Imago Dei
mago Dei is a theological term that directly translates to the ‘image of God’. It has its roots in the Bible, Genesis 1: 27, which says ‘God created man in his own image.’ The phrase is a reminder to Christians that their moral, spiritual, and intellectual nature is modeled after God’s own and that they, therefore, mirror God’s divinity on earth. It is also used to help Christians mend their ways since immoral practices do not exactly mirror God’s nature. As such, Christians always strive to portray a good image. Also, if human beings can only love God if they love fellow people and treat them equally. Moreover, the term is used to display God’s self-actualization through, and care for, mankind. This is because He gave human beings special qualities through which His plans and purposes would be realized.
This concept is important in healthcare since medical professionals are obligated to treat all patients as humanly as possible. Imago Dei advocates for recognizing and upholding human good and flourishing (Cherry, 2017). Doctors should, therefore, ensure that they do not judge or discriminate against the patients at their care. The awareness that a sick person is made in the likeness of God drives caregivers to offer unconditional care keeping in mind the sanctity of life. Also, patients recognize caregivers as made in the likeness of God and, where possible, make it easier for the caregivers to do their work. Further, in possessing intellectual properties that resemble God’s, human beings can come up with cures for different diseases and treat sick people. This ability to cater to sick people and restore them to health mirrors God’s abilities.
References
Cherry, M. J. (2017). Created in the Image of God: Bioethical Implications of the Imago Dei. Non-Ecumenical Studies in Medical Morality.