Christian Worldview Principles for Improving Ethical Practices
Christian worldview (CWV) is the beliefs, values, and assumptions underlying the Christian faith. It is a comprehensive view of reality that shapes how Christians think about and interact with the world around them (Jennings et al., 2021). The Christian worldview is centered on the belief that God created the universe and all that is in it and that humanity was created in His image. At the core of the Christian worldview is the belief that God is sovereign and that everything in the universe is subject to His authority. Christians believe that God is loving and just and that He created human beings to have a relationship with Him (Bowie, 2021). This relationship was broken when humanity sinned, and the world has been marked by sin and brokenness. However, Christians also believe that God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to reconcile humanity to Himself and to restore the world to its original design.
The Christian worldview also includes a set of values and ethical principles that guide how Christians should live their lives. These values have love, compassion, forgiveness, and justice (Kuusisto et al., 2021). Christians believe that they are called to love and serve others, just as Jesus did, and work towards society’s common good. Finally, the Christian worldview provides a framework for understanding humanity’s ultimate purpose and destiny. Christians believe life’s ultimate goal is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. They also believe in heaven and hell and that each person will spend eternity in one of these places based on their relationship with God. The Christian worldview is a comprehensive and integrated view of reality that shapes how Christians understand and engage with the world around them. It is grounded in the belief that God is sovereign and has a plan and purpose for the world and humanity.
Application of CWV Principles in Healthcare Organizations
CWV (Christian Worldview) principles are rooted in the belief that all things in life, including healthcare, should be approached with a God-centered perspective. Firstly, healthcare organizations that apply CWV principles prioritize the sanctity of human life (Pocock et al., 2018). CWV principles dictate that all individuals, regardless of their physical or mental state, are made in the image of God and are, therefore, inherently valuable. This means that healthcare organizations must prioritize the preservation of life, even when it is difficult or costly to do so. This includes providing life-saving treatments and palliative care to patients who are terminally ill or in critical condition. Secondly, healthcare organizations that apply CWV principles strongly emphasize patient-centered care (Litwin et al., 2019). This means that healthcare professionals prioritize the needs and preferences of their patients above all else. This includes treating patients with compassion, empathy, and respect and taking the time to understand their unique medical histories and concerns. In addition, healthcare organizations that apply CWV principles understand that patients have spiritual and emotional and physical needs, and they seek to address these needs through holistic care.
Thirdly, healthcare organizations that apply CWV principles strive to maintain high ethical and moral standards. This includes upholding the biblical principles of honesty, integrity, and accountability in all aspects of healthcare practice (Fute et al., 2022). Healthcare professionals who adhere to these principles will always act in the best interests of their patients and will never compromise their moral or ethical standards, even in challenging situations. Finally, healthcare organizations that apply CWV principles recognize the importance of faith and spirituality in the healing process (Caballero, 2018). Ill or injured patients often experience fear, anxiety, and emotional distress. Healthcare organizations that apply CWV principles seek to address these issues by providing spiritual support and counseling to patients and their families. This can include prayer, scripture reading, pastoral care, support groups, and other resources that help patients find comfort and hope in their faith. Healthcare organizations that apply CWV principles prioritize the sanctity of human life, patient-centered care, ethical and moral standards, and spiritual support and counseling. These principles can help healthcare professionals provide compassionate, effective care that addresses their patients’ physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.