Image of God Free Essays

string(62) " ways and the Grace of God shines through in many situations\." Christianity has been interpreted in many ways by different theologians and lay people. As much as this subject is studied there continues to be an ongoing differing of opinions relating to what it means to be created in the image of God. However, even with the differing of opinions, Christian faith is based on the central belief that Jesus is the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit and that his life on earth, his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension into heaven are proof of God’s love for humanity. We will write a custom essay sample on Image of God or any similar topic only for you Order Now infoplease. com, 2010). Although Christian beliefs are based on the New Testament, Christianity still views the Old Testament as a very important part of its faith and uses it often in reference and teaching. This paper will first discuss what it means to be created in the image of God as it pertains to my opinion and second how my beliefs on this subject are incorporated into my nursing practice. Man in God’s Image â€Å"The most distinctive feature of the biblical understanding of man is the teaching that man has been created in the image of God†. Hoekema, 1986). The bible refers to man being made in God’s image in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. In the Old Testament, the book of Genesis references man being made in God’s image in the Creation Story, in explanation of the generations of Adam to Noah and also again in the Covenant With Noah. Genesis: 1:26-28; 5:1-3 and 9:6. The New Testament references in many different books that man was made in the likeness of God and also speaks frequently of Jesus as being the perfect man who is made in the image of God. Hoekema states â€Å"Since Christ was totally without sin (Heb 4:15), in Christ we see the image of God in its perfection†. Christian belief follows that man was made in the image of God; however, differing theologians have developed differing theories over the years in regards to what it means to be made in the image of God. Theologian Saint Augustine of Hippo believed that humanity, which was created in the image of God, also had an image of the Trinity within it. He believed that there was evidence of the trinity within the human mind such as love, being, knowing, willing and understanding. (newworldencyclopedia. rg, 2010). According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) â€Å"Of all visible creatures only man is ‘able to know and love his creator’. He is ‘the only creature on earth that God has willed for its own sake’, Man occupies a unique place in creation, he is ‘in the image of God†. God, creator of all life, made man uni que apart from other living things by giving him gifts such as dignity, self-knowledge, self-possession, the ability to commune with others, free will, faith and love. Creation began with Adam and has been passed down to all of humanity which, in turn, results in a unity within humanity. Acts 17:26 states â€Å"He made from one the whole human race to dwell on the entire surface of the earth, and he fixed the ordered seasons and the boundaries of their regions†. Because creation began with Adam, who was created in God’s image, and we are all from Adam, we too are created in God’s image. The question is what does this mean? For some it means, contrary to my personal beliefs, that with the Fall of Adam and the development of sin the image of God in humanity has been destroyed or corrupted. So what does it mean to be created in God’s image? Man was created with definitive differences from other animals. I believe animals are capable of love and all living things possess and innate ability for survival. I also believe that some animals are capable of a higher cognitive reasoning to an extent. For example, both sharks and chimpanzees have been taught to use a higher thought function in turn producing higher cognition. There is life, even within plants, that manifests and grows. However, God gave man a soul that with his body creates a unity. A soul that possesses unique gifts that other living things do not have. God gave man the ability to develop relationships with others and with God himself. I believe that God initially created man for companionship and love. Because of this our Creator has made a never-ending covenant with us and loves us unconditionally. I believe that God created man and woman equally and that the first union is the first representation of communion among humans. I believe that our humanity, made in God’s image, is created good. I believe that although there is sin in all of us, this sin does not corrupt our souls but because of Adam’s original sin, it is now within all of us, not as a personal fault but a flaw of humanity. A â€Å"wounded nature† (CCC). I believe that man is capable of personal sin and does so on a daily basis because of this wounded nature, however, God gave us free will and man has the choice of right and wrong. Unfortunately, since the Fall, man is no longer perfect with a divine likeness and sin is actually a proper state within humanity. Meaning that â€Å"As a result of its original sin, human nature is weakened in its powers; subject to ignorance, suffering, and the domination of death; and inclined to sin†. (CCC). God’s image remains present in us because we are created by God. Good remains present in us because we are created by God. This can be evidenced by seeing humanity helping each other in times of need, seeing love shared in so many forms and present in so many deeds, seeing the overall beauty of humanity that is present even though we live in a world of sin and imperfection. Man remains hopeful in many ways and the Grace of God shines through in many situations. You read "Image of God" in category "Papers" With all of this happening on a continual basis how could one question that man has lost his image of God? Yes, there is evil present in the world, as stated earlier mankind is weakened, only weakened, not distorted and corrupt. Personal Beliefs for Serving those in Need of Healthcare Now that ground has been established for how man is created in God’s image I would like to discuss how I personally not only see this within my nursing practice but also how I use it to provide care to patients. Shelly and Miller state that â€Å"The role of the nurse grew out a Christian understanding of the human person as created in the image of God and viewed the body as a living unity and the ‘temple of the Holy Spirit’ (1 Cor 3:16)†. As a nurse I find that this statement has very a great deal of truth in it. Nurses view the body as a Temple in many ways and assist those in who are not able to care for themselves. I feel that because we are created in God’s image, we should work to take care of ourselves and try to maintain a disease free state. Unfortunately, there are people who do not always share this view; this is where keeping God with us while giving care becomes very important. As nurses, whether it is an advanced practice nurse or a floor staff nurse, we have a desire to care for others. We want to help them return to a functioning state of health, whatever that may be because it differs depending on disease process. However, often times because a person has a chronic disease, he or she does not want to participate in their care or is short tempered with the staff that cares for this person. When this happens it is easy for a nurse to also become defensive and give less of herself to this person. Unfortunately, this happens frequently on busy units and emergency departments. If the nurse is not careful, he or she can become jaded and judgmental developing preconceived notions of patients based olely on the diagnosis or actions from the patient. However, if the nurse keeps God in her mind and close to her heart he or she is able to see the patient in a different light and can care for this patient in their diseased state knowing that we are all children of God and made in his image. In order to take optimal, holistic care of our patients we need to always keep with us that humanity is created in God’s image and that life is a sacred gift that we should respect on all levels no matter who the person is or how he or she may differ from yourself. When I am caring for my patients I try to always be not only sympathetic but empathetic. Being sick is a scary thing and often times the outcomes are unknown at the time of the present illness. Fear of the unknown is one of the most common stressors a person can have. So, if you take the stress of â€Å"not knowing† and combine it with the physical stress of being sick and emotional stress that accompanies not feeling well you can easily see that nurses often take care of patients when they are not only at a suboptimal level physically but also emotionally and often times spiritually. With this in mind one can understand the struggle on both sides of the spectrum; a person is at a place where he or she is requiring care from someone other than themselves. This person is a consumer and knows that he or she is paying for the care that is being received, with this in mind one can see how this can easily be looked at from a business-like perspective meaning basically an exchange of transactions and nothing more. However, in healthcare there is the human aspect that is very unique among business. We are in the business of caring. As nurses we not only know this, we feel this. We see a person in need and provide care for that person, this alone has aspects of the image of God within it. The desire to provide care and love for another being even when this being is not always acting kind or â€Å"doing the right thing† is a grace given to us by God. Jesus, the son of God, the second person of Trinity was a great healer and a caring, loving man. In all four of the Gospels, there are acts of healing documented that Jesus performed. Understanding that Jesus wanted to heal afflictions and help those who could not help themselves and knowing that he did this with kindness and love in his heart keeps me true to my profession and spirituality. Not everyone is blessed with good health and even those who are experience tragic events. Because humanity is a union, created by God and in the image of God, we are called to help one another not only in times of need but on a daily basis. I think that in doing this we strengthen our relationship between each other and with God. As a nurse I keep this in perspective so that I am not only helping my patients but also my patient’s family members, my fellow co-workers, and visitors with anything that I can. It is easy to look at a portion of the picture, but we should always take a few steps back and look at the whole picture. In doing this it helps facilitate not only one area but all areas. Jesus was always able to explain to his apostles the whole of a situation when they asked him questions, looking at a problem as a whole, rather than a portion makes it easier to treat everyone involved, not just one person. God has given humanity many gifts, such as the ones mentioned above. God also gives individuals gifts and graces them with the ability to perform and strengthen the gifts given to them. Although we are made in the image of God, people can differ a great deal. They differ in actions, opinions, thought and feelings this is a gift in itself. As nurses God has granted us with gifts of empathy, compassion, intuition and understanding. As much as nursing is a science it also holds a strong component of intuition and feeling. A patient connects with the nurse at the bedside because of the feelings that they share and experience together. When a nurse and a patient are able to connect on this level relationships are formed and care is given, received and collaborated. This bond that is created is another example of how we are created in God’s image and how we share this with others. Conclusion â€Å"To be created in the image of God means that we must look to God for our meaning, purpose, and direction. It also makes us thinking, willing, feeling, relational creatures who reflect these attributes of our Creator†. Shelly ; Miller, 2006). With this in mind we can all realize that to be created in the image of God is a gift, from a loving, relational God. I feel that if we can keep this thought in perspective, that our life, created in His image, is a gift and remain thankful for this gift we will be able to serve others with God in our hearts and minds. God did not create us to be solitary bein gs. He created us to commune together, to love one another and to help one another. Although our divine likeness has been weakened, it still remains and it is our responsibility to nurture our faith and help it o grow. When we do this we become closer to God and strengthen our bond not only with our love for humanity and the union we share with it but also our bond with God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. When we feel that closeness and strength it helps us to remember that we were created in His image and likeness which in turn helps us to live our faith. References Catholic Church. Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2nd ed. Vatican: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2000. Christianity: Central Beliefs. (2010). Retrieved September 13, 2010, from http://www. infoplease. com/ce6/society/A0857333. tml#ixzz0zQKnLsSt Created in god’s image. (1986). Grand Rapids, MI/Cambridge, UK: William B. Eerdmans. New American Bible, (1991). St. Joseph ed. Catholic book Publishing Corporatio n. New World Encyclopedia Online. (2010). Augustine of Hippo. Retrieved September 13, 2010, from http://www. newworldencyclopedia. org/entry/Augustine_of_Hippo Shelly, J. A. , Miller, A. B. (2006). Called to Care: A Christian Worldview for Nursing. 2nd ed. InterVarsity Press: Downersgrove, IL. What it Means for Humans to be Created in the Image of God THEO/532 September 14, 2010 Brandy Perkins Malone University How to cite Image of God, Papers Image of God Free Essays HB351- Assessment 3 – Essay This essay will explore my own practice perspective as a Christian counsellor; I will look at my own views and approaches to Christian counselling in particular in relation to human nature, abnormality/dysfunction, health, recovery, the therapeutic relationship, the therapeutic process and any essential counselling skills. How different counselling models impact my own Christian worldview, together with an integration of my own personal, scriptural, psychological and multicultural perspective will be included. Human Nature I have chosen in life to see the best in people the positive that we are made in the image of God and therefore if God make us so unique and special than all humans should be valued and respected. We will write a custom essay sample on Image of God or any similar topic only for you Order Now As it is said in the scriptures Genesis 1:27: â€Å"So God created ‘man’ in his own image, in the image of God he created him, male and female, he created them. (NIV Study Bible) I am not naive enough to believe that all people see the world in this light , but living in a fallen world and reflecting of the life of Christ who always was seen with the marginalised and the shunned, for me to work with all different people and see the diversity of God’s creation is a privilege and unique experience. In integrating my positive beliefs in human nature, working with the counselling model of Person Centred Therapy which helps people realise their potential and they are able to grow and change in a positive manner. In working in the person centred approach the therapeutic relationship is vital where unconditional positive regard, genuineness empathic understanding by the counsellor are very important. The counsellor needs to be there for people through their struggles as a positive influence for change and what the future holds, the person is contained and held to enable the growth towards a place of healing and realisation of their full potential (Prochaska, J. O. 2009. pp. 29-137) As Christ worked with the marginalised and everyone was the important no matter their status in life, journeying with a person should enable a person to see they are worthwhile and their opinions are significant. PCT is non-directive so therefore enables the counsellor to work cross culturally. PCT is a modality that stands out for me as it adheres for me to my own worldview, where everyone has the ability to reach there God given freedom and potential. From a Christian perspective PCT in their journey with God gives them the freedom to reach their potential and that they are truly a gift from God. Health Holistically people are whole beings made up of mind (social learning), body (biologically) and soul (choice-spiritual issues) to form the whole person (Class notes – HB351 – Week 7). Often in a situation can be spiritualised by a Christian counsellor but the whole person needs to be considered even Christ as shown in Luke 2:52 learnt and grew: Luke 2:52 â€Å"And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favour with God and men†. NIV Study Bible) In the terms of all the aspects of stature- physician, wisdom – psychology, socially and favour with God spiritually in this scripture although Jesus is God he grew and attained knowledge like any other boy. However in considering the whole person and all the aspects one needs to consider their limitations and in living with the imperfections from being fallen, a cceptance and grace are vital in any healing process. My own worldview had been challenged in relation to the need for medication when someone is suffering from depression; I was very wary and did not accept the decision made by a doctor to give medication to my mother who was suffering from depression. This came from my experience with my aunt who had been medicated for depression and hospitalised constantly for 5 years prior to her death. However in coming to Christian Heritage College my view has changed and so seeing the person from a holistic view is very important, as an underlying medical condition may be overlooked if this is not considered when a person comes to counselling. Abnormality/Dysfunction Often if an abnormality or dysfunction is apparent in a person it can stem from a long held belief that can be either true or false. In class we spoke of 3 different types of irrational belief and this seemed clearer to me those that are too general and always true, too personalised and all about me and permanent and never going to change, As our actions have led to consequences that can be repeated over and over, action then the belief and consequence which is the feeling or behaviour that is repeated (Class Notes – HB351 – Week 6). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy is an approach that I can see be helpful with the irrational thoughts that may be unrealistic and unhelpful, form the persons cognitions assumptions and beliefs (Class Notes – HB351 – Week 6). A CBT therapist would work with these irrational thoughts and there foundation and work with coping skills and techniques to form new feelings and behaviours, often basic as change is good and evitable in everyone’s life. Prochaska, J. O. 2009 pp. 479-480). The use of Cognitive Behaviour therapy could be helpful therefore to integrate into practice to use with other modalities. From a Christian perspective being transformed and renewing of one’s mind can be integrated with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy as in: Rom 12:2 â€Å"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. They you will be able to rest and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will. †(NIV Study Bible) Being transformed in Christ is an ongoing processes not a singular event, transforming of the mind where the mind and thoughts in this context relate to morality. One spiritual transformation has taken place through God’s will, ultimately God is wanting good from and for the person, leading to our spiritual and moral growth which God is wanting for us, but not perfect by our standards, by the will of God cannot be improved on. By Christ dying for our sin we can be transformed in Christ, and if there is dysfunction we can live in grace with our imperfections. Recovery In walking with others in their journey to recovery there are a number of different modalities that can be integrated with my view of recovery. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy can be used to renew the mind and giving the skills to help the person on their journey as discussed in the previous section. As well as from a Psychodynamic perspective someone recovery can be through their learning and growth that can happen for the person by understanding and acknowledging that most emotional problems originate from childhood experiences, and that all experience have a subsequent subconscious effect on the person (Prochaska, J. O. 2009 p . 26). Helping a person to identify subconscious thoughts, and how to understand these thoughts affect behaviour, is part of the building and restoration of relationship with others and God. Recovery through renewing of the mind, repentance, forgiveness and restoration of broken relationships releases healing and a redemptive process as humans we do not want to suffer but Jesus suffered and died on the cross for us. Often through suffering healing can be found as in the bible: Rom 5: 1-5 â€Å" Therefore we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by our faith into his grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, perseverance, character and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us because God has poured his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. †(NIV Study Bible) In these scriptures Paul does not have a dark view of live but one of positiveness of life, Christians are able to rejoice in our sufferings as we know that it is not without meaning, purpose of which is produce character into the children of God. In the hope of God we are reassured that the love of God dwells within us which by the death of Christ on the cross has been revealed to us. Relationship Our relationships with God and others is the basis for our existence and for counsellors the therapeutic relationship needs to be built in a safe contained place where we need to be authentic in our relationship with the other person. Building on the therapeutic relationship with the use of counselling modalities such as in Narrative Therapy helping the client finds their own capacity to heal and open up the possibility of a new story by looking at any dominant or alternative stories that link to events in the past which have ongoing consequences. Assisting the person to move away from the thin stories and negative, which direct the outcomes in their lives, and helping the person and separate themselves from the problem that they were experiencing? (Morgan, A. 2000). From my Christian to explore the best possible outcome with a person and to look at all the possibilities for their life towards wholeness and well-being, would be an amazing journey. As in the bible relationships are central part of a person’s journey and being able to grow and learn from our relationship with others, God and ourselves. Process As I journey through my own process of learning and formulating which counselling modalities I can identify with and seeing how the process works, it has become evident how the process forms the understanding of what is happening and why it was so. Looking for the ‘golden threads’ or key elements of what the person is saying, not getting so bogged down in the basic counselling skills which are essential but looking past to what else is being said. Observing the total person, their expression, body language and being able to observe myself as the counsellor and the person simultaneously (Class notes – HB261). Meta skills although something fairly new to me using the process of CURE to connect, understand, respond and engage others and evaluate has shown me how important it is to find out what is happening for the person in their journey and why it is happening. This process and way of understanding fits with my own worldview of the person being a whole person, made up of body, emotions, intellect, psychological and spiritual aspects and keeping aware and observing all these aspects as best as possible you are more able to help the person to wholeness. While keeping all facets of the person in mind a major part or area for concern for them may come out in your interaction with them as you talk (Class Notes – HB261). Specific skills In the area of specific skills, all of the basis counselling skills are very important and something with practice I am sure will be more heightened and I will be more equipped to be more comfortable to work in different areas (Ivey and Ivey 2009). From my point of view a number of modalities come out when I speak to a person, that of person centred therapy to join and journey with the person where they are at. Also in Psychodynamic, where the concept of childhood being the arena where the issue has started and now manifested in the person in different ways, finding the source of the issue would be very exciting ((Prochaska, J. O. 2009 p . 26). Narrative therapy also fits with my thinking and I could see myself developing in this area more as separating the person from the problem and helping them to change the dominant story that controls them (Morgan, A. 2000). Cognitive Behaviour Therapy to help stem irrational thinking, aid by helping the person to attain skills for growth and learning (Prochaska, J. O. 009 pp. 479-480) As well as continuing my learning into sand play therapy (Kalff, 2003) and gestalt therapy (Prochaska, J. O. 2009 p . 160) which I could see would be very beneficial for the person under certain circumstances, as I have only touched on these, however this aligns with my world view of people being able to find the right path given the right tools. In conclusion challengin g my beliefs and where they came from is important and an ongoing process to me, as the presuppositions which have been constructed by my experience about Christianity and every other part of our life (Collins, G. 007). Being open to growth but also being open to others beliefs so I can be more able to engage with a client, not to let my presuppositions overtake, where I can become judgemental, I need to be open for to have a client believe in themselves I need to believe in them. Knowing that God made us in his image and ordained us to be born and we are all here for a purpose, what we believe in a person we need to see what God can do in their lives. In asking ourselves what does God say about this person and bring this into the therapeutic relationship, and ourselves be authentic as counsellors and in our interactions create a safe place for the client to be open to see their own values and beliefs and reflect upon them. References Class Notes – HB351 – Week 6 Class Notes – HB351 – Week 7 Class Notes – HB261(Processes and strategies in counselling). Collins, G. (2007). Christian counselling: a comprehensive guide. (3rd edn). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Ivey, A. E. , Ivey, M. B. , Zalaquett, C. P. (2009). Intentional Interviewing and counselling: Facilitating Development in a multicultural society. 7th ed. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks Cole. Kalff, D. M. (2003). Sandplay: A Psychotherapeutic Approach to the Psych. Chicago, USA: Temenos Press Morgan, A. (2000). What is NarrativeTherapy? An easy-to-read introduction. Adeliade,SA: Dulwich Centre Publications NIV Study Bible. (2002). Grand Rapid, Michigan, USA: Zondervan Prochaska, J. O. (2009). Systems of psychotherapy: A transtheioretical analysis. (7 ed. ). Belmont, CA: Brooks Cole. How to cite Image of God, Essay examples