6 comments to my peers – Ethical and Spiritual Decision Making in health care
Comment 1:
The Christian concept of imago Dei is that all persons were created in the image of God and therefore command equal dignity, worth, and respect (Bogue et al., 2024). When God created humans, He created them to have a similar character to His and with the capability of having relationships with each other and with God (Bogue et al., 2024). The aspect of being created in His image, with the capability to have relationships and do good, is what separates us from the rest of creation (Bogue et al., 2024). God created humans not only to be able to have relationships with one another and himself, but in creating us in His image, He gave us the ability to have morals do good things throughout the world (Bogue et al., 2024). Put another way, Nepil (2020, para. 6) states that “this notion of imago Dei implies two things: a distinction and a relationship.” From a nursing perspective, the concept of imago Dei is important because it commands that all people, regardless of sinful nature, status, or political views, are to be treated with dignity and respect in our words and in our actions (Bogue et al., 2024). Being that we are relational beings, created in God’s image, we also have an innate responsibility to our family and community to help others and do good (Bogue et al., 2024). This understanding of humanity is at the core of what it means to be a nurse, serving and healing others with dignity and respect regardless of who they are and where they come from.
Comment 2:
Imago Dei is noted as a Latin word that means the “image of God.” The term refers most fundamentally to two things; first God’s own self-actualization through humankind; and second, God’s care for human kind. When God created man, he created man in his own image (Genesis 1:27). To say that humans are in the image of God is to recognize the special qualities of human nature which allows God to be made manifest in human. If we as individuals share the unique qualities of moral, spiritual, and intellectual essences of God the world would be in a better position. Imago Dei expresses a foundational relationship between God and man. The christian concept of imago Dei provides a profound framework for nurses to approach patient care with a holistic perspective, acknowledging the inherent worth of each individual and recognizing the interconnectedness of patients with their families and communities (Cherry, 2017). When I think of how this concept of the imago Dei can inform a holistic perspective of a patient within their family and community, I think of one word “Love.” If humans are to love God, then humans must love other humans. Mankind should love one another as they love themselves. As a youth growing up in a small town, I saw families showing love to each other and their neighbors. The community were so connected to each other that one can’t fall without the other. Children were looked after by the entire community, it felt as if no one was left behind. The elders had the love of God within them and showed loved to others.
Comment 3:
The Christian concept of imago deo, which recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of every individual as being created in the image of God, can deeply inform a holistic perspective of the patient within their family and community. Viewing patients through the lens of imago Dei means acknowledging their intrinsic value, not only in isolation but also within context of their relationships and community (Grand Canyon University, 2024). This perspective highlights the interconnectedness of individuals, families, and communities. “Navigating inpatient care can be complex and distressing for patients, particularly as they grapple with the emotional and physical changes brought about by their condition” (Maros et al., 2023). It is important to address the physical needs of the patients and their emotional, social, and spiritual needs too. By recognizing and honoring the imago Dei in each person, healthcare providers can cultivate a compassionate and inclusive approach that considers the broader support systems and environments that influence the health and healing journey (Maros et al., 2023). These support systems encompass various aspects of a patient’s life beyond medical care alone. They might include family, friends, caregivers, social services, and sometimes community and churches. Involving these support systems into healthcare is important for providing complete care that is not only addressing physical needs, but emotional and spiritual needs as well.
References
Bogue, D. W., Cota Jr., M., De La Torre, V., Evans, K. A., Hoehner, P., Hogan, M., & White, N. H. (2024). Practicing dignity an Introduction to Christian Values and decision-making in health care (3rd ed.). Grand Canyon University.
Maroš Šip, Bohuslav Kuzyšin, Miroslav Sabolik, & Michal Val?o. (2023). Human Dignity in Inpatient Care: Fragments of Religious and Social Grounds. Religions, 14(6), 757. https://doi-org.lopes.idm.oclc.org/10.3390/rel14060757
Comment 4:
The fact of the imago Dei means that, in the Christian vision of humanity, each human being has intrinsic worth and is to be valued because each one is human without consideration for level of functionality or benefit provided to others (Bogue et al., 2024). The Christian concept of the imago Dei, or the belief that humans are created in the image of God, can profoundly shape a holistic perspective of the patient within their family and community. Recognizing the divine imprint within each individual emphasizes their inherent worth, dignity, and interconnectedness with others. This perspective encourages caregivers to approach patients not merely as recipients of medical care but as whole persons with spiritual, emotional, and relational needs. Understanding patients as bearers of the imago Dei prompts a compassionate and respectful attitude that values their unique identity, fosters empathy, and cultivates a sense of responsibility toward their well-being. It extends beyond the individual to acknowledge the significance of their familial and communal relationships, emphasizing the importance of holistic care that considers the patient and their support networks. This approach aligns with Christian principles of love, compassion, and solidarity, guiding healthcare providers to engage with patients and their communities in ways that honor their sacred worth and promote healing and flourishing.
Comment 5:
Having been a nurse for almost 2 decades, I would have answered this question differently in the past. I have come to believe that the world is not as black and white as we might think it is. It is easy to judge another’s choice when we have never faced that situation. As a Christian, my worldview is rooted in the belief in the sanctity of life and inherent dignity of every individual as being created in the image of God (Grand Canyon University, 2024). This alone shapes my approach when it comes to bioethical issues by prioritizing the protection, dignity, and sanctity of human life in all stages of development. I do feel that abortion is robbing an innocent human of life, however, I do not feel it is my place to judge when it comes to this decision. I strongly feel life begins at conception and that the unborn should be protected and valued even though they have no voice (Stahl & Filner, 2017). I volunteered at a Crisis Pregnancy Center for several years. Having been a pregnant teenager myself, I wanted to give back to the community and support these young, scared women. I thought I would talk these girls out of abortions when I found myself being present and loving them. Shame and condemnation are not the way and is certainly not what Jesus would do. Many of the girls felt that they had to rush to decide and felt like an abortion was the best way to fix the problem. The emotional distress of facing an unplanned pregnancy is overwhelming and can cloud the judgement. I was content with my role of being present to show love and support. The concept of genetic manipulation to enhance or alter traits is concerning to me. Treating children as commodities rather than gifts from God could easily be used for evil instead of good.
Comment 6:
As a Christian with the belief that all humans are made in the image of God and all human life is valuable. My belief in bio-ethical issues is tough because I can see the benefits to other humans with stem cell research and IVF for example, but I also can see how this may not be what God intended for other humans to do (White& De La Torre, 2024). In Jeremiah 1:5 it says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born, I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Although God is talking to Jeremiah when He called him to be a prophet it can also mean that God knew each one of us before we are even conceived. So, I would say that ultimately, I do not agree with bioethics like stem cell research, making specific genetics for babies because each human is unique, and humans should not be able to choose gender or eye color. But I believe that is someone has a baby due to IVF or artificial insemination that they are human, and that God loves them like He loves everyone else in this world and has the same opportunity to accept Christ as their personal Savior. As far as abortion goes, I think that all human life should have the opportunity to be born and they should have the right to live.
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