Christian Perspective of Nature of Spirituality and Ethics in Contrast to Postmodern Relativism with Health Care

Christian Perspective of Nature of Spirituality and Ethics in Contrast to Postmodern Relativism with Health Care

Spirituality is a critical concept in care provision as it implores providers to implement holistic care. At its core, spirituality denotes the recognition of a feeling, sense or belief that there is something bigger than self, something beyond the human and sensory experience and that the greater whole of which individuals are part is diving or cosmic in nature. For Christians, spirituality has its foundation on knowledge of God and always seeking to understand one’s purpose for their existence in relation to God’s plan. Christianity exalts spirituality as the basis of finding one’s purpose and meaning in life when the individual gets connected to God.

Ethics denote to the moral principles that guide one’s behavior or conduct of any activity by distinguishing between good and bad, right and wrong. Again, Christians draw their ethical foundation from God as the moral and spiritual being who has a purpose for all people yet remain beyond our understanding. The implication is that the Christian perspective of the nature of spirituality and ethics is based on biblical teachings of God as the absolute source of life and truth for all people (Domingo-Osle & Domingo, 2020).  As such, spirituality in Christianity implies that one has the ability to call upon God to provide direction and help understand one’s condition at certain times, especially when afflicted with disease conditions. The spiritual and ethical aspects of Christianity advance that God allows individuals to get tested so that they can be closer to him. The example of Job in the bible demonstrates that spirituality and ethics are guided by God’s teachings and aimed at ensuring that individuals remain alert to avoid evil and suffering in the world.

While Christianity has its foundation in God as the author of truth and positive attributes in life, postmodern relativism asserts that truth and reality do not have a certain some. Postmodern relativism is categorical that truth is relative and depends on one’s position at such moments. The model suggests that nothing is absolute and truth is only subjective. As such, healthcare providers, especially nurses need to understand the conception of spirituality and ethics in both Christianity and for those who believe postmodern relativism so that they can reach better care decisions.