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Professor’s Comment:

 

The referencing and citing of scholarly work is mandatory to support the idea that is being presented in the participation discussion.  ALL peer responses require an in text citation, a reference, and 6 or more sentences. References should be between 2018 to 2022.

Post 1:

The Christian concepts of the imago Dei are through the lens of the book of (Genesis 1:27) imago Dei Champion the core value that every individual is made in the image of God. and every human being has intrinsic value and worth, regardless of race, ethnicity, and background, demographic, religion, socioeconomic status, social health determinants. Imago Dei confirms the infinite worth and value of every individual since we are made in the likeness of God and create the foundation for how we value and treat others. We are crafted and shaped to love others and be a vessel of His goodness. As a pinnacle of God’s creation, human beings are intended to reflect the very “imago Dei” which means being in a relationship with each other’s as stewards and cultivators of the earth, because God has given us dominion over the planet, representing our own “culture-making “and caretaking. Our moral obligation is to love through the word of God and see God’s love for us as an individual that is not indispensable.

We should embrace occupational work initiated by God for human benefit and blessing; thus, we must receive it with gratitude, leading to heartfelt worship. As such, nurses care and serve and model the image of God in our relationship with patients and colleagues by providing care for individuals/patients with respect, dignity, compassion, and empathy in both moral/nursing ethics and trying to see the reflection of the image of God in every individual that has crossed our path.

The imago Dei guides our decision-making when confronted with contemporary healthcare ethical issues. Because of each patient’s infinite value and worth, the nurse must remain an advocate and voice for the patients. This reality guides the nurse when dealing with legislation and mandates that are harmful to the patients because of the complexity and the issues of the polarization of the culture around us (Christian and Medical and Dental associations).

 

Reference

Christian and Medical and Dental Association. (2020, January 4). Imago Dei (Made in the image of God). https://www.cmdarichrond,or/ethics-conference-january-2020/

Post 2:

What is the Christian concept of the imago Dei

Imago Dei meaning ‘image of God’ is a concept found in one of the stories in the bible. In Genesis 1:27 “God created man in his own image”, this does not mean God is in human form but that we are created in his image in our moral, spiritual, and intellectual being. According to White (2020), the Christian concept of imago Dei explains “that all human beings, regardless of age, race gender, religion, or any other qualifier, were created in God’s image and therefore possess inherent worth” (para. 3). This means God created humans to his image which sets them apart from any other creation because they have special qualities. Special qualities that set us apart from other creatures would be rational structure, complete centeredness, creative freedom, a possibility for self-actualization, and the ability for self-transcendence.

How might it be important to health care, and why is it relevant?

According to the American Nurses Association (n.d.), “respect for the inherent dignity, worth, unique attributes, and human rights of all individuals is a fundamental principle” (para. 2). As Christians, we are aware that we were created in the image of God and know that we are instruments, intended to carry on his purpose and plans. In John 15: 12-13, God tells us “Love others as I have loved you”. As nurses we all care about people and most of us like this profession because our main purpose is to help others. Morally we are obligated to treat all patients the same regardless of economic status, race, or wealth. “Nurses establish relationships of trust and provide nursing services according to need, setting aside any bias or prejudice” (ANA, n.d., para.2). Nurses serve as educators, researchers, care providers, advocates, and policy makers, positioning us in situations where we can improve health and well-being of people (Secor, 2020).

Reference

American Nurses Association. (n.d.). The Nurses Role in Ethics and Human Rights: Protecting and Promoting Individual Worth, Dignity, and Human Rights in Practice Settings. https://www.nursingworld.org/practice-policy/nursing-excellence/official-position-statements/id/the-nurses-role-in-ethics-and-human-rights/

Secor, C. (2020). Imago Dei—In the Image of God. Journal of Christian Nursing. (37)4. p 201 https://journals.lww.com/journalofchristiannursing/Fulltext/2020/10000/Imago_Dei_In_the_Image_of_God.1.aspx

White, N. H. (2020). Practicing dignity: An introduction to christian values and decision making in health care. GCU. https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/chapter/2

 

 

Post 3:

The Christian concept of Imago Dei is the biblical Christian belief that man was created in the image of God. Imago Dei is a Latin translation for the ‘ image of God ‘. The Imago Dei reveals to us two things , first is God’s own self-actualization through humankind and secondly, God’s care to humankind . It is a concept found on the biblical story of creation , the image of God is not a physical features or appearance but from his character, form and uniqueness. In this concept God is three in nature which means God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Many is also in three being , made of soul, spirit and body. The character of God from creation story shows that God is love,kindness,powerful,holy compassion and righteous. God created man to imitate these characters and to treat each other with love and kindness. Just like God watches heaven , he wants man to also take charge of the earth . ( White 2020 ). The Christian Imago Dei concept understands that all human beings regardless of age, race, gender and religion are all created in the image of God and therefore, possessing this honor, when God created us, he instilled us with all of the attributes that he felt would guide us through life including ability to love, forgive , reason, possess wisdom and knowledge and enjoy a personal relationship with God (Horton, 2021)” . Humankind are special creatures that God created and was given authority to name and take care of all God’s creation in the garden of Eden. Every person we come across deserves to be valued and to be treated with dignity, no matter where they come from .

The Christian concept of imago Dei as explained by our text is important and bares relevance to many aspects within humanity. In the context of health care, Healthcare caregivers and providers should practice with this core understanding always in mind which passes across religions and personal beliefs and opinions. Human life is a gift, each life is significant and meaningful, deserving respect , kindness and empathy. A person worth and dignity is not determined by their health status, body functions or medical diagnosis. Healthcare workers should always uphold this truth and honor a person’s right to this understanding.

This concept is relevant to Healthcare as nurses because we are tasked with caring for every single person equally. We should take care of human body as well as their mind and their soul since they are more than just a physical being . This also promote human -to-human connection and dignity ( Mark 2027). It teaches us to also treat the sick and dying patients with dignity and respect leading to positive outcomes. Finally , it makes us view human life as the most valuable thing in the world . All Healthcare workers should adopt this ideaology , knowing that each life is significant, meaningful, deserving of respect,love and kindness. This should be a standard of all care , regardless of if the person’s medical decisions are not in opposition to Healthcare worker’s personal opinion or choice .

References

Mark John. , C. (2017) Created in the Image of God : Bioethics implications of the Imago Dei, Christian bioethics :Non-Ecumenical studies in Medical Morality , volume 23, Issue 3. December 2017, pages 219-233m,https ://doing. Org/10.1093/cb/x009 white, N. (2020).

White , N. H (2020). Practicing Dignity . An Introduction to Christian Values and Decision Making in health care . Retrieved from Grand Canyon University .

Demacopoulos, G.& Papa Nikolaus, A. (2016). Christianity, Democracy, and the Shadow of Constantine. New York, NY: Fordham University Press.

 

 

 

Post 4:

The foundation of Christian belief is that Human beings were created with a likeliness in the image of God, given a physical body containing the spirit of God. As the imago Dei implies that through God, we are his greatest achievement and creation. We as Christians contain a soul as a gift from God in that we are given the ability to possess a close and unique relationship with him. We are given free and moral agency to portray ourselves in a Godly manner to flourish in his creation in this world, knowing who we are, full of God’s grace, being of service, socially to others while projecting respect and dignity and doing what is morally and ethically right and good. It is highly important to implement in healthcare, as all Christians are inherently equal in status through faith, being unified as one in Christ and continue to foster unity in healthcare and to all (White, 2020).

From the beginning it has been honored as the ultimate Word of God, because God is the Word. It is through the theological concept of imago Dei, that creation of man derives from God’s image (Klingbeil, 2014). As nurses, it is the fruits of our labors that help to influence our patients as well as fulfill in the service and ministry of our Lord to all of our brethren who stand in need the most. It is our calling as Christians as we give in service and minister to those less fortunate, disabled or in need in any capacity to validate their innate worth. Including not taking anyone for granted and value human life, personal goals or agendas presented (White, 2020).

 

 

References

Klingbeil, G. A. (2014). ‘he spoke and it was’: Human language, divine creation, and the imago dei. Horizons in Biblical Theology36(1), 42–59. https://doi.org/10.1163/18712207-12341269

White, N. H. (2020). Practicing dignity: An introduction to christian values and decision making in health care. GCU. https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/chapter/2