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?
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

Solution

The concept of Imago Dei, Latin for “Image of God, is a cornerstone of Christian theology, deeply rooted in the biblical narrative of creation. It signifies that humans are uniquely created in the likeness of God, endowing them with inherent dignity, moral responsibility, and a spiritual nature” (Imago Dei Meaning). Therefore Christian concept of imago Dei, or the belief that every person is created in the image of God. (Genesis 1:26–27) which states

“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.’
So God created mankind in his own image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.” (Bible gateway passage: Genesis 1:26-27 – new international version).This foundational belief plays a vital role in shaping a holistic approach to patient care. The theological perspective of Imago Dei affirms the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual, regardless of their circumstances or health conditions. When applied to healthcare, it challenges providers to see beyond physical symptoms and to also recognize the emotional, spiritual, relational, and social dimensions of a patient’s well-being.

Viewing the patient through the lens of Imago Dei means understanding them not as isolated individuals, but as interconnected beings within a broader context—their families and communities. It promotes empathy, respect, and compassion in caregiving, encouraging providers to consider each patient’s cultural background, family dynamics, and support systems, all of which influence health outcomes.

Reference

Bible gateway passage: Genesis 1:26-27 – new international version. Bible Gateway. (n.d.-d). https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=genesis+1%3A26-27&version=NIV

Imago dei meaning. imago dei meaning Dei meaning. (n.d.). https://www.deimeaning.com/imago-dei-meaning

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