Imago Dei is the translation for “Image of God.” This is a concept in the Genesis creation story. Christians believe that people were created in God’s image (Stahl & Kilner, 2017). In the creation story, human beings are God’s main achievement. Many philosophers and theologians have proposed several ideas to describe the image of God. This includes the capacity to reason, the ability to be a moral agent, and possessing a spiritual nature (Grand Canyon University, 2020). Imago Dei does not show that human beings resemble God’s physical characteristics. God is considered a spiritual being who does not have physical characteristics (Grand Canyon University, 2020). The image of God is also related to the responsibilities that God gave human beings. They were to take care of the rest of creation. Since all people are created in God’s image, human beings have the ability and authority to do what God commanded them to do (Stahl & Kilner, 2017). They must take care and ensure the flourishing of the rest of creation. Human beings have the capacity to help others and do good. Since all persons are created in God’s image, they have moral agency and personal autonomy.

Healthcare professionals should treat human beings with respect and dignity (Grand Canyon University, 2020). Patients are created in God’s image. Consequently, patients should consider that they are more than ailments or diseases. Nurses should care for them with dignity. Nurses should view the image of God as of critical importance since equal worth and intrinsic value is because human beings are created in God’s image. Patient discussion should involve words and ideas that preserve their dignity (Grand Canyon University, 2020). Finally, the language of engagement should reflect dignity and respect.

References

Grand Canyon University (Ed.). (2020). Practicing dignity: An Introduction to Christian values and decision-making in health care.

Stahl, D., & Kilner, J. (2017). The image of God, bioethics, and persons with profound intellectual disabilities. Journal of Christian Institute on Disability, 6(1–2), 19-40.