Christian Perspective of the Nature of Spirituality and Ethics vs Perspective of Postmodern Relativism Within Health Care
Christians believe that God exists as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They further argue that God is a supernatural being that exists in different forms that are beyond human beings’ understanding. Despite others’ perception that the only way to obtain information from the world is through science, many believe that everything present in the world was created and is sustained by God. This information is more of a relative idea that should be researched and the truth established. As aforementioned, Christians believe that what human beings possess today such as wisdom was given by God. In nursing, an individual’s whole body reflects God’s love, thereby the profession requires that a patient should be treated with respect. God created human beings in His image and willingness (Puchalski, 2001). As opposed to the Christian perspective, the concept of postmodern relativism suggests that only personal purposes exist rather than the truth. The perspective brings out the idea that fact is invented rather than being discovered. An example of these perspectives in an argument is when people try to assert what is morally right or wrong. Christians believe that killing someone is inhuman, which seems more of a subjective idea as their religion of Christianity does not allow people to choose if the opinion is right or wrong (Orr, 2015). Furthermore, postmodern relativism continues to argue that the lives of human beings are not important than those of other living organisms such as insects and animals, therefore the life of all living things should be respected. Considering these facts, it would be difficult for a nurse to work in a health facility where the truth is limited and murder might not be considered wrong.
Part 2
Scientism and the Two of the Main Arguments About the Concept
Scientism states that only science can be used to critique everything or various situations around the world. Those who follow this idea often tend to believe and worship the need to use science in explaining everything. Scientism involves identifying the observables and variables, and it largely differs from the perception of those who believe in religion as they always seek information through traditions that may have passed in many generations (Burnett, n.d.). This implies that scientism is fully built on the opinion that human beings can only acquire knowledge through the use of science, rather than using traditions that may be passed in many generations.
According to supporters of scientism, there is no life after death implying that death marks the end of life for an individual. They also believe that scientific evidence does not exist after death. The concept associates the knowledge an individual possesses with human reasoning and experimental method. Thus, once a person dies, he or she does not possess knowledge. Those who believe in religion argue that there is life after death. Christians assert that there is a supernatural being, God, who controls human beings and that science is unable to test His powers. Science tends to move away from beliefs on supernatural powers. Instead, it focuses on what human beings can see and physically appreciate. Although some factors are difficult to prove scientifically, scientism must understand and integrate all kinds of faith and beliefs into the concept.
Most people today consider reincarnation as a way of doing away with the dead. Although reincarnation has not yet been proven to be the most effective way of doing away with the dead, it has got support from the scientists and Christians. It is worth mentioning that not all things can be scientifically proven, but some have just to be accepted by faith. Thus, religion should not limit human beings but should allow them to be flexible in choosing between what they believe is morally right or wrong.
Part 3
Ultimate Reality
From a personal perspective, ultimate reality is all about an individual having God in his or her life. I believe that God created everything on earth and controls humans’ lives. Besides, God gives us the freedom to live as we desire. Despite this, God expects humans to live by and follow the commandments in the bible and always pray. According to Deuteronomy 10:19-20, God asks human beings to choose a life they desire to live and enjoy it. In this verse, the earth and heaven act like witnesses against the life choices that human beings would certainly make to either to enter to life or death. Based on the verse, our lives are being controlled by a supernatural being, God, who has strong powers. Without strong faith, humans can hardly understand who God is.
Nature of the Universe
I believe that the nature of the universe is associated with ultimate reality. I believe that God created everything in the world including human beings in six days. God then asked human beings to procreate to fill the earth with children and grandchildren. God also asked those who believe in Him to spread His message to generation after generation. I believe that the universe is an open world where everyone engages in various activities that they are willing to including divine intervention. This has led to beliefs that could not exist in a closed world. I suppose God created the world to accommodate all living organisms He had created and made up gases and water that could sustain them.
Human Being
Human beings are the most evolved earth’s inhabitants. They are a product of time and chance like other living organisms. However, they have higher information quotient than other living organisms. God created human beings to take care of everything He had created.
Knowledge
Knowledge is what an individual masters and how effectively he or she uses it in the future. My definition considers all the information that people gather form gather from birth, education, experience and what pushes them in their daily lives. However, the level of knowledge varies amongst individuals based on one’s exposure and economic status.
Basis for Ethics
I believe that ethics is defined by the moral values we do learn from our parents or guardians. The moral values tend to restrict us to what is right or wrong. Ethics put some humanity on us, and the concept guides the world. Ethics is not only the guidelines we follow in our lives, but it is also about what society needs from us.
Purpose of Existence
The purpose of the existence of every individual is to achieve a certain objective in life such as to fulfill their potential. We all exist to serve a purpose and that is to serve God and follow His commandments. God requires us to procreate and spread His message to our children and grandchildren. My purpose of existence is to serve the less fortunate persons within society. Every individual ought to identify their reasons for existence and serve it them fully.
References
Burnett, T. (n.d.). What is Scientism? Retrieved from https://www.aaas.org/programs/dialogue-science-ethics-and-religion/what-scientism
Orr, R. D. (2015). Incorporating spirituality into patient care. AMA journal of ethics, 17(5), 409-415. Retrieved from https://journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/incorporating-spirituality-patient-care/2015-05
Puchalski, C. M. (2001, October). The role of spirituality in health care. In Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings (Vol. 14, No. 4, pp. 352-357). Taylor & Francis. Retrieved from https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/08998280.2001.11927788