The concept of Imago Dei is central to the Christian faith

Posted: July 7th, 2022

Instructions Please respond to all 6 discussion separately/INDIVIDUALLY. Please divide the words equally between the 6 responses. Discussion #1Imago Dei is a Latin name for the Image of God. This concept is found in the biblical stories of creation. The concept of Imago Dei has two implications according to Christianity, which are equally important. The first implication is that human beings are created in the image of God. God is the creator of the universe and everything in it, including human beings. However, human beings are remarkable beings since they were created in the image of God. They are, therefore, God’s self-actualization (Peters, 2018). Secondly, the concept of imago Dei means that God cares for humans. Being made in the image of God means that God recognizes the needs of human beings and meets them according to His riches in glory. God manifests Himself through human beings; therefore, He has given them unique qualities and abilities that render them superior to other creations.
Understanding Imago Dei’s concept is crucial in health care since it creates awareness of the value of human beings. Human beings are God’s instruments to communicate God’s intentions, will, plans and purposes. Therefore, human beings are co-creators with God since they help actualize His plans. Providing health care is an act of God’s intention of caring for His creations through healing (Cherry, 2017). Health care professionals understand that helping patients attain wellness promotes God’s intentions for Humans.
References
Cherry, M. J. (2017). Created in the image of God: Bioethical implications of the Imago Dei. Christian Bioethics: Non-Ecumenical Studies in Medical Morality, 23(3), 219-233.
Peters, T. (2018). Imago Dei, DNA, and the transhuman way. Theology and Science, 16(3), 353-362.
Discussion #2Imago Dei is a concept that humanity is created in the likeness of God. (Genesis 1:26-27; 9:6) (Evans, 2018). This is the Christian belief of showing compassion, respect, dignity, and empathy to others. Many healthcare facilities believe in these values when it comes to patient care. This is important in healthcare because it can guide healthcare professionals in how patients are treated and viewed. Imago Dei helps to acknowledge dignity and respect, and showing compassion when it comes to patient care. This also means addressing the emotional side because some people can be healed from their illness, but the emotional ramifications making them not fully healed from the experience. Addressing the emotional side, can help a patient recover from the past experiences.
Evans, K. A. (2018). Intervention, Ethical Decision-Making, and Spiritual Care. BibliU. https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/1000000000591/epub/Assignment Homework Sample Boom Essays: Free of Plagiarism and AI, Original Custom Research Essay Pro Papers Writing – Chapter5.html#page_293
Discussion #3″Imago Dei – Longer definition: The term imago Dei refers most fundamentally to two things: first, God’s own self-actualization through humankind; and second, God’s care for humankind. To say that humans are in the image of God is to recognize the special qualities of human nature which allow God to be made manifest in humans. In other words, for humans to have the conscious recognition of their being in the image of God means that they are the creature through whom God’s plans and purposes can be made known and actualized; humans, in this way, can be seen as co-creators with God. The moral implications of the doctrine of imago Dei are apparent in the fact that if humans are to love God, then humans must love other humans, as each is an expression of God. The human’s likeness to God can also be understood by contrasting it with that which does not image God, i.e., beings who, as far as we know, are without self-consciousness and the capacity for spiritual/ moral reflection and growth. Humans differ from all other creatures because of their rational structure – their capacity for deliberation and free decision-making. This freedom gives human-centeredness and completeness which allows the possibility for self-actualization and participation in a sacred reality. However, the freedom which makes the human in God’s image is the same freedom that manifests itself in estrangement from God, as the myth of the Fall (Adam and Eve) exemplifies. According to this myth, humans can, in their freedom, choose to deny or repress their spiritual and moral likeness to God. The ability and desire to love one’s self and others, and therefore, God, can become neglected and even opposed. Striving to bring about the imago Dei in one’s life can be seen as the quest for wholeness, or one’s “essential” self, as pointed to in Christ’s life and teachings.”
Applying the principle of imago, Dei health caregivers can honor and treat all their patients with dignity regardless of their physical, mental, and social status (Cherry, 2017). By following the Christian concept of imago, Dei caregivers can serve all their patients selflessly and target marginalized groups. Knowing that human beings are created in the likeness of God can therefore motivate health caregivers to be motivated to always perform their duties (Cherry, 2017). In the past, some individuals have been motivated to care for the sick and dying through the Christian concept of imago Dei such as Mother Teresa in Calcutta (White, 2019).
Glossary Definition: Imago Dei (“image of God”) (pbs.org)
(Answered) Christian Concept of the Imago Dei – Academia Help
Discussion #4Humans have a value that cannot be measured nor determined. As God’s most powerful and advanced creations, human beings are valuable to God in every way. However, this value is significant when they obey God’s commands and do His will. God created human beings to serve Him and live by His teachings and guidelines (Di Dio et al., 2018). The value that God instilled in human beings allows them to make free and deliberate decisions. God’s teachings show how much He cares for human beings. He made the world fit and conducive for human survival, even after the first man and woman disobeyed Him.
Human beings have the right and privilege to make decisions on various matters, including controversial bioethical issues such as abortion, designer babies, and stem cell research. However, whatever decision a person makes, they should reflect God’s teachings and word. Abortion is a form of killing, which is highly condemned in the Bible. Despite justifications, abortion is ethically wrong since it involves killing a child with no power (Svenaeus, 2018). Designer babies are a technology that is continuing to be embraced around the world. Nonetheless, it is morally wrong to assume the duties not given by God of creating. Stem cell research sparks great debate on whether it is ethically correct or not. However, I believe it is right to use stem cell research since it is a way of caring for the sick, thus promoting the well-being of human beings
References
Di Dio, C., Isernia, S., Ceolaro, C., Marchetti, A., & Massaro, D. (2018). Growing up thinking of God’s beliefs: theory of mind and ontological knowledge. Sage Open, 8(4), 2158244018809874.
Svenaeus, F. (2018). Phenomenology of pregnancy and the ethics of abortion. Medicine, Health Care, and Philosophy, 21(1), 77-87.
Discussion #5My philosophy is to protect life at all costs, but in my capacity as a health practitioner, I also have a responsibility to remain neutral about some of the controversial issues like abortion, designer babies, and stem cell research and technologies.
I oppose abortion, which is the termination of a pregnancy, but I also think people have the right to make decisions after being fully informed of the consequences. Given that most religions forbid abortion, and that religion has a significant impact on society (Frohwirth et al., 2018), this has an impact on people’s decisions about getting an abortion. Although my ethical and professional views on abortion may contradict, I only provide information based on the facts and encourage my patients to make their own decisions.
According to Pang et al. (2016), the main reason why designer babies are made is to prevent inheritable disorders that are caused by DNA mutations. The issue with designer babies is that nothing is known about their potential effects or ramifications in the future, and they represent a shift from the reverence for God’s creation. I think that since the purpose of all creation is to exalt our Creator, the process of natural reproduction shouldn’t be tampered with.
Stem cell research is thought to provide those who might require them with alternate body parts. It entails employing particular cell types to investigate and provide treatments for particular ailments. They present opportunities for cell-based therapeutics due to their capacity to rejuvenate and their singular capacity to change into any type of cell in the human body (Mohamed, 2018). Professionally, I have highly liberal views on stem cell technology; I believe it to be equally effective and less intrusive than receiving an organ transplant from a human donor. But it must be carried out morally and humanely.
References:
Frohwirth, L., Coleman, M., & Moore, A. M. (2018). Managing Religion and Morality Within the Abortion Experience: Qualitative Interviews With Women Obtaining Abortions in the U.S. World Medical and Health Policy, 10(4), 381–400. https://doi.org/10.1002/wmh3.289
Mohamed, H. S. (2018). Embryonic politics: Attitudes about abortion, stem cell research, and IVF. Politics and Religion, 11(3), 459–497.
https://doi.org/10.1017/S175504831800010X
Pang, R. T. K., & Ho, P. C. (2016). Designer babies. Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Reproductive Medicine, 26(2), 59–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ogrm.2015.11.011
Discussion #6Values define a person and their beliefs. A persons spirituality and faith values can reflect their understanding of illness and their healthcare decisions (Evans, 2018). Human values are seen as respect, acceptance, consideration, openness, affection, and love towards other humans.
When it comes to the controversial bioethical issues such as abortion, designer babies, and stem cell research, this can be a touchy subject for Christians. I believe in respect other peoples opinions and beliefs towards the bioethical issues. When it comes to abortion, I look at it two ways, if a woman has an ectopic pregnancy and there is a risk to her life, the baby will most likely be terminated, that is considered an abortion and I can understand that. What I do not agree with is a person just aborting their baby because they don’t want it. I have a difficult time with that, but also need to respect the choice if a person chooses to do so.
I do not agree with designer babies because I view it as going against God’s plan and creation for life. Psalm 139:13b says “you knitted me together in my mothers womb.” Genetic engineering takes a higher role in creation that goes above mankind as stewards of his creation. Psalm 139 is a great example of the miracle of conception because it describes and intimate relationship between the baby and the creator.
Finally stem-cell research is a touchy subject for me because life begins at conception, and destroying an embryo can go against Christian beliefs, however one embryo an source many strains for research and a new embryo is not needed every time.
Evans, K. A. (2018). Intervention, Ethical Decision-Making, and Spiritual Care. BibliU. https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/1000000000591/epub/Assignment Homework Sample Boom Essays: Free of Plagiarism and AI, Original Custom Research Essay Pro Papers Writing – Chapter5.html#page_293
How should a Christian view genetic engineering?. GotQuestions.org. (2023). https://www.gotquestions.org/genetic-engineering.html

Discussion #4
The concept of Imago Dei is central to the Christian faith and has significant implications for healthcare. As created beings in God’s image, human life is considered sacred and has intrinsic value. This understanding has ethical implications for the provision of healthcare, which should always aim to promote human dignity and respect for all patients, regardless of their health status or background. Health professionals who hold this belief are therefore called to serve their patients with love and compassion, recognizing that each person is made in God’s image and has inherent worth and dignity. Moreover, this belief encourages healthcare providers to advocate for their patients’ rights and needs, especially those who are marginalized or vulnerable in society.
Overall, the concept of Imago Dei provides a framework for healthcare professionals to approach their work with humility, empathy, and a commitment to promoting the dignity of all human beings.
Reference: Cherry, M. J. (2017). Created in the image of God: Bioethical implications of the Imago Dei. Christian Bioethics: Non-Ecumenical Studies in Medical Morality, 23(3), 219-233.