Spirituality in Health Care Personal Worldview
Young and Koopsen, (2011) are of the opinion that a personal worldview refers to a set of beliefs that informs an individual’s comprehension of the meaning of life, the universe and all things that exist on it. An individual’s worldview is also a comprehensive explanation of the philosophy of life that includes the physical and sociological ideologies. Personally, my worldview is that all human beings are creations of God and have the moral obligation of adoring Him since it is through Him that all life transcends. Consequently, this brings me to the notion of spirituality and factors that affect it. In essence, these aspects are the central ideas of this discussion, which seeks to explain my personal worldview about the same. Additionally, it takes consideration of James Sire’s seven questions that are vital in revealing the one’s worldview.
Spirituality, Pluralism, Scientism and Post-modernism
Spirituality refers to deep as well as personal fears and aspiration about life that informs worldview (Cobb, Puchalski, & Rumbold, 2012). Human beings have spiritual needs that are essential in ensuring that they are comfortable with the life led. Spirituality thus is of the essence in nursing since it has a constant emphasis on providing holistic care to the patient. Moreover, there is an association of positive outcomes of health care whenever one receives adequate spiritual care from medical professionals. Such is the case due to the relief effect afforded by the spiritual care offered to a patient. Besides, there is a tendency to rely upon spiritual-based interventions in health care since evidence shows that they provide good coping skills to the patient and speeds up his/her recovery (Cobb, Puchalski, & Rumbold, 2012).
Despite its importance in the medical practice, catering for spiritual needs faces challenges of scientism and postmodernism. The two factors give no room to the philosophical concept of pluralism, which is central to the appreciating of other people’s spiritual viewpoints. Firstly, scientism is a terminology used to define the notion that knowledge about a particular thing does not owe its reason for existence to the scientific methods. In this case, one’s spiritual beliefs are unacceptable because they have no tangible proof that science offers in explanation of the phenomenon (Cobb, Puchalski, & Rumbold, 2012). In medicine, this is very common since it quickly rejects the vitality of spiritual models in the attainment of well-being because of lack of scientific explanation.
On the other hand, post-modernism relates to the notion that the term truth is invalid, as it has no place in this way of thinking. The postmodernists guarantee no absolutes and the fact is replaceable with one’s opinion and social power. It further prescribes that all lifestyles and beliefs are equally legitimate (Cobb, Puchalski, & Rumbold, 2012). An ideology of this kind is inaccurate in my opinion since it brings to question the value of living or to fight for something in this life.
In my opinion, the two philosophical aspects avoid the use of ethical reason, which is an essential element of human decision-making. Therefore, I recommend and live by the philosophical concept of pluralism. It prescribes an all-inclusive consideration of different views, beliefs, and cultures (Cobb, Puchalski, & Rumbold, 2012). Such a notion is in line with my Christian perspective that all humans are equal in the eyes of the Lord.
Seven Questions of Exploring Personal Worldview
To explore a personal worldview, James Sire came up with seven questions that would assist in achieving this function. The first question seeks to establish what prime reality means (Denholm, 2011). My prime reality is that God exists and His image resembles mine since all human beings inclusive of me are in His image.
Secondly, I must answer the question relating to the meaning of nature in my pursuit to establish my ideology about the world (Denholm, 2011). Personally, I hold the viewpoint that nature is everything that surrounds me and it owes its existence to God as opposed to the scientific notion that it is not a product of creation.
Furthermore, the third question relates to the definition of a human being (Denholm, 2011). My assumption is that a human being is anyone that has the image of God. Such a worldview is unpopular among scientists who hold that human evolved.
Also, as a person, I should seek to understand what happens at death to equally demonstrate my worldview (Denholm, 2011). On this subject, I am of the belief that there is life after death for a life well lived on earth. On the contrary, I believe that hell is the destination for all that had led a life of sin.
Additionally, investigating the reasons as to why it is possible for not knowing anything at all is central to informing my view of the world (Denholm, 2011). Since I believe in God, my rationality about issues and knowledge is dependent on Him because He is the beginning of all wisdom and knowledge.
Besides, explanation of how one knows what is right or wrong is the another question that I must answer in distinguishing my worldview (Denholm, 2011). My distinction of the same is solely through the revelation made by God whose good character prescribes what is right in His eyes.
Lastly, to establish my worldview it is a requirement that I define the term human history (Denholm, 2011). According to me, finding out the meaning of human history is only achievable through the discovery and accomplishing God’s purpose.
Conclusion
Overall, my personal worldview is that of a Christian, who cherishes pluralism and trusts in God for His provisions. Such is the case given my inclination on Christianity to inform my answers of the seven fundamental worldview questions. Answering such questions is of the essence for all people seeking to establish their worldview. However, their utilization should be with caution since they not necessarily imply one’s worldview.
References
Cobb, M., Puchalski, C., & Rumbold, B. (2012). Oxford textbook of spirituality in healthcare (1st ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Denholm, J. (2011). Talking about ethics (1st ed.). Brunswick East, Vic.: Acorn Press.
Young, C. & Koopsen, C. (2011). Spirituality, health, and healing (1st ed.). Sudbury, Mass.: Jones and Bartlett.
