Healing, Autonomy, and Ethics: A Christian Case Analysis

This case study, "Healing and Autonomy," explores the ethical dilemmas faced by Mike and Joanne, parents of James, who suffers from kidney failure. Their decision to initially forego dialysis in favor of faith healing raises critical questions about patient autonomy, the role of Christian beliefs in healthcare decisions, and the responsibilities of physicians. The analysis delves into the conflict between faith-based healing and medical science, the ethical considerations surrounding organ donation from a Christian perspective, and the importance of respecting patient autonomy while ensuring their well-being. The paper further examines Christian views on sickness and health, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that integrates faith and medical treatment. Ultimately, it highlights the importance of informed decision-making, open communication between healthcare providers and patients, and respecting diverse beliefs within the framework of ethical healthcare practices. This resource is available for students looking for solved assignments and study material on Desklib.

Running Head: HEALING AND AUTONOMY 1
HEALING AND AUTONOMY
Name
Institution Affiliation
Date

Introduction
Christianity is not a branch of science where patients can be referred to with the view that
one should believe in God if it helps him or her(Keller, 2015). If it is the truth,the physician can
also commit to it wholly. However, it is important to balance both physical and spiritual
life.manyChristians, faith, and belief in God impact their life positively(Keller, 2015).Integrated
healing can be incorporated however not by abusing the health service position by concentrating
on the patient's spiritual needs(Rykkje, Eriksson &Riholm, 2011). It is a challenging task for the
healthcare providers agreeingabout the health of somebody(Koeniget al., 2012). For Mike and
Joanne in the case study, they have to make weighty decisions concerning the health of their son,
James. James has problems of kidney failure, urgently needs dialysis which will be followed
later by a kidney transplant. Their decision to hold the physician’s recommendations for a kidney
dialysis to take him to the pastor for healingby the teachings of the bible made the condition
worse. They later decided to continue with the dialysis until a kidney transplant was possible
later in the year. His brother Samuel was the solution. The essay will focus on the prevalent
ethical issues present in the case study, the Christian ethics and their effect on ethical decision
making.
Pressing issues under Christian view and ethics
There is a contrasting issue between believing in healing from God and healing through
scientific methods. Urgent dialysis was needed for James but Mike and Joannepostponed their
son’s treatment and took him for a healing service which made his situation worse. His son had

to be put on dialysis without any question now. Mike also struggles to know whether God is
testing or punishing him. He had to choose the right thing for his son.
In most cases, Christians prefer faith healing than the physician's treatment(Keller, 2015).
Mike and Joanne trusted the sermon from the pastor more after they had seen a friend of their
healed from a stroke. James in this case also is a minor who has to rely on his parents' decisions.
In this case, it is unethical since it almost cost them life.In the healthcare, chances are either one
may die or live. It is the role of the medics to deliver the information to the patient and the family
members regarding any possibilities (Csikszentmihalyi, 2014). Despite our view of Christianity
we still need doctors to heal.
Another ethical issue is on the kidney transplant. To Christians, the body is the temple of
the Holy Spirit and should not be tamperedwith. The issue of organ transplant is a controversial
issue regarding their view of the body. In our case study, this was the only way James could
survive by being donated a kidney to by his brother since it was the only match and needed to be
carried out before the end of the so that he survives. To Christianity this is unethical. Again mike
sees this as another test of faith by God. His two sons were now involved,and he didn’t know
how to approach the matter.
Mike’s decision making against the physician’s responsibility
It is the responsibility of the parents to make decisions for their children until they grow
up. This includes even the matters of beliefs and practices. In the case study, Mike ignores the
suggestions of the doctor and chooses to continue putting his faith in God even when urgency
was required. The physician had offered an appropriate treatment for James. Physicians are also

required to respect the autonomy of the patient or the family by giving the information needed to
understand the risks and benefits of proposed interventionsas well as alternatives so that they
make independent decisions(Billings &Krakauer, 2011). However, some philosophers maintain
that patients’ autonomy can be restricted if there is a threat of severe harm to the patients’ well-
being(Mitchell, 2014) (Pollaket al., 2011). In this case, James’ life was being threatened. The
physician ought to talk with the family and try to make them understand while not restricting
their decisions.
Christian narrative, treatment refusal, patient autonomy, and organ donation
Mikes' refusal of his son's treatment was continuing to inflict more pain on him and the
whole family. To a Christian community, illness is part of their health. It requires one to be part
of the even if their health is not restored. When it comes to health, Christians would want so
much to get well but are not ready to look for the cure (Keller, 2015). To Mike, he wanted to see
his son well but was reluctant to heed the physician’s advice and chose to continue believing in
miracles.
The physician must convey the message to the patient guide them on the priorities and
treatment plan. It is upon the autonomy of the patient to decide on which one to go for(Billings
&Krakauer, 2011). It was his duty to analyze the negative and positive outcomes of the organ
transplant to the donor and the recipient of the organ and explain it to the parents. Medical
practitioners are guided by the patients’ autonomy(Bulger, 2013)(Mitchell, 2014). In the case of
James, the transplant of the kidney would only proceed if the father agreed to it after the
physicians’ explanations. According to Christians God wants them the way they are and trying to
alter anything will be correcting Him. Earlier on Pope John Paul had also stated that human

organs should not be commercialized or to consider them as items for an exchange since it was
morally unacceptable and violates the dignity of the human person(Oliver, Ahmed &Woywodt,
2012). He also noted that organ transplant should not pose any risks to the donor and should be
consented to by him or her. In this case, it was unethical.
Christian views on sickness and health
The body of a Christian is for glorifying the creator who is God. That body, which is also
baptized, is modeled by their creator’s practices where suffering, illnesses, and death are
considered not to be an enemy (Clinebell&McKeever, 2011). This is because suffering is a gift
that cements the relationship with God and others. On the side of health, it is an act of love that
brings them together in times of sicknesses and health (Clinebell&McKeever, 2011). It is a
meditation of God’s love. To be part of the Christian community, sickness and health must be
recognized(Keller, 2015). Their understanding is that the differencebetween the two should be
viewed as a gift which promotes peace for human continuity. Health to Christians means its fine
to hold each other liable when the choices being made to affect the health of somebody
negatively in a way which prevents them from fully participating in God’s service. In this case, it
is the reliance on Christ even when facing the reality of illness and death. In the case, Mike as a
Christian should learn how to suffer without losing hope. He should continue praying for his son
and sit with him even on the verge of his death. We cannot be separated from the love of God by
the suffering of those we love. Illness destroys the illusions and confidence that we are in
control. Christians should learn how to live out of control. Mike should continue trusting and
having faith in God that his son will be healed.
Conclusion

In the case study, "Healing and Autonomy" needs contributions and understanding from
both parties. Mike believing in God and waiting for him to heal his son was different from that of
the physician who believed that urgent kidney transplant was needed for his son's survival.
Christianity and science have always had conflicting views but doesn't mean an agreement can’t
be sought out. Mike's faith seems not to work. Christianity should, therefore, be the community
that sustains the bodies that the field of medicine cares for. Medicine instills trust, reflects
through the story of caring for the sick in which Christians were also baptized.

References
Billings, J. A., &Krakauer, E. L. (2011).On patient autonomy and physician responsibility in
end-of-life care. Archives of internal medicine, 171(9), 849-853.
Bulger, R. (2013). Healing America: Hope, mercy, justice,and autonomy in the American health
care system. Easton Studio Press LLC.
Clinebell, H. J., &McKeever, B. C. (2011). Basic types of pastoral care & counseling: Resources
for the ministry of healing and growth. Abingdon Press.
Csikszentmihalyi, M. (2014).Toward a psychology of optimal experience.In Flow and the
foundations of positive psychology (pp. 209-226).Springer, Dordrecht.
Keller, T. (2015). Walking with God through pain and suffering. Penguin Books.
Koenig, H., Koenig, H. G., King, D., & Carson, V. B. (2012). Handbook of religion and
health.OupUsa.
Mitchell, S. A. (2014). Influence and autonomy in psychoanalysis.Routledge.
Oliver, M., Ahmed, A., &Woywodt, A. (2012). Donating in good faith or getting into trouble
Religion and organ donation revisited. World journal of transplantation, 2(5), 69.
Pollak, K. I., Alexander, S. C., Tulsky, J. A., Lyna, P., Coffman, C. J., Dolor, R. J., ... &Østbye,
T. (2011). Physician empathy and listening: associations with patient satisfaction and
autonomy. The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, 24(6), 665-672.

Rykkje, L., Eriksson, K., &Riholm, M. B. (2011).A qualitative metasynthesis of spirituality from
a caring science perspective. International Journal of Human Caring, 15(4), 40-53.