In 250-300 words explain the Christian perspective of the nature of spirituality and ethics
Worldview Analysis and Personal Inventory
Based on the required topic study materials, write a reflection about worldview and respond to following:
- In 250-300 words explain the Christian perspective of the nature of spirituality and ethics in contrast to the perspective of postmodern relativism within health care.
- In 250-300 words, explain what scientism is and describe two of the main arguments against it.
- In 750-1,000 words, answer each of the worldview questions according to your own personal perspective and worldview: (a) What is ultimate reality? (b) What is the nature of the universe? (c) What is a human being? (d) What is knowledge? (e) What is your basis of ethics? (f) What is the purpose of your existence?
Remember to support your reflection with the topic study materials.
While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.
Rubric Criteria
Criterion | 1. Unsatisfactory | 2. Less Than Satisfactory | 3. Satisfactory | 4. Good | 5. Excellent |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Scientism and Arguments Scientism and Arguments | 0 points Explanation of scientism or the explanations of two main arguments against scientism are inaccurate. Details are not supported. | 19.5 points Description of scientism is accurate. Explanations of two main arguments against scientism are unclear. Details are not clearly supported by topic study materials. | 22.5 points Explanation of scientism is clear. Explanations of two main arguments against scientism are clear. Details are supported by topic study materials. | 25.5 points Explanation of scientism is clear and accurate. Explanations of two main arguments against scientism are clear. Details are clearly supported by topic study materials. | 30 points Explanation of scientism is clear and accurate. Explanations of two main arguments against scientism are clear and insightful. Details are clearly supported by topic study materials. |
Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use) Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use) | 0 points Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice or sentence construction is used. | 3.25 points Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register) or word choice are present. Sentence structure is correct but not varied. | 3.75 points Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but they are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct and varied sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are employed. | 4.25 points Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. The writer uses a variety of effective sentence structures and figures of speech. | 5 points Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English. |
Christian Perspective of Spirituality and Ethics in Contrast to Postmodern Relativism Christian Perspective of Spirituality and Ethics in Contrast to Postmodern Relativism | 0 points Explanation of the Christian perspective of the nature of spirituality and ethics in contrast to the perspective of postmodern relativism is incomplete or insufficient. | 19.5 points Explanation of the Christian perspective of the nature of spirituality and ethics in contrast to the perspective of postmodern relativism is unclear. Explanation is not supported by topic study materials. | 22.5 points Explanation of the Christian perspective of the nature of spirituality and ethics in contrast to the perspective of postmodern relativism is clear. Explanation is not supported by topic study materials. | 25.5 points Explanation of the Christian perspective of the nature of spirituality and ethics in contrast to the perspective of postmodern relativism is clear and detailed. Explanation is supported by topic study materials. | 30 points Explanation of the Christian perspective of the nature of spirituality and ethics in contrast to the perspective of postmodern relativism is clear, detailed, and demonstrates a deep understanding of the subject. Explanation is supported by topic study materials. |
Documentation of Sources Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style) | 0 points Sources are not documented. | 3.25 points Documentation of sources is inconsistent or incorrect, as appropriate to assignment and style, with numerous formatting errors. | 3.75 points Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, although some formatting errors may be present. | 4.25 points Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is mostly correct. | 5 points Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error. |
Personal Perspective and Worldview Personal Perspective and Worldview | 0 points Worldview questions are not fully answered. | 19.5 points Each of the worldview questions is answered but is lacking a personal connection or clarity. | 22.5 points Each of the worldview questions is answered with personal connection. | 25.5 points Each of the worldview questions is answered clearly and with personal connection. | 30 points Each of the worldview questions is answered clearly and with deep personal insight. |
Expert Answer and Explanation
Personal Worldview Inventory
The claim that God exists may make sense to some individuals and not to others, and the divergence in the individuals’ views about God’s existence seems to stem from the exposure of these individuals to different values and thoughts. A Christian, for example, believes in the existence of God because of their exposure to the biblical doctrines and teachings.
Conversely, an atheist’s position on this topic may stem from the exposure of the atheist to the teachings which contradict religious arguments in support of the claim. Religion and spirituality shape how people see the world around them, and they affect people’s perceptions about care (Newlin et al., 2015). This means that one’s worldview may differ from another person’s, and it is imperative to explore the worldview based on the Christian faith, and highlight the meaning of scientism, and debate against it.
Meanings of Spirituality
Although the spirituality, to an individual, may denote the belief in a higher being, and adopting practices in which one worships this being, the concept has a broad sense of meaning. An individual is spiritual if they recognize that the purpose of life is greater, and that a higher being that is divine controls everyone’s destiny. The concept also involves being aware that every human is part of a larger human family, and they have to live by the highest moral standards. While different faiths may adopt divergent approaches when projecting their spiritual doctrines, these faiths have a common maxim (Mandal, Ponnambath, & Parija, 2017). Based on this maxim, there is a supernatural being.
Christian Perspective on the Nature of Spirituality and Ethics within Healthcare
Christians center their faith on God as a central figure, and this God is the basis of the spiritual life of a Christian. According to Christians, humans should focus on living by the highest values and standards of morality because God is a moral being. Spirituality, based on this faith, can help one live a pure life, in which they attain the highest levels of physiological and psychological health.
The Christians see God as the giver of everything including life, and as the source of the moral values. These values shape the health care practices, and a provider who is guided by the Christian values would choose an intervention that is safe (Chan,2015). This is because Christians have the moral responsibility to serve and love others.
Postmodern Relativism Views of Spirituality and Ethics within Healthcare
The claim that absolute truth exists is noticeable in the Christian faith, and the postmodern relativism seems to dispute this claim. The latter assumes that that only the purpose, and not absolute truth, exists, and truth may vary as one moves across cultures. Considering a case in which two individuals debate the morality of the assisted suicide, for example, either of the two individuals involved in the debate may be right if one looks at their arguments based on the perspectives of divergent cultures.
This means that spiritual practices, and what constitutes moral values may differ depending on culture, and providers should therefore treat patients not as if they are from a unitary culture. They should consider multidimensional aspects of the cultures from which their patients originate.
Claims against Scientism
The scientism offers a school of thought which diverges from the view of the reality based on the Christian faith. Based on this religion, faith is a requirement for the healing to occur, and without faith, one may not attain recovery from disease. Scientism, however, holds a different position from the Christian’s perspective on health care.
According to the arguments which the scientism present, a claim is true as long as science can prove the truth of the claim.
Without evidence to back up one’s own argument, one should not rely on such an argument. Based on the view which the scientism presents, attributing patient recoveries to the patient’s faith is wrong (Mayes et al., 2018). The implication of this is that it can be a challenge for the provider to provide culturally and spiritually sensitive care if they adopt the scientism perspective.
Scientism has flaws when it comes to explaining the concept of the truth. The perspective which the scientism provides lacks logic, and science may not provide absolute truth because scientific studies are not fully reliable. An experimental study may not provide full truth or explanation concerning an event.
In addition, scientism overlooks the concept of morality which can explain behavior. Morality, based on scientism, is a subject of limited importance because there is no proof of the origin of the moral values.
Religious and Cultural Context of Modern Health Care and Medicine
Pluralism
People, cultures and religious organizations may have divergent ideologies, and still coexist together. This form of coexistence is referred to as pluralism, and it is a feature that is noticeable in culturally tolerant societies. Sustaining pluralism can be a challenge considering that religious or cultural differences may cause conflicts.
Scientism
The scientism uses scientific reasoning as the focal for examining the truth or reality. While using evidence to explain truth is important, this approach to looking at the truth may not work with morality (Mayes et al., 2018). This means that it can be difficult to explain the source of the moral values using this concept.
Postmodernism
Based on the postmodernism, truth or reality is not universal, and it can vary from one culture to another. The idea that truth is non-universal can cause subjective opinions. This can cause a divided society.
Seven Basic Worldview Questions
What is prime reality?
Based on the Christian worldview, the concept, prime reality, maintains that the belief in God is the most important thing. By believing in God, individuals are safe because God’s word provide refuge. Personally, I find the idea of the existence of God to be real for me.
What is the nature of the world around us?
The current world has chaos, and geopolitics and countries’ economic ambitions are contributing to this chaotic situation. Despite these chaos, the universe has order, and God planned everything. This means that human beings are interfering with God’s plan of having order in the universe.
What is a human being?
The idea, Imago Dei, provides the term for describing the nature of human. According to this concept, God’s likeness (Genuis, 2016). Thus humans’ actions and behaviors should conform to the highest moral standards.
What happens to a person at death?
At death, one transcends their physical being. They become spiritual being, and attain higher status. At this point, one is in a state where they rest from afflictions.
Why is it possible to know anything at all?
God is the ultimate source of wisdom. Given that human exist in God’s image, human have no limit to what they can know. Consequently, humans can solve any problem because there is no limit to the amount of knowledge they can acquire (Genuis, 2016).
How do we know what is right and wrong?
It is important for one to differentiate right from wrong because God is a moral being. Godly and biblical teachings provide the knowledge which can help one tell the difference between right and wrong. This means that God is the source of the ultimate truth.
What is the meaning of human history?
Humans’ history has its origin in the story of creation. One’s knowledge of their history is important because it helps them learn past lessons, and this can inform the decisions they make. By reflecting on their history, they can understand the values which they have to live by (Fang et al., 2016).
Conclusion
The beliefs individuals have differ across cultures, and concepts such as postmodernism offer the perspectives for explaining the divergence in the cultural views on what constitutes the prime reality. However, the scientism presents assumptions that something can only be real or truth if there is scientific evidence that backs it up. Worldview, based on the Christian faith, provide the different perspectives not only on the nature of God but on the nature of the human being.
Humans, based on this faith exist in God’s likeness, and when they die, they ascend into a higher status of being. This means that at death, humans assume a higher status, and they lose their physical body. The implications of the views which the worldview present is that they guide individuals to constantly seek knowledge, and learn to solve problems.
By understanding the worldview, one can have a better understanding of their surroundings.
References
Chan S. (2015). A bioethics for all seasons. Journal of medical ethics, 41(1), 17–21. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/medethics-2014-102306.
Fang, M. L., Sixsmith, J., Sinclair, S., & Horst, G. (2016). A knowledge synthesis of culturally- and spiritually-sensitive end-of-life care: findings from a scoping review. BMC geriatrics, 16, 107. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-016-0282-6.
Genuis Q. I. (2016). Dignity reevaluated: A theological examination of human dignity and the role of the Church in bioethics and end-of-life care. The Linacre quarterly, 83(1), 6–14. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1179/2050854915Y.0000000010.
Mandal, J., Ponnambath, D. K., & Parija, S. C. (2017). Bioethics: A brief review. Tropical parasitology, 7(1), 5–7. Doi: https://doi.org/10.4103/tp.TP_4_17.
Mayes, C., Williams, J., Kerridge, I., & Lipworth, W. (2018). Scientism, conflicts of interest, and the marginalization of ethics in medical education. Journal of evaluation in clinical practice, 24(5), 939–944.Doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/jep.12843.
Newlin, L., K., Arbauh, N., Banach, P., & Melkus, G. (2015). Diabetes: Christian worldview, medical distrust and self-management. Journal of religion and health, 54(3), 1157–1172. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-015-0022-9.
Case Study: End of Life Decisions
George is a successful attorney in his mid-fifties. He is also a legal scholar, holding a teaching post at the local university law school in Oregon. George is also actively involved in his teenage son’s basketball league, coaching regularly for their team. Recently, George has experienced muscle weakness and unresponsive muscle coordination.
He was forced to seek medical attention after he fell and injured his hip. After an examination at the local hospital following his fall, the attending physician suspected that George may be showing early symptoms for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative disease affecting the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. The week following the initial examination, further testing revealed a positive diagnosis of ALS.
ALS is progressive and gradually causes motor neuron deterioration and muscle atrophy to the point of complete muscle control loss. There is currently no cure for ALS, and the median life expectancy is between 3 and 4 years, though it is not uncommon for some to live 10 or more years. The progressive muscle atrophy and deterioration of motor neurons leads to the loss of the ability to speak, move, eat, and breathe.
However, sight, touch, hearing, taste, and smell are not affected. Patients will be wheelchair bound and eventually need permanent ventilator support to assist with breathing.
George and his family are devastated by the diagnosis. George knows that treatment options only attempt to slow down the degeneration, but the symptoms will eventually come. He will eventually be wheelchair bound and be unable to move, eat, speak, or even breathe on his own.
In contemplating his future life with ALS, George begins to dread the prospect of losing his mobility and even speech. He imagines his life in complete dependence upon others for basic everyday functions and perceives the possibility of eventually degenerating to the point at which he is a prisoner in his own body.
Would he be willing to undergo such torture, such loss of his own dignity and power? George thus begins inquiring about the possibility of voluntary euthanasia.
Assignment:
The practice of health care providers at all levels brings you into contact with people from a variety of faiths. This calls for knowledge and understanding of a diversity of faith expressions; for the purpose of this course, the focus will be on the Christian worldview.
Based on “Case Study: End of Life Decisions,” the Christian worldview, and the worldview questions presented in the required topic study materials you will complete an ethical analysis of George’s situation and his decision from the perspective of the Christian worldview.
Provide a 1,500-2,000-word ethical analysis while answering the following questions:
- How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the fallenness of the world?
- How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the hope of resurrection?
- As George contemplates life with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), how would the Christian worldview inform his view about the value of his life as a person?
- What sorts of values and considerations would the Christian worldview focus on in deliberating about whether or not George should opt for euthanasia?
- Given the above, what options would be morally justified in the Christian worldview for George and why?
- Based on your worldview, what decision would you make if you were in George’s situation?
Remember to support your responses with the topic study materials.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is required.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.
Expert Answer and Explanation
Case Study on Death and Dying
The concept of death and dying, is, in most cases viewed from different perspectives depending on one’s cultural and spiritual beliefs. An individual’s choice on how they approach or look at death can also vary depending on the condition they are in. The selection of voluntary euthanasia, in light of terminal illnesses, is one which has elicited discussion, especially from different religious groups, including Christianity.
This paper will evaluate a case of Mr George, a fifty-year-old lawyer diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Due to his condition, George is considering voluntary euthanasia as a possible option to avoid the harrowing life that awaits him after the disease has taken its course.
How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the fallenness of the world?
The Christian narrative has different interpretations of suffering as that which is experienced by George. The first interpretation of suffering is the notion that suffering comes as a form of test to measure our faith in God (O’brien, 2017). There are various biblical examples where suffering was used as a test of faith.
Such instances describe the fact that after one has demonstrated their true faith in God, they can then overcome the suffering and come out victorious, with their state prior to the suffering being restored (O’brien, 2017).
This narrative calls for one to persevere throughout the entire ordeal, which in the given case, George may not be thinking as such. The second narrative is where suffering is used as a punishment occurring after one has sinned. The biblical narrative established the fact that sinners will be punished for the sins they have committed. In such a case, then George may view his suffering as retribution for the sins he has committed in his lifetime.
Taking into consideration George’s perspective and linking it to the Christian narrative, George may believe that escaping this world, which is laced with sin may, in turn, be a better option for him. The Christian narrative, after all, assures life after death and one which is free of suffering for those who are righteous (Doka & Morgan, 2016).
He might be looking at the world as a place which is full of suffering as a result of the sins committed by man to God. God being the creator of the world, therefore, punishes its inhabitants with different forms of suffering, including untreatable conditions like the one faced by George, as retribution of sinning against Him.
How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the hope of resurrection?
Using the narratives described in the previous section, facing such a condition as the one being faced by George, there are various perspectives which may be taken by George. Knowing the world as a fallen place for sinners, with heaven being a place for the righteous, George may view death as a gateway which will allow him to escape the suffering that awaits him with the progression of his medical condition.
By leaving this world, then George may be hoping to resurrect in a world free from suffering.
Alternatively, George may also view escaping his suffering by engaging involuntary euthanasia to be equivalent to committing suicide and in extension, a sin against God (Rumun, 2014). Being his last act, this will prevent him from having any hope of resurrection and in return, guarantee him eternal suffering in the afterlife as per the biblical narrative.
The biblical narrative gives various examples where suffering was used as a conduit to establish a closer relationship with God. Earthly suffering from a biblical perspective is considered an essential part of the process towards eternal life through resurrection. Those who overcame the suffering from the biblical narrative were assured eternal life free of the suffering as experienced here on earth.
With this perspective, then George should not consider voluntary euthanasia as his option of dealing with the expected suffering.
As George contemplates life with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), how would the Christian worldview inform his view about the value of his life as a person?
Given the condition being faced by George, there is a high likelihood that he has already lost hope in living depending on his perspective of what a human person is. Many at times, people with terminal illnesses like ALS consider themselves as lesser human beings or people waiting on the death list. As such, their perception of life my change whereby, they are likely to consider their lives as being unworthy.
That is why, in most cases, such patients consider euthanasia as the most viable option (Sharp, 2017).
From a Christian worldview, all life is considered sacred and belonging to God, who is the creator. Therefore, taking one’s own life is regarded as a sin regardless of the condition one is in. Using this narrative, then all lives before the eyes of God can be considered as being equal in value (O’brien, 2017).
The same way God views a healthy person is the same way He views a diseased person. As such, the Christian world view considers George to still retain his value as a person, regardless of his condition. In light of this, the Christian worldview, therefore, prohibits using earthly suffering as a reason to take one’s own life.
According to the biblical narrative which dictates the Christian worldview, every person is purposed to accomplish a certain mission in accordance with God’s design. Upon the accomplishment of that mission, in God’s own timing, one transitions to the afterlife through death. Taking one’s own life is equivalent to departing the world before accomplishing God’s intended purpose on earth.
All the scenarios highlighted indicate the value of life from a Christian worldview which may help George in choosing his preferred course of action in dealing with the illness.
What sorts of values and considerations would the Christian worldview focus on in deliberating about whether or not George should opt for euthanasia?
The Christian worldview in light of George’s condition will employ different values and consideration as dictated by the biblical teachings. One of the considerations which will be taken is the value of life as earlier discussed. The Christian worldview considers the sanctity of life and considers it as a gift from God.
Before God’s will for an individual is accomplished, then taking that life away is considered a sin before God. Likewise, Christians view the concept of birth and death as holding high spiritual significance, in the sense that both processes are controlled by the creator and therefore should not be interrupted by man (SSorajjakool et al.
, 2017). The fact that Christians also believe that all human beings were created in the likeness of God, then defiling the image of God through suicide, may be considered a sin. Therefore, opting for euthanasia, according to the Christian worldview, may be going contrary to God’s will.
Another Christian virtue is the virtue of perseverance. The biblical narrative elaborates preserving through hardship and suffering as being an essential aspect of a Christians life. It is through perseverance and maintaining a firm stance of faith that we get closer to God. the biblical narrative establishes that resurrection comes to those who persevere to the end (Romans 5:1-5, New International Version Bible).
Given the above, what options would be morally justified in the Christian worldview for George and why?
From a Christian worldview, George should opt to persevere through the suffering with the belief that through his suffering, he will receive renewed strength from God. Given the Christian perspective on the value of life and perception of sin, George opting for euthanasia will be considered going against God’s will. The Christian worldview also looks at death as a phenomenon which should not be interfered with by mortals, and left only to God, for he is the creator and therefore the owner of that life (De Villiers, 2016).
Taking away that life through euthanasia will be tantamount to robbing God His possession. Ultimately, the Christian perspective considers all life as having equal value and George should not consider his as being any less valuable in light of his medical condition. These are some of the moral considerations which George ought to take by employed a Christian point of view.
Based on your worldview, what decision would you make if you were in George’s situation?
It is indeed a difficult choice to make when faced with such an illness as one experienced by George. When one encounters a seemingly hopeless situation, there are several considerations which come into play to make a decision. One of those considerations is, of course, the quality of life one will lead in light of the situation. Being incapacitated for the rest of your life seems to be harrowing enough ordeal which one would never want to experience.
Other than that, how the medical condition will impact the immediate family members is also a factor. In most cases, one would consider the burden left to those who care for them as being unbearable as such opting to rid them of that burden by going for options such as euthanasia (Movahedi & Tavacoly, 2016).
In some instances, one may not have someone to care for them, which exposes them to even more suffering. Taking all the listed considerations into perspective, opting for euthanasia will most likely be the selected choice of action to take.
However, coming from a strong spiritual background, where practices like euthanasia are considered sinful, then consideration of other options will be my preferred course of action. My spiritual perspective is one which is cemented on hope and faith that things may turn out for the best. Therefore, I would opt for the treatment regimens, which are aimed at reducing the progression of the disease.
I will consider this option in the hope that, after the bought time, a more permanent treatment solution will be available in the market, allowing the condition to get treated.
Conclusion
The concept of death and dying is one which breeds difficult moral dilemmas, especially when faced with a seemingly hopeless situation. The use of euthanasia as a possible option when dealing with terminal illnesses is one which, according to the Christian worldview, is considered as a sin. However, a patient facing such a condition may be inclined to opt for such measures, given the envisioned suffering faced by themselves, and their loved ones as a result of the disease.
This paper has therefore described the various considerations on the subject according to a Christian worldview. The paper has described dealing with the issue from a Christian perspective and concluded by explaining my personal perspective on the subject.
References
De Villiers, D. E. (2016). May Christians request medically assisted suicide and euthanasia?. HTS Theological Studies, 72(4), 1-9.
Doka, K. J., & Morgan, J. D. (2016). Death and spirituality. Routledge.
Movahedi, M. J., & Tavacoly, G. (2016). Euthanasia in religion-based deontology. Medical Ethics Journal, 10(34), 165-186.
O’brien, M. E. (2017). Spirituality in nursing. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Rumun, A. J. (2014). Influence of religious beliefs on healthcare practice. International Journal of Education and Research, 2(4), 37-47.
Sharp, S. (2017). Belief in miracles and attitudes towards voluntary euthanasia. Death studies, 41(4), 211-219.
SSorajjakool, S., Carr, M. F., Nam, J. J., Sorajjakool, S., & Bursey, E. (2017). World religions for healthcare professionals. Routledge.
Benchmark – Patient‘s Spiritual Needs: Case Analysis |
In addition to the topic study materials, use the chart you completed and questions you answered in the Topic 3 about “Case Study: Healing and Autonomy” as the basis for your responses in this assignment.
Answer the following questions about a patient‘s spiritual needs in light of the Christian worldview.
- In 200-250 words, respond to the following: Should the physician allow Mike to continue making decisions that seem to him to be irrational and harmful to James, or would that mean a disrespect of a patient‘s autonomy? Explain your rationale.
- In 400-500 words, respond to the following: How ought the Christian think about sickness and health? How should a Christian think about medical intervention? What should Mike as a Christian do? How should he reason about trusting God and treating James in relation to what is truly honoring the principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence in James‘s care?
- In 200-250 words, respond to the following: How would a spiritual needs assessment help the physician assist Mike determine appropriate interventions for James and for his family or others involved in his care?
Remember to support your responses with the topic study materials.
While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.
Case Study: Healing and Autonomy
Mike and Joanne are the parents of James and Samuel, identical twins born 8 years ago. James is currently suffering from acute glomerulonephritis, kidney failure. James was originally brought into the hospital for complications associated with a strep throat infection. The spread of the A streptococcus infection led to the subsequent kidney failure.
James’s condition was acute enough to warrant immediate treatment. Usually cases of acute glomerulonephritis caused by strep infection tend to improve on their own or with an antibiotic. However, James also had elevated blood pressure and enough fluid buildup that required temporary dialysis to relieve.
The attending physician suggested immediate dialysis. After some time of discussion with Joanne, Mike informs the physician that they are going to forego the dialysis and place their faith in God. Mike and Joanne had been moved by a sermon their pastor had given a week ago, and also had witnessed a close friend regain mobility when she was prayed over at a healing service after a serious stroke.
They thought it more prudent to take James immediately to a faith healing service instead of putting James through multiple rounds of dialysis. Yet, Mike and Joanne agreed to return to the hospital after the faith healing services later in the week, and in hopes that James would be healed by then.
Two days later the family returned and was forced to place James on dialysis, as his condition had deteriorated. Mike felt perplexed and tormented by his decision to not treat James earlier. Had he not enough faith? Was God punishing him or James? To make matters worse, James’s kidneys had deteriorated such that his dialysis was now not a temporary matter and was in need of a kidney transplant.
Crushed and desperate, Mike and Joanne immediately offered to donate one of their own kidneys to James, but they were not compatible donors. Over the next few weeks, amidst daily rounds of dialysis, some of their close friends and church members also offered to donate a kidney to James. However, none of them were tissue matches.
James’s nephrologist called to schedule a private appointment with Mike and Joanne. James was stable, given the regular dialysis, but would require a kidney transplant within the year. Given the desperate situation, the nephrologist informed Mike and Joanne of a donor that was an ideal tissue match, but as of yet had not been considered—James’s brother Samuel.
Mike vacillates and struggles to decide whether he should have his other son Samuel lose a kidney or perhaps wait for God to do a miracle this time around. Perhaps this is where the real testing of his faith will come in? Mike reasons, “This time around it is a matter of life and death.
Case Study on Biomedical Ethics in the Christian Narrative |
This assignment will incorporate a common practical tool in helping clinicians begin to ethically analyze a case. Organizing the data in this way will help you apply the four principles of principlism.
Based on the “Case Study: Healing and Autonomy” and other required topic study materials, you will complete the “Applying the Four Principles: Case Study” document that includes the following:
Part 1: Chart
This chart will formalize principlism and the four-boxes approach by organizing the data from the case study according to the relevant principles of biomedical ethics: autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice.
Part 2: Evaluation
This part includes questions, to be answered in a total of 500 words, that describe how principalism would be applied according to the Christian worldview.
Remember to support your responses with the topic study materials.
APA style is not required, but solid academic writing is expected.
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