Christian Concept of the Imago Dei

Paper instructions

What is the Christian concept of the imago Dei? How might it be important to health care, and why is it relevant?
– APA 7TH Edition Style.
– Relevant Bible quotations if possible.
– Thesis is comprehensive and contains essence of paper.
– Written in clear, standard, academic English.
– All format elements are correct.
– Sources are not more that 5 years if possible.
– Sources are completely and correctly documented as appropriate to assignment.

Answer

Christian Concept of the Imago Dei, and its Relevance to Health Care

What is the Christian concept of the imago Dei?

The concept of the Imago Dei teaches that man is made in God’s image (Churchouse, 2018). Being in the image of God does not literally mean humans look like God. Rather it means humans resemble God in His spiritual, moral and intellectual character. Since men are created in his own image, they have been shaped to lovely one another and to be a vessel for His goodness. The narrative account of creation in Genesis 1:27 tells that “God created man in the image of Himself, in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them.” Imago Dei creates an infinite value and worth of every person. This understanding confers honor and dignity on every human being, irrespective of whether one is male or female, child or adult, poor or rich, disabled or nondisabled (Shelly, & Miller, 2006). Dei serves an essential resource for those willing to deepen their understanding of theological foundations for Christian perspectives of human dignity.

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

The concept of Imago Dei has been the motivating factor caring for the poor, the need, the sick and the hopeless. Throughout history, there have been several examples of the connection between serving the Creator and health care. People like Mother Teresa shared the love and goodness of God by reaching bout and helping the needy.

This concept is relevant to health care because it establishes the worth of every person. Imago Dei calls humans to exist in a special relationship with God. It forms the foundation of our call to serve in the healthcare. As the image of God, we are crafted to love and care for people. This makes caring for the sick a privilege since it corresponds to our design.  The reality of Imago Dei makes health workers aware that the value and worth of a person is not ascertained by their medical prognosis, health status or bodily functions. As a result, caring for sick patients with dignity and value becomes the natural expression of what God designed us to do (Kasper, & Zoucha, 2019). Healthcare workers are called upon to see Imago Dei in their patients and to incorporate love, caring and humility. This truth informs our decision making especially when faced with complex medical dilemmas. To maintain the value and dignity of our patients, we are called upon to be their voice and advocates. This reality guides health workers when addressing policies and laws that are bad.

Imago Dei establishes the very foundation on how we value people. Healthcare providers may come into contact with patients who are difficult, cruel, unappreciative and mean. However, this does not stop one from giving them the care they need. They must be seen in the same light the creator sees us. Because they bore Imago Dei, healthcare providers must be vessels of God’s goodness those who are difficulty.  In addition to that, healthcare workers encounter patients who suffer physical, spiritual and emotional dimensions. The healing process will require that all these dimensions be integrated to self for the patient to heal. Therefore, it is proper for the provider to address spiritual in the process of providing care needs.

References

Churchouse, M.J. (2018). Distinguishing the Imago Dei from the Soul. The Heytrop Journal, https://doi.org/10.1111/heyj.13040

Kasper, C. E., & Zoucha, R. (2019). Annual Review of Nursing Research: Volume 37. New York, New York: Springer Publishing Company,

Shelly, J. A., & Miller, A. B. (2006). Called to Care A Christian Worldview for Nursing (Second ed.). Retrieved on March 4, 2021 from https://viewer.gcu.edu/UGPTQ4