Sample Answer for PHI 413V Topic 4 Discussion: Death, Dying, and Grief Included After Question
PHI 413V Topic 4 Discussion: Death, Dying, and Grief
PHI 413V Topic 4 Discussion: Death, Dying, and Grief
Description
Objectives:
1. Explain the meaning and significance of death in light of the Christian narrative and the hope of resurrection.
2. Analyze end-of-life issues.
Practicing Dignity: An Introduction to Christian Values and Decision-Making in Health Care
Description:
Read Chapters 4 from Practicing Dignity.
Euthanasia
Description:
Read “Euthanasia,” by Wells, Frey, and Cataldo, from Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health (2013).
Optional – Topic 4: Optional Study Materials
Description:
For additional information, see the “Topic 4: Optional Study Materials” that are recommended.
Description:
The practice of health care providers at all levels brings you into contact with people from a variety of faiths. This calls for knowledge and understanding of a diversity of faith expressions; for the purpose of this course, the focus will be on the Christian worldview.
Based on “Case Study: End of Life Decisions,” the Christian worldview, and the worldview questions presented in the required topic study materials you will complete an ethical analysis of George’s situation and his decision from the perspective of the Christian worldview.
Provide a 1,500-2,000-word ethical analysis while answering the following questions:
1. How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the fallenness of the world?
2. How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the hope of resurrection?
3. As George contemplates life with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), how would the Christian worldview inform his view about the value of his life as a person?
4. What sorts of values and considerations would the Christian worldview focus on in deliberating about whether or not George should opt for euthanasia?
5. Given the above, what options would be morally justified in the Christian worldview for George and why?
6. Based on your worldview, what decision would you make if you were in George’s situation?
Remember to support your responses with the topic study materials.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is required.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the LopesWrite Technical Support articles for assistance.
Topic 4 DQ 1
Description:
How often do you engage with or witness death in your work? How has this experience or the lack of it shaped your view of death? Has it gotten easier or harder for you to accept the fact of death? As you explain, include your clinical specialty.
Topic 4 DQ 2
Description:
Reflect on the analysis of the sin of suicide and, thus, euthanasia from the topic readings. Do you agree? Why or why not? Refer to the lecture and topic readings in your response.
As we begin this session, I would like to take this opportunity to clarify my expectations for this course:
Please note that GCU Online weeks run from Thursday (Day 1) through Wednesday (Day 7).
Course Room Etiquette:
- It is my expectation that all learners will respect the thoughts and ideas presented in the discussions.
- All postings should be presented in a respectful, professional manner. Remember – different points of view add richness and depth to the course!
Office Hours:
- My office hours vary so feel free to shoot me an email at Kelly.[email protected] or my office phone is 602.639.6517 and I will get back to you within one business day or as soon as possible.
- Phone appointments can be scheduled as well. Send me an email and the best time to call you, along with your phone number to make an appointment.
- I welcome all inquiries and questions as we spend this term together. My preference is that everyone utilizes the Questions to Instructor forum. In the event your question is of a personal nature, please feel free to post in the Individual Questions for Instructor forum I will respond to all posts or emails within 24 or sooner.
Late Policy and Grading Policy
Discussion questions:
- I do not mark off for late DQ’s.
- I would rather you take the time to read the materials and respond to the DQ’s in a scholarly way, demonstrating your understanding of the materials.
- I will not accept any DQ submissions after day 7, 11:59 PM (AZ Time) of the week.
- Individual written assignments – due by 11:59 PM AZ Time Zone on the due dates indicated for each class deliverable.
Assignments:
- Assignments turned in after their specified due dates are subject to a late penalty of -10%, each day late, of the available credit. Please refer to the student academic handbook and GCU policy.
- Any activity or assignment submitted after the due date will be subject to GCU’s late policy
- Extenuating circumstances may justify exceptions, which are at my sole discretion. If an extenuating circumstance should arise, please contact me privately as soon as possible.
- No assignments can be accepted for grading after midnight on the final day of class.
- All assignments will be graded in accordance with the Assignment Grading Rubrics
Participation
- Participation in each week’s Discussion Board forum accounts for a large percentage of your final grade in this course.
- Please review the Course Syllabus for a comprehensive overview of course deliverables and the value associated with each.
- It is my expectation that each of you will substantially contribute to the course discussion forums and respond to the posts of at least three other learners.
- A substantive post should be at least 200 words. Responses such as “great posts” or “I agree” do not meet the active engagement expectation.
- Please feel free to draw on personal examples as you develop your responses to the Discussion Questions but you do need to demonstrate your understanding of the materials.
- I do expect outside sources as well as class materials to formulate your post.
- APA format is not necessary for DQ responses, but I do expect a proper citation for references.
- Please use peer-related journals found through the GCU library and/or class materials to formulate your answers. Do not try to “Google” DQ’s as I am looking for class materials and examples from the weekly materials.
- I will not accept responses that are from Wikipedia, Business dictionary.com, or other popular business websites. You will not receive credit for generic web searches – this does not demonstrate graduate-level research.
- Stay away from the use of personal pronouns when writing. As a graduate student, you are expected to write based on research and gathering of facts. Demonstrating your understanding of the materials is what you will be graded on. You will be marked down for lack of evidence to support your ideas.
Plagiarism
- Plagiarism is the act of claiming credit for another’s work, accomplishments, or ideas without appropriate acknowledgment of the source of the information by including in-text citations and references.
- This course requires the utilization of APA format for all course deliverables as noted in the course syllabus.
- Whether this happens deliberately or inadvertently, whenever plagiarism has occurred, you have committed a Code of Conduct violation.
- Please review your LopesWrite report prior to final submission.
- Every act of plagiarism, no matter the severity, must be reported to the GCU administration (this includes your DQ’s, posts to your peers, and your papers).
Plagiarism includes:
- Representing the ideas, expressions, or materials of another without due credit.
- Paraphrasing or condensing ideas from another person’s work without proper citation and referencing.
- Failing to document direct quotations without proper citation and referencing.
- Depending upon the amount, severity, and frequency of the plagiarism that is committed, students may receive in-class penalties that range from coaching (for a minor omission), -20% grade penalties for resubmission, or zero credit for a specific assignment. University-level penalties may also occur, including suspension or even expulsion from the University.
- If you are at all uncertain about what constitutes plagiarism, you should review the resources available in the Student Success Center. Also, please review the University’s policies about plagiarism which are covered in more detail in the GCU Catalog and the Student Handbook.
- We will be utilizing the GCU APA Style Guide 7th edition located in the Student Success Center > The Writing Center for all course deliverables.
LopesWrite
- All course assignments must be uploaded to the specific Module Assignment Drop Box, and also submitted to LopesWrite every week.
- Please ensure that your assignment is uploaded to both locations under the Assignments DropBox. Detailed instructions for using LopesWrite are located in the Student Success Center.
Assignment Submissions
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- I can open Word files or any file that is saved with a .rtf (Rich Text Format) extension. I am unable to open .wps files.
- If you are using a “.wps” word processor, please save your files using the .rtf extension that is available from the drop-down box before uploading your files to the Assignment Drop Box.
Grade of Incomplete
- The final grade of Incomplete is granted at the discretion of the instructor; however, students must meet certain specific criteria before this grade accommodation is even possible to consider.
- The grade of Incomplete is reserved for times when students experience a serious extenuating circumstance or a crisis during the last week of class which prevents the completion of course requirements before the close of the grading period. Students also must pass the course at the time the request is made.
- Please contact me personally if you are having difficulties in meeting course requirements or class deadlines during our time together. In addition, if you are experiencing personal challenges or difficulties, it is best to contact the Academic Counselor so that you can discuss the options that might be available to you, as well as each option’s academic and financial repercussions.
Grade Disputes
- If you have any questions about a grade you have earned on an individual assignment or activity, please get in touch with me personally for further clarification.
- While I have made every attempt to grade you fairly, on occasion a misunderstanding may occur, so please allow me the opportunity to learn your perspective if you believe this has occurred. Together, we should be able to resolve grading issues on individual assignments.
- However, after we have discussed individual assignments’ point scores, if you still believe that the final grade you have earned at the end of the course is not commensurate with the quality of work you produced for this class, there is a formal Grade Grievance procedure which is outlined in the GCU Catalog and Student Handbook.
PHI 413V Topic 4 Discussion: Death, Dying, and Grief Grading Rubric Guidelines
| Performance Category | 10 | 9 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Scholarliness
Demonstrates achievement of scholarly inquiry for professional and academic decisions. |
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| Performance Category | 10 | 9 | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Application of Course Knowledge –
Demonstrate the ability to analyze, synthesize, and/or apply principles and concepts learned in the course lesson and outside readings and relate them to real-life professional situations |
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| Performance Category | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Interactive Dialogue
Replies to each graded thread topic posted by the course instructor, by Wednesday, 11:59 p.m. MT, of each week, and posts a minimum of two times in each graded thread, on separate days. (5 points possible per graded thread) |
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Summarizes what was learned from the lesson, readings, and other student posts for the week. |
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| Minus 1 Point | Minus 2 Point | Minus 3 Point | Minus 4 Point | Minus 5 Point | |
| Grammar, Syntax, APA
Note: if there are only a few errors in these criteria, please note this for the student in as an area for improvement. If the student does not make the needed corrections in upcoming weeks, then points should be deducted. Points deducted for improper grammar, syntax and APA style of writing. The source of information is the APA Manual 6th Edition |
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| 0 points lost | -5 points lost | ||||
| Total Participation Requirements
per discussion thread |
The student answers the threaded discussion question or topic on one day and posts a second response on another day. | The student does not meet the minimum requirement of two postings on two different days | |||
| Early Participation Requirement
per discussion thread |
The student must provide a substantive answer to the graded discussion question(s) or topic(s), posted by the course instructor (not a response to a peer), by Wednesday, 11:59 p.m. MT of each week. | The student does not meet the requirement of a substantive response to the stated question or topic by Wednesday at 11:59 pm MT. |
A Sample Answer For the Assignment: PHI 413V Topic 4 Discussion: Death, Dying, and Grief
Title: PHI 413V Topic 4 Discussion: Death, Dying, and Grief
Abstract
Based on the Christian narrative, George should believe that all humanity disobeyed God when a man allowed the devil to entice him, leading to the original sin. Humanity became enslaved to evil, and suffering and death are the ultimate results of the original sin and the world’s subsequent fallenness. However, the Christian worldview seeks a motivational approach to ethics and Godly thinking that gives man hope and confidence for an eternal future where there will be no suffering. The Christian worldview is based on an overall structure that shapes religion, social and natural science, and humanities and art that apply to life. In this case, the study on George shows the need for Christian to link all their suffering and pain to past sins but hope that through redemption and resurrection of Christ, they will get eternal life. Those with terminal conditions like George need to hope in God and not take away their lives due to suffering.
End of Life Decisions
Health care services providers require cultural competence to help them navigate the spiritual, religious, cultural, and social needs of patients and their families. Death and dying are some of the cultural and social issues that health care providers, especially nurses, must deal with in their clinical practice. The nature of death entails deep religious and philosophical questions. Euthanasia is a controversial matter in bioethics. Christians and different cultures view death, and issues like euthanasia differently (Saybey, 2016). While the increased rate of interfaith and intercultural marriage demonstrates that individuals have learned to accommodate some cultural beliefs, death and dying remain delicate matters that require careful balancing of health care ethics and biomedical decisions and need to comply with cultural needs (Freitas & Zhang, 2019). Given these issues, the following paper analyzes George’s case study, a patient diagnosed with the degenerative amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that leads to loss of the ability to speak, eat, move, and breathe before one dies. The paper analyzes George’s imminent death and the ethical perspective of euthanasia based on the Christian worldview.
George’s Interpretation of his Suffering in Christian Narrative with Emphasis on Fallenness of the World
When people decide to get a medical intervention to health care problems they have, they may lose their beliefs based on the issues’ nature. Patients may not conform blindly to their diagnoses and treatment interventions selected by the health care providers. Some may decline the kinds of treatment interventions recommended because their faith may not advocate for such methods. In this case study, George has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which a degenerative condition that is slowly but surely killing him. Unfortunately, George understands the situation and the things that will happen to him before his eventual demise by succumbing to this condition. George decides to seek voluntary euthanasia, which is against the Christian worldview.
As a Christian, George needs to interpret his suffering based on man’s fallenness based on the Christian narrative. The fall of man happened in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating the forbidden fruit. Before that happened, man lived without suffering, but after eating the forbidden fruit, the world’s fallenness began, and God separated Himself from the sinful man. The world’s fallenness was the starting point of human suffering. God cursed the earth and snake and pronounced suffering on man forever. Therefore, the world’s fallenness was the beginning of all nightmares, including incurable and chronic conditions like the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis that George is suffering from in this case study.
George should interpret his suffering as the culmination of the original sin where man must suffer from different things, including sicknesses and death. Human beings keep sinning and felling short of God’s will. George may justify his suffering to the sinful nature of human beings. Human beings do not like being subjected to the curse as God pronounced in the Garden of Eden. Human beings have corrupt everything God has given to them and continue to suffer His judgment and pain associated with it. Imperatively, George should console himself that every person has sinned against God and therefore, suffering, including having incurable diseases, is part of human life and experience.
George’s Interpretation of His Suffering with Emphasis on Hope of Resurrection
Christians believe that God creates everything that exists in the world. Further, God sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem men from their sins on condition that they repent. Imperatively, a Christian would view whatever is happening to George as God’s will. Suffering, such as George’s, is intended to bring humanity close to God and make human beings aware that Christ suffered for their sake and redemption. Christian teaching that Jesus died alters the view and experience of death (De Villiers, 2016). Christians acknowledge that death is a tragedy and evil, but Jesus overcame death on the cross by resurrecting on the third day. Therefore, Christians advance that death is a defeated enemy, and through Christ, human beings have the hope of defeating it and rising again on the second coming of Jesus. According to the Christian narrative, God continually redeems the broken and will save human beings from death. As such, Christians and human beings should be close to God and live according to His will.
Perceiving suffering as God’s will help Christians remain steadfast in their beliefs, faith, and trust in God (Saybey, 2016). The implication is that they become more assertive in their faith. When Christians believe that suffering may be a result of past sins, they have an opportunity to go before God and repent their sins and mend their relationship. The implication is that God is an orderly being as He allows suffering to make human beings turn back to Him from their sinful ways and experience His abundant love.
While some people may consider suffering as punishment, George needs to look at it from a repentance perspective and know that he can repent his sins, seek forgiveness, and understand God’s will and plan. Suffering because of the disease may not be a punishment but an opportunity for George to hope for resurrection after death (De Villiers, 2016). God has a great love for humanity, and these reasons should help George increase his belief in God that his sins will be forgiven, and his suffering will end after death. George has the hope that he will rise again on the second coming of Jesus Christ.
Christian Worldview on Value of His Life as a Person
According to the Christian worldview, life is a precious gift from God, and no one, irrespective of their health condition, should devalue their life (Freitas & Zhang, 2019). George should view his life as precious and gift from God even amid the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The implication is that George and even those close to him should not think of taking life away. According to the Christian worldview, even with the severe disease, George should endure the pain and experiences linked to the condition. A painful encounter like the one he has should not make an individual decide to end their life (De Villiers, 2016). The Christian narrative advances that human beings should hold on to their faith even during painful moments, and suffering should be taken positive despite its destabilizing nature (Boaheng, 2020).
George needs to understand that he is still a valuable person even as he battles a disabling and devastating condition like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Life is a gift from God, and due to the entry of sin into the world, suffering is a component of each person’s life. Therefore, George needs to know that life is still valuable to God, and in Him who has a reason to allow George to experience and endure the disease. George should try to figure out what God is teaching him through his diagnosis and utilize his present condition and life to give God glory. George needs to persevere in his painful suffering and respect the gift of life and value as a person. He must uphold the Christian value of life as God’s gift that is invaluable and cannot be taken away.
Values and Considerations from a Christian Worldview on Euthanasia
The question about euthanasia is whether the practice is right or wrong. What is clear is that George has ALS, and no chances exist for him to return to his everyday life. His life may end anytime between now and anywhere in the next ten years. While this is the reality and he opts for euthanasia, the Christian worldview cannot let George go for his decision. Christians believe that human life bears the image of God, and no person, irrespective of their amount of suffering and humiliation from a condition or disease, have the right to terminate their life (Boaheng, 2020). The intrinsic value of life, autonomy, and community relatedness should be considered positively and allow human beings to lead and sustain life. Christians follow God’s ten commandments, and the Sixth Commandment is explicit that one should not kill. Therefore, committing suicide or assisting an individual to commit suicide would be going against God’s commandment.
George should not be afraid of death since Jesus Christ died on the cross and underwent severe suffering and humiliation. Jesus asked if it is God’s will to take away the cup of suffering. However, God did not because it was His plan. Therefore, George needs to understand that God allows people to suffer like Job, who lost everything, including his health, except his soul that God instructed the devil not to touch. George may suffer physical and emotional pain, but he needs to know that his soul is protected from suffering by God, just like he protected Job and Jesus Christ. Suffering allows man to develop a close and intimate relationship with God, and in this case, God wants George to get closer to Him.
According to Meilaender (2013), anticipations concerning life and death significantly determine how individuals accept the possibility of death. Suppose Christians perceive that everything, particularly suffering and death, is according to God’s will and the final hope of life through Jesus’s death and resurrection. In that case, they can be assured of God’s protection and love (Choundry et al., 2018). As such, George should consider his life and sickness as based on God’s working and will. Moreover, God has a purpose and reason for our lives, irrespective of the dilapidating conditions that one may encounter or experience, right from disease to death.
Morally Justified Option for George from the Christian Worldview
George needs to understand that Christianity does not support euthanasia and even certain cultures and religions like Buddhism and Islam. The morally justified choices or options for George from a Christian perspective are broad and encouraging. Firstly, Christianity supports the idea of offering George natural care that would allow him to lead a quality life in his last days. Christianity endorses the use of conventional medical and health care interventions and drugs (De Villiers, 2016). For instance, George can seek palliative or hospice care to allow him to manage the pain and any devastating effects of the condition that may impair his abilities from the early beginning. The use of medical intervention would help George to concentrate on his life and carry out certain activities. The moral option is to allow medications to help him manage his condition’s pain and suffering.
George should continue living and never contemplates euthanasia since Christianity does not support it. Christianity values human life, and euthanasia interferes with God’s process and purpose of living and human destiny (Boaheng, 2020). Suffering is part and parcel of ordinary Christian living, and George should accept the pain that he is enduring and will continue to face due to his condition. Christ took his suffering and pain during his crucifixion. Therefore, terminally ill individuals should accept their requirements and make moral decisions that are sound and not influenced by other worldviews.
My Decision if in George’s Condition
George’s diagnosis is threatening and complex to understand, especially its degenerative nature. However, it is emotional to watch a person wreath in pain due to an incurable medical condition with no known remedies. In this case, one can lose hope and seek quick solutions. I believe that it would be a difficult decision for anyone to make if in George’s situation. The implication is that deciding life and death is emotionally draining and requires a robust attitude. Based on the disease’s degenerative nature, I would opt for palliative care or hospice with the hope that God always intervenes and corrects situations. Miracles are bound, and it is not acceptable to condemn oneself because of a medical condition. Therefore, as a Christian, I would not opt for euthanasia or assisted suicide but go for medical interventions and hope that God will intervene.
Conclusion
The Christian worldview considers life as a precious gift from God, and He alone has the power to take it away. Suffering and pain are part of God’s plan to bring human beings close to Him. Human beings should accept suffering and hurt as part of God’s plan. George needs to get his condition and seek morally justified solutions or medical interventions instead of euthanasia. George needs to know that diseases and conditions are not permanent but can be cured through miracles and placing one’s hope in God. Besides, there is life after death through the second coming of Jesus. Therefore, nurses and other healthcare providers need to understand different worldviews to resolve any ethical and cultural dilemmas they may face in providing care to patients.
References
Boaheng, I. (2020). The Doctrine of Imago Dei and the challenge of euthanasia. E-Journal of
Religious and Theological Studies (ERATS), 6(3): 158-168.
Choundry, M., Latif, A. & Warburton, K. G. (2018). An overview of the spiritual importance of
end-of-life care among the five major faiths of the United Kingdom. Clinical Medicine, 18(1): 23-31.
De Villiers, E. D. (2016). May Christians request medically assisted suicide and euthanasia?
HTS Theological Studies, 72 (4).
Freitas, E. & Zhang, G. (2019). Exploration of Patients’ Spiritual/Religious Beliefs and
Resuscitation Decisions. Hawaii Journal of Health & Social Welfare, 78(7): 216-222.
Meilaender, G. (2013). Bioethics: A Primer for Christians, 3rd Edition. Michigan: Eerdmans.
Saybey, B. (2016). Definitions of death: brain death and what matters in a person. Journal of
Law & Bioscience, 3(3), 743–752.