanity. In the context of healthcare, Imago Dei is crucial to healthcare providers, caregivers, and all disciplines of the occupation. Healthcare providers should practice with the understanding that it means care should transcend religions and personal beliefs/opinions. I believe human life is a gift. It therefore means that each life is significant and meaningful. deserving of respect, empathy, kindness and dignity. A person’s worth and dignity is not determined by their health status, bodily functions or medical prognosis. Healthcare workers should always uphold this truth and honor a person’s right to this understanding (Cherry, 2019). This should be a standard of all care, regardless of if the person’s medical decisions are not in opposition to the healthcare worker’s personal opinion or choice.
Reference
Cherry, M. J. (2019). Created in the image of God: Bioethical implications of the Imago Dei. Christian Bioethics: Non-Ecumenical Studies in Medical Morality, 23(3), 219-233. https://doi.org/10.1093/cb/cbx009 PHI-413V – Topic 2 DQ 1 – How can the Christian concept of the imago Dei inform a holistic perspective of the patient within their family and community?
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PHI-413V – Topic 2 DQ 1 sample 2
Imago Dei translates to the term “image of God”, leaning into the idea that humans are created in the likeness of God. With this concept of being created in His likeness it is deemed that “human dignity should be recognized and valued in all human beings” (Bogue & Hogan, 2022). With this as an understanding, the patient and the family/community will treat one another in such a way that dignity and respect is of high importance. This could include ensuring that the patient receives proper care according to their wishes or making sure that they feel thought about and cared for. When patients are facing end of life or getting older, there are some bodily functions that people begin losing control over, this is a point where a person may feel shameful of their situation and it is up to the help around, including family, to surround this person with “kindness and tact” (Watt, H 2020). Within out community, there are people more inclined to assisting those who fall ill and help to care for these people by treating them holistically which includes both the physical and spiritual aspect of the patient and as stated in the Golden Rule: “The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:31).
References:
Bogue, D. W., & Hogan, M. (2022). Foundational Issues in Christian Spirituality and Ethics. In Practicing Dignity: An Introduction to Christian Values and Decision-Making in Health Care (2nd ed., pp. 83–124). Grand Canyon University. https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/1000000000591/epub/Chapter2.html#page_124
PHI-413V – Topic 2 DQ 1 sample 3
The Christian concept of imago Dei (“Image of God”) emphasizes that every person is made in God’s image, highlighting their inherent dignity and worth (White, 2022). This belief influences how we view patients in their families and communities, shifting away from seeing them only as individuals (White, 2022). Instead, it encourages an understanding of patients as essential parts of a broader social system (Cherry, 2017). Nurses should not just focus on the physical aspect of healing, but should also consider the emotional and spiritual needs of the patient (White, 2022). This approach urges healthcare professionals to actively involve patients in their families and communities and respect their ability to make decisions for themselves. By implementing Imago Dei in healthcare, we can acknowledge the inherent value and dignity of every individual irrespective of their health condition and this approach creates an environment in which the patients and families can have input into the patient’s care (White, 2022). Seeing each person as a reflection of the divine creates a perspective that goes beyond viewing patients as mere recipients of care but also acknowledges them as complete individuals with roles in their families and communities. Imago Dei encourages compassion and dignity and promotes a more holistic view of patients in healthcare practices. This concept illustrates the spiritual dimension of human existence, emphasizing a deep connection with God and the importance of balancing medical care with faith (Cherry, 2017).
References:
Cherry, M. J. (2017). Created in the image of god: Bioethical implications of the imago dei. Christian Bioethics: Non-Ecumenical Studies in Medical Morality, 23(3), 219–233. https://doi.org/10.1093/cb/cbx009
White, N. (2022). God, Humanity, and Human Dignity. In Practicing Dignity: An Introduction to Christian Values and Decision-Making in Health Care (2nd ed., pp. 83–124). Grand Canyon University. https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/1000000000591/epub/Chapter2.html#page_83. PHI-413V – Topic 2 DQ 1 – How can the Christian concept of the imago Dei inform a holistic perspective of the patient within their family and community?
