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 doctrine of the imago Dei, or the image of God, was first introduced in the book of Genesis 1:26, which states, “In the image of God he created him” (American Standard Version Bible, 2004, Gen. 1:26). This lays the foundation for Christians in healthcare to treat our patients with dignity and respect, resulting in better outcomes (Sip et al., 2023). Human dignity has long been studied and refers to a foundational concept in which a person’s value is not based on their social standing, physical health or beauty, or the moral decisions they have made in life, but instead their right as a human being made by God.

Being a Christian is not required to provide dignity in healthcare. Non-Christian healthcare providers also follow ethical practices, such as autonomy, justice, and beneficence (Sip et al., 2023). However, understanding the doctrine of imago Dei can add another dimension to these practices. A holistic approach is taken, considering their relationships with family and friends and spiritual beliefs as well as physical and emotional conditions. Viewing each individual as unique, respecting their personal identity, and recognizing they are wonderfully made leads to more compassionate care (White & De La Tarre, 2022). Illness and injury can affect a person’s self-image, but understanding that their personal identity has not changed and addressing the impact of such by providing respect, privacy, and support preserves the intrinsic worth of the individual. Practical interventions the nurse can initiate include including the patient in decision-making regarding their care and communication with honest, open narratives in which the patient feels heard and valued. The patient should feel the healthcare worker is interested in their life stories, emotions, identity, and self-worth.
References:

American Standard Version Bible. (2004). https://biblehub.com/asv/genesis/1:26

Šip, M., Kuzyšin, B., Sabolik, M., & Valčo, M. (2023). Human Dignity in Inpatient Care: Fragments of Religious and Social Grounds. Religions, 14(6), 757. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel14060757

White, N., & De La Tarre, V. (2022). Practicing dignity: An introduction to Christian values and decision-making in health care. (3rd ed.) https://bibliu.com/app/?bibliuMagicToken=Er5DFYhJFR9gOuGB6wgubSxN9jjgFDIe#/view/books/1000000000591/epub/Chapter2.html

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