1 Assessment Description
The four principles, especially in the context of bioethics in the United States, has often been critiqued for raising the principle of autonomy to the highest place, such that it trumps all other principles or values. How would you rank the importance of each of the four principles? How do you believe they would be ordered in the context of the Christian biblical narrative? Refer to the topic Resources in your response.
2 Assessment Description
What do the four parts of the Christian biblical narrative (i.e., creation, fall, redemption, and restoration) say about the nature of God and of reality in relation to the reality of sickness and disease? From where would one find comfort and hope in the light of illness according to this narrative? Explain in detail each part of the narrative above and analyze the implications.
Expert Solution Preview
1. Ranking the Importance of the Four Principles:
In the context of bioethics in the United States, the four principles – autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice – are considered fundamental ethical guidelines. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the order of importance among them.
Autonomy, often emphasized as the foremost principle in the United States, upholds the importance of an individual’s right to make decisions about their own body and healthcare. It recognizes and respects the personal autonomy and self-determination of patients.
Beneficence focuses on the duty to act in the best interest of the patient and to actively promote their well-being. It emphasizes the responsibility of healthcare professionals to provide care that brings about positive outcomes for the patient.
Nonmaleficence, the principle of “do no harm,” requires healthcare providers to avoid causing harm or inflicting unnecessary suffering on their patients. This principle aims to prevent harm and minimize the risks associated with medical interventions.
Justice addresses the fair distribution of resources, treatments, and opportunities in healthcare. It aims to ensure equal access to healthcare services and to eliminate discrimination, promoting fairness and equality in healthcare.
Ranking the importance of these principles is subjective and can vary based on cultural, religious, and philosophical perspectives. In the context of the Christian biblical narrative, the order of importance might differ.
2. Understanding the Christian Biblical Narrative and its Implications on Sickness and Disease:
The Christian biblical narrative consists of four key parts: creation, fall, redemption, and restoration. Each part sheds light on the nature of God, the reality of sickness and disease, and provides a source of comfort and hope in the face of illness.
Creation illustrates that God is the ultimate creator and the source of all life. It reveals that God originally created a perfect world without sickness or disease. In this state, humans lived in harmony with God, each other, and all of creation.
The fall introduces the reality of sin and its consequences. It explains that as a result of human disobedience, the perfect relationship between God and humanity was broken. Sickness, disease, and death entered the world as part of the fallen condition. This narrative recognizes that sickness and disease are not part of God’s original design but a consequence of human brokenness.
Redemption highlights God’s plan to restore humanity to a right relationship with Him. It centers around the person of Jesus Christ, who, through his life, death, and resurrection, offers forgiveness, healing, and hope. Jesus’ ministry on earth included numerous instances of healing the sick, demonstrating God’s desire for wholeness and restoration.
Restoration refers to the future state where God will ultimately eliminate sickness, disease, and suffering. The Christian belief in the second coming of Christ includes the hope of a renewed creation, free from the effects of sin, where sickness and disease will no longer exist.
According to the Christian narrative, comfort and hope can be found in the assurance that God is present in times of illness and suffering. Believers find solace knowing that God empathizes with their pain and provides comfort through His love and the support of a faith community. Additionally, the promise of ultimate restoration brings hope for complete healing and the eradication of sickness and disease.
Analyzing the implications, this narrative emphasizes the interconnectedness of the spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects of human beings. It encourages healthcare professionals to approach patients holistically, recognizing their inherent dignity and worth, and providing care that addresses not only the physical ailment but also the emotional and spiritual needs. Furthermore, it calls for a compassionate and empathetic approach to patients, acknowledging their suffering and affirming their hope in God’s ultimate healing and restoration.
