Foundational Issues In Christian Spirituality And Ethics: Objectives:
- Explain the nature of spirituality and ethics according to the Christian worldview.
- Explain the limitations of science as it relates to ethics.
- Explain the current philosophical challenges to a Christian understanding of ethics in health care.
Assessment Description
What would spirituality be according to your own worldview? How do you believe that your conception of spirituality would influence the way in which you care for patients?
Foundational Issues In Christian Spirituality And Ethics
What would spirituality be according to your own worldview? How do you believe that your conception of spirituality would influence the way in which you care for patients?
My worldview is that spirituality is the connection between a person and a higher power. From my Christian point of view, the higher power is God. I believe that spirituality is not just a connection but a system that defines our conduct and values. Moreover, spirituality is the ultimate system that we draw upon for answers regarding existential issues and life stressors that cannot be sufficiently explained by science (Nicolaides, 2020). Thus, spirituality is the power we draw up when experiencing extreme emotional, physical, and mental challenges. Spirituality also influences a person’s worldview, and how they relate with others.
My conception of spirituality influences my conduct as a nurse because my values, ideas, and approaches to interacting with others are based on my spiritual foundations and Christian teachings, which are the source of my spirituality. For example, when working with clients, I will demonstrate compassion, empathy, respect, and ethical practice, which as essential virtues of my spiritual foundations (Nicolaides, 2020). Additionally, I believe in promoting human dignity and the sanctity of life. As such, my actions when caring for patients acknowledge the value of human life.
Additionally, I believe that every person has their spiritual beliefs, which influence their perspective of health and wellbeing. Patients rely on spirituality to cope with pain, terminal ill conditions, and end-of-life care (O’Brien et al., 2018). As such, incorporating the spirituality of a patient into the care plan is essential for positive health outcomes. Moreover, spirituality is part of the elements that promote holistic well-being in patients (Harrad et al., 2019). in my understanding, spirituality has become a vital component in today’s healthcare, embraced as part of providing patient-centered and culturally congruent care.
References
Harrad, R., Cosentino, C., Keasley, R., & Sulla, F. (2019). Spiritual care in nursing: an overview of the measures used to assess spiritual care provision and related factors amongst nurses. Acta bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis, 90(4-S), 44–55. https://doi.org/10.23750/abm.v90i4-S.8300.
Nicolaides, A. (2020). Contemplating Christian ethics and spirituality for sound leadership in organisations. Pharos Journal of Theology, 101, 1-16. https://www.pharosjot.com/uploads/7/1/6/3/7163688/article_37_vol_101__2020___unisa.pdf.
O’Brien, M. R., Kinloch, K., Groves, K. E., & Jack, B. A. (2018). Meeting patients’ spiritual needs during end‐of‐life care: A qualitative study of nurses and healthcare professionals’ perceptions of spiritual care training. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 28(1-2), 182-189. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.14648.
TOPIC 1 Discussion Question 2
Assessment Description
What aspects of the topic readings do you find the most interesting? What is your view of the analysis of disease and healing in the readings? Explain.
Topic 1 DQ 2 Sample Discussion
As demonstrated, religion and spirituality as well as the nature of human beings are critical components in healthcare. The topic readings show interesting aspects of these issues by dissecting in-depth information to enhance overall understanding for providers and patients. In his study, Zaidi (2018) notes that religion and spirituality in healthcare and medicine assists providers to empathize with their patients, and advance faith-based interventions and initiatives, policies and legislations. The interesting things about the topic readings include their perception of different components that impact spirituality.
Firstly, the topic on scientism draws critical analysis and perspectives on the physical nature of the world, especially on the issue of reality (Moreland, 2018) The articles on scientism advance the perspective that scientism affects the ability for individuals to consider a more nuanced approach to religion and spirituality as well as concepts like ultimate reality and the nature of human beings. Further, the reading is interesting as it emphasizes that the only source of knowledge is scientism and any other ideas are mere expression of emotions as well as private opinions. These approaches are important but miss the consideration of the wider perspective that should inform best practices in care management of patients.
The readings on scientism present a critical analysis of the existing of God and the creation and how individuals make what is wrong and right in their daily activities. These readings are interesting because they offer a nuanced approach since people have different perspectives and channeling them to accept certain theoretical approaches may be challenging in the long-term (AAAS, 2022). The implication is that the readings are effective in showing the different aspects of spirituality and how they impact care delivery in healthcare settings among patients and providers.
References
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) (2022). What is Scientism?
Moreland, J. P. (2018 September 19). 10 Things You Should Know about Scientism.
https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-things-you-should-know-about-scientism/
Zaidi, D. (eds) (2018). Religion and Spirituality in Health Care Practice. American Journal of
Ethics, 20(7):607-674.