Case Study on Death And Dying Essay
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 acceptance of a diversity of faith expressions.
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The purpose of this paper is to complete a comparative ethical analysis of George’s situation and decision from the perspective of two worldviews or religions: Christianity and a second religion of your choosing. For the second faith, choose a faith that is unfamiliar to you. Examples of faiths to choose from include Sikh, Baha’i, Buddhism, Shintoism, etc.Case Study on Death And Dying Essay
In your comparative analysis, address all of the worldview questions in detail for Christianity and your selected faith. Refer to Chapter 2 of Called to Care for the list of questions. Once you have outlined the worldview of each religion, begin your ethical analysis from each perspective.
In a minimum of 1,500-2,000 words, provide an ethical analysis based upon the different belief systems, reinforcing major themes with insights gained from your research, and answering the following questions based on the research:
How would each religion interpret the nature of George’s malady and suffering? Is there a “why” to his disease and suffering? (i.e., is there a reason for why George is ill, beyond the reality of physical malady?)Case Study on Death And Dying Essay
In George’s analysis of his own life, how would each religion think about the value of his life as a person, and value of his life with ALS?
What sorts of values and considerations would each religion focus on in deliberating about whether or not George should opt for euthanasia?
Given the above, what options would be morally justified under each religion for George and why?
Finally, present and defend your own view.
Support your position by referencing at least three academic resources (preferably from the GCU Library) in addition to the course readings, lectures, the Bible, and the textbooks for each religion. Each religion must have a primary source included. A total of six references are required according to the specifications listed above. Incorporate the research into your writing in an appropriate, scholarly manner.
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. Please refer to the directions in the Student Success Center
Case Study on Death and Dying
Abstract
As a health provider, it is routine to be in contact with patients of different race, religion, ethnicity, and culture. While this is a normal, the need to have a basic understanding of the different religious backgrounds is ever necessary. Case Study on Death And Dying Essay In this paper, George is used as a case study to establish a comparative ethical analysis. The resulting analysis is essential for decision making while taking into consideration two religious foundations; Buddhism and Christianity. Literature review of various qualitative and quantitative research articles provides valuable insights on the Buddhist worldview and the Christian worldview. Additionally, the understanding of how these religions answer basic worldview questions is highlighted. Specific attention is given to how these religions address the subjects of health and sickness.
Introduction
Health practitioners are obligated to provide patient-centered services. Such services must exhibit some sense of relief from psychological and emotional strain, reassurance, comfort, and ensure that the diagnosis and prognosis given leads to wholesome healing. To achieve these elements in practice, health practitioners must relate to their patients, understand their strengths and weaknesses, and have an understanding of the patient’s worldview as influenced by the religion they practice. Health practitioners must begin by appreciating the fact that patients have varying worldviews and that in respecting each patent’s religious worldview, the provider sets themselves on the right path towards succeeding in their practice. As such, it is advisable for the health provider not to rely solely on their understanding based on their religious inclination. Shelly & Miller (2006) note that patients recover faster when their spiritual and medical needs are met concurrently through care that is delivered in line with the patient’s unique worldview.
Christian and Buddhism Worldview
According to Shelly and Miller (2006), worldviews are the frameworks over which cultural lenses are shaped. It is based on the resultant cultural scopes that individuals derive life’s meaning and apply it to themselves and the rest of humanity. The term worldview also describes how individuals perceive the world around them and how that perception influences their interpretation of the totality of life around them. James Sire’s questions- what is prime reality? What is the nature of the world around us? Case Study on Death And Dying Essay What is a human being? What happens when a person dies or at death? Why do we know anything at all? How do we know what is right and what is wrong? What is the meaning of human history? – offer a foundation from which an understanding of worldview can be developed. Each religion has its unique way of responding to these questions. This difference is recognizable in the way that Christianity and Buddhism package their central beliefs.
The Christian Worldview
Shelly and Miller (2006) write that God remains the prime reality to Christians. He is both creator and sustainer of all things. In Genesis 1:1, it is written that, “In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth.” This is supported by other Biblical verses such as Colossians 1:16, which states, “For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.” Besides positioning God as the creator, Christianity is premised on the view that all successes and misfortunes can be related to one’s adherence to the word of God. The fall of man which is captured in Genesis, for instance, is attributed to the choice by Adam and Eve to disobey God’s command. God’s divine order was for the couple to remain obedient to His instructions if they were to continue enjoying the good things which God had created. The Christian worldview relates infirmities, disease, sickness, pestilence and death to the single act of disobedience shown at the garden of Eden. As such, all are born sinners and how well they handle their relationship with God determines their spiritual and physical health. In times of illness, one is advised to repent their sins, and to build their relationship with God. This results in their healing, or the assurance of eternal life in heaven as promised by God.
Despite this initial fallout, God gave man a second chance through the birth of His son whose sole purpose was to deliver redemption. As such, the death of Jesus signifies an end to physical and spiritual disease and death. In Isaiah 53:4-5, it is stated that, “Surely, he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” In addition to this initial act of selflessness, Christians also await the restoration that is to follow the redemption, salvation and reconciliation, which will come on the judgement day. The Christian worldview is also premised on the belief of the Holy spirit that helps to discern. The Christian worldview also believes in human dignity, miracles, and moral standards. Besides, there is belief in life after death and that once an individual die, based on the life they choose on earth, they either head to heaven or hell. Christianity does not support suicide and no one has the right to take another’s life.
The Buddhism Worldview Case Study on Death And Dying Essay
According to Lizard & Gearing (2010), Buddhism relates more to philosophy than religion given the manner it explains life. He observes that a Buddhist’s path leads to a moral life that is characterized by mindfulness and awareness of actions and thoughts and the development of understanding and wisdom. The unifying deity among Buddhists is the Buddha from whose enlightenment and teachings they derive their worldview. This image acts as a reminder to all followers to follow in the path of love and peace among one another. Among Buddhists, there is no God who is a creator of the universe. A Buddhist strives to achieve a state of enlightenment r Nirvana. Further, according to Buddhist worldview, disease originates from the mind. Loy (2010) observes that illnesses or problems can be equated to the clouds which obstruct the sun. The only way to get rid of these clouds is by replacing one’s negative thoughts with positive ones. Buddhists also believe in the existence and power of Karma.
There are four Noble Truths which guide a Buddhist’s life. The first one, the Dukkha, is representative of sorrowful life and the truth of suffering. The second Noble Truth, Samudaya, relates suffering to man’s insatiable desire which breeds heartbreaks and frustrations. The third Noble Truth, Nirhodha, offers delightful practice as a prescription for the suffering. The final Noble Truth, Magga, prescribes The Eightfold Path as a way of addressing illness. It incorporates settling on the right view, resolve, conduct, livelihood, effort, mindfulness, and concentration. One is expected to take a path of rightful choices if they are to secure their good health. These core principles are designed to guide how one chooses to live their lives and how they interact and share their joy with others.Case Study on Death And Dying Essay People who are close to the patient play a big part in radiating the much-needed positive attitude which is needed to uplift their inner selves and raise them into recovery. Additionally, choosing to live as per the recommended Buddhist path ensures that an individual enjoys inner peace which is essential for their healing or peaceful departure. As such, for any healthcare practitioner, taking into consideration these worldviews are necessary for making informed professional decisions.
Case Study Analysis
There are several denominations under the umbrella of Christianity. Based on the denomination whose worldview George subscribes to, illness stems from sin or is God’s test of an individual’s faith. On the other hand, a Buddhist perspective would attribute George’s sickness to his negative thoughts and desires as a result of his desires and cravings. A consideration of these perspectives guides the treatment given to the patient during nursing care.
George’s ASL has rendered him physical unfit and dependent on people around him. The Christianity view would consider his condition to have deviated from God’s perfect creature. Despite being physically unfit however, George remains alive. A Buddhist perspective would conclude that the first Noble Truth supports the suffering. The patient’s fear of suffering and pain, and the struggle that leads to him being mentally caged by the disease presents ethical dilemma. From the perspective of Christianity, euthanasia is not an option as no one has the mandate to end God-given life (Lizardi & Gearing, 2010). It is considered unacceptable under Christianity for anyone to help another to end their life. It is the sole responsibility of God to give and take life. Similarly, the Buddhist perspective assigns a bad Karma to the decision to kill oneself or aid another to kill themselves. The morally justified approach to handle George’s case, based on both perspectives, is to assist him to a peaceful progressive death. In both religious perspectives, life is valued. As such it will be rewarding to support and teach George to maximally enjoy his life until he can live no more. The centrality of prayer in both religions can be applied for his case.Case Study on Death And Dying Essay
Being a Christian, the patient recognizes and values prayer, repentance, miracle, and the forgiveness of sin. Given that illness is attributed to sin, George can pray for forgiveness and repent his sins. This way, he can be guaranteed of forgiveness, healing and restoration into full health. Irrespective of George’s present situation, the Christian perspective should give him the belief that God can perform a miracle on him and take him back to full recovery. However, since what proceeds sickness is death, George needs to spend most of the time remaining to pray and attain a closer relationship with God. One way to do this is to leave a positive impact on those around him. This will prepare him for eternal life in heaven.
Conclusion
Nursing care aims to achieve holistic care. This can be achieved by incorporating spiritual care to medical care. Sickness physically and psychologically disables an initially healthy and active individual. Their new condition makes an individual dependent on others for physical and emotional support. When this support is provided in a manner that resonates with the patient’s inherent beliefs, it leads to holistic healing or the prepared peaceful transition from sickness to death. Proper spiritual care stems from the versatility and knowledge of different religious worldviews which is required of every professional healthcare professional. For this paper, Christian and Buddhist worldviews are explored and applied to the case of George. There are similarities in the two worldviews including the sanctity of life and the disdain for aided death. The provider’s personal worldview must not override that of the patient during practice.Case Study on Death And Dying Essay
References
Lizardi, D., & Gearing, R. E. (2010). Religion and suicide: Buddhism, Native American and African religions, atheism, and agnosticism. Journal of religion and health, 49(3), 377-384.
Loy, D. (2010). Healing justice: A Buddhist perspective. The spiritual roots of restorative justice, 81-97.
Meilaender, G. (2013). Bioethics: A primer for Christians. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing.
Shelly, J. A. & Miller, A.B. (2006). Called to Care: a Christian Worldview for Nursing. (2nd ed.) Downer Grove IL: IVP Academic/InterVarsity Press. Retrieved from https://viewer.gcu.edu
Case Study on Death and Dying Please complete following instruction in template and case study attached along with titles and subheadings. Please let me know any questions thank you.
How would each religion interpret the nature of George’s malady and suffering? Is there a “why” to his disease and suffering? (i.e., is there a reason for why George is ill, beyond the reality of physical malady?)
In George’s analysis of his own life, how would each religion think about the value of his life as a person, and value of his life with ALS?
What sorts of values and considerations would each religion focus on in deliberating about whether or not George should opt for euthanasia?
Given the above, what options would be morally justified under each religion for George and why?
Finally, present and defend your own view.
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 acceptance of a diversity of faith expressions.Case Study on Death And Dying Essay
The purpose of this paper is to complete a comparative ethical analysis of George’s situation and decision from the perspective of two worldviews or religions: Christianity and a second religion of your choosing. For the second faith, choose a faith that is unfamiliar to you. Examples of faiths to choose from include Sikh, Baha’i, Buddhism, Shintoism, etc.
In your comparative analysis, address all of the worldview questions in detail for Christianity and your selected faith. Refer to Chapter 2 of Called to Care for the list of questions. Once you have outlined the worldview of each religion, begin your ethical analysis from each perspective.
In a minimum of 1,500-2,000 words, provide an ethical analysis based upon the different belief systems, reinforcing major themes with insights gained from your research, and answering the following questions based on the research:
How would each religion interpret the nature of George’s malady and suffering? Is there a “why” to his disease and suffering? (i.e., is there a reason for why George is ill, beyond the reality of physical malady?)
In George’s analysis of his own life, how would each religion think about the value of his life as a person, and value of his life with ALS?
What sorts of values and considerations would each religion focus on in deliberating about whether or not George should opt for euthanasia?
Given the above, what options would be morally justified under each religion for George and why?
Finally, present and defend your own view.
Support your position by referencing at least three academic resources (preferably from the GCU Library) in addition to the course readings, lectures, the Bible, and the textbooks for each religion. Each religion must have a primary source included. A total of six references are required according to the specifications listed above. Incorporate the research into your writing in an appropriate, scholarly manner.Case Study on Death And Dying Essay
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. Case Study on Death And Dying Essay