2023 1 What is the Christian concept of the imago Dei How might it be important to health care and why

1. What is the Christian concept of the imago Dei? How might it be important to health care, and why is it relevant?

Student response:   Yemisi Abolarinde Re: Topic 2 DQ 1

Imago Dei is the Christian belief that humans were created in the image of God. (White, 2020) Humans depend on health care for preventative measures like vaccinations, medical treatments of diseases, and cures to live longer healthier lives. As nurse’s we choose to care for those sick and dying by offering comfort, educating patients about their illness or disease and providing support while they go through their treatments. In health care, patients are seen as another human being who deserves dignity and compassion as they too are created in the image of God and our worth is connected to God. How we treat and care for people indicates our value of God. Those called as nurses can praise God through their hands, bodies, minds, hearts, and spirit, and will make decisions that may decide life and death. (White, 2020)
When caring for a patient, it makes a difference what a physician believes. If they see a patient as having an eternal soul, then they will incorporate spirituality in their treatment, treating the body and the mind. If they see the patient as only a physical body, treatment will include treating only the body. Also, in being created in God’s image, it is important for us to do good, and help all of God’s creations. One way we can do that in the health care field is in taking care of our patients. When we are taking care of our patients and working on healing and overall wellness, we are caring for other humans who were likewise created in God’s image. In doing this, we are doing good and fulfilling our purpose in honoring God.

References:
White, N. H. (2020). Practicing Dignity: An Introduction to Christian Values and Decision Making in Health Care. https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/chapter/2.