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Ethical and Spiritual Decision-Making in Health Care

P‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‍Ost #3 The concept of "imago Dei" in Christianity refers to the belief that humans are created in the image of God. This idea is rooted in the Book of Genesis in the Bible, specifically Genesis 1:26-27, which states that God created humanity in His own image and likeness (Nepil, 2020, para. 7). This theological concept highlights the inherent dignity, worth, and value of every individual, regardless of their physical or mental condition. In the context of healthcare, the concept of imago Dei holds significant importance. It serves as a foundational principle for the ethical treatment of patients, emphasizing respect for their intrinsic worth and the duty to provide compassionate care (Orr, 2015, para 11). This perspective can influence healthcare practitioners to uphold human dignity, promote holistic care, and make patient-centered decisions. The relevance of the imago Dei in healthcare is reflected in various aspects‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‍ such as informed consent and end-of-life care, to name a few. By recognizing the divine image in each patient, healthcare providers are encouraged to approach medical decisions with empathy and consideration for the patient's values and preferences, keeping the patient’s best interest in mind. References: Nepil J. (2020). Relational Dependence in a Culture of Self-Creation: A Theological Query into the Health of the Medical World. The Linacre quarterly, 87(4), 438–443. 

https://doi.org/10.1177/0024363920949785 Orr, R. D. (2015, May 1). Incorporating spirituality into patient care. Journal of Ethics | American Medical Association. 

https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/incorporating-spirituality-patient-care/2015-05 

post#4https://halo.gcu.edu/courses/PHI-413V-O502-20230821/forums/discussion/68100a10-2da6-4337-a60e-45e1ee3ec740#:~:text=The%20Christian%20concept%20of%20%22imago,1000000000591/epub/Chapter2.html%23pa‌‍‍‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‍‍‌‌‌‌‍ge_83

 

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The idea of "imago Dei," rooted in Christian theology, is crucial in directing moral and spiritual judgments in healthcare. The concept of "imago Dei" in Christianity, rooted in the belief that humans are created in the image of God, serves as a foundational principle guiding ethical and spiritual decision-making in the field of health care, and this is evident in its influence on end-of-life care, informed consent, promotion of equitable healthcare practices, and the holistic patient-centered approaches.

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