Answer 2 for PHI 413 How does your own definition of spiritual care compare with the Christian definition of spiritual care?
Answer 2 for PHI 413 How does your own definition of spiritual care compare with the Christian definition of spiritual care
Dr. Keith Evans addresses compelling points in this week’s readings about spirituality. He quotes Dallas Willard (2002) on character and its link to spirituality,
“The most despicable as well as the most admirable of persons have had a spiritual formation.” (2022). This perspective gives depth to the understanding of spirituality and separates it from a purely religious relationship, though this understanding would not concur with the Christian worldview. Dr. Evans goes on to discuss various scriptures that support the ethical morals and core values of a healthcare worker, rooting these examples in Luke 10:30-37, the parable of the Good Samaritan. Spiritual care as a Christian is motivated by the aspiration to fulfill the idea that we all live in God’s image and must treat ourselves and others as though this is true. I, too, believe this to be true, however, I also believe in the separation of church and state, and in this context, the separation of church and medicine. Dr. Myrick Shinall explains the frequent conflict of secular medicine with various religious values giving examples such as contraceptive care, abortion, fertility treatment, and even child-neglect cases revolving the denial of medical treatment for a child based on religious views (2009). Shinall elaborated by discussing the case of a child who perished from a methanol overdose because he was not treated due to the child’s grandfather refusing alcohol ethanol treatment as it was prohibited in Islamic law (2009). As a nurse, I believe spirituality must be assessed and is vital in providing peace and comfort. But, just as religion and a person’s subjective spirituality can open new realms of understanding, so can it close many others. It’s important to be cognizant of this and assess our biases so we can continue to alleviate the suffering of others.
Evans, K. A., (2022). Practicing Dignity: An Introduction to Christian Values and Decision Making in Health Care, 5: Ethical Decision-Making, and Spiritual Care. https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/1000000000591/epub/Chapter5.html#page_274
Shinall, M. C., Jr., (2009). AMA Journal of Ethics. The separation of Church and Medicine. https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/separation-church-and-medicine/2009-10
