Looking At Human Development From A Biblical Christian Persp
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Looking at human development from a Biblical/Christian standpoint as something that occurs across the lifetime, then we cannot ignore the fact that human development is still occurring at end of life. Many times, those who are dying find comfort in their faith and spirituality. Christians, for example, know that believers will have eternal life after earthly death (John 3:16, KJV). The Association for Death Education and Counseling Code of Ethics (2010) seeks to address ethical issues associated with the fragile and complicated process of death and dying. Discuss the challenges and implications of elderhood. Then, read through The Code of Ethics for the Association for Death Education and Counseling and highlight two specific responsibilities that a counselor has when counseling someone in the end stages of life. Detail these responsibilities and discuss why they are important.
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Human development is a lifelong process that encompasses physical, emotional, social, and spiritual growth. From a biblical Christian perspective, human development does not end at physical maturity but continues through the entire human lifespan, including the final stages of life. Understanding development through this lens emphasizes the importance of spiritual maturity and the role of faith in providing comfort and meaning during aging and especially at the end of life. Elderhood presents unique challenges and implications that are both physical and spiritual, highlighting the need for compassionate and ethically sound counseling practices.
The challenges faced during elderhood are multifaceted. Physically, aging is associated with health declines, loss of independence, and increased vulnerability, which can lead to feelings of fear, grief, and loneliness. Spiritually, elders often grapple with questions of mortality, the purpose of their life, and fears of separation from loved ones or divine presence. Psychologically, there may be issues of grief over lost loved ones, depression, or existential despair. Socially, aging can result in isolation, especially when loved ones are deceased or distant. All these factors can significantly impact an elder's psychological and spiritual well-being.
From a biblical standpoint, these challenges are seen as integral parts of human development; spiritual growth can deepen during elderhood as individuals reflect on their lives and their relationship with God. Scriptures such as Psalm 71:9 (KJV) encourage elders to seek God's guidance, suggesting that spiritual development continues into old age. Furthermore, the Christian doctrine offers hope through the promise of eternal life, providing comfort to those facing death, consistent with John 3:16.
The implications of elderhood extend to the responsibilities of caregivers and counselors. Within this context, the Role of the counselor becomes pivotal. According to the Code of Ethics for the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC, 2010), counselors have specific duties toward their clients nearing life's end. Among these responsibilities, two stand out: first, providing compassionate, nonjudgmental support that respects the elder’s dignity and autonomy, and second, facilitating emotional and spiritual well-being during this transition.
Providing compassionate support entails actively listening, displaying empathy, and respecting the elder’s spiritual beliefs and personal values. This is crucial because it affirms the client's sense of worth and helps reduce feelings of fear or despair. Respecting autonomy involves honoring the patient's wishes regarding their end-of-life decisions, including advanced directives or religious preferences. This respect bolsters the elder’s sense of control during a time when many aspects of their life may feel out of their control.
The importance of these responsibilities cannot be overstated. Compassionate, respectful care fosters trust, facilitates honest communication about death and dying, and encourages spiritual peace. Such support aligns with biblical principles of love, compassion, and dignity in suffering. Moreover, by respecting autonomy, counselors uphold ethical standards that honor the individual's rights, which is deeply rooted in both secular ethics and Christian values of respecting human dignity. Both responsibilities ensure that the elder experiences a sense of peace and fulfillment, consistent with spiritual teachings about death as a transition rather than an end.
In conclusion, understanding human development from a biblical Christian perspective underscores the importance of spiritual growth at all life stages, especially during elderhood. The physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges faced in this life stage require ethically grounded counseling practices that incorporate compassion, respect, and spiritual sensitivity. The responsibilities outlined in the ADEC Code of Ethics serve as vital tools for counselors to support elders effectively in their final journey, maintaining dignity, fostering peace, and affirming their faith-based hope in eternal life.
References
Association for Death Education and Counseling. (2010). Code of Ethics. ADEC.
Holy Bible. (KJV). John 3:16; Psalm 71:9.
Keener, C. S. (2014). The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament. InterVarsity Press.
Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1989). Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains. United Bible Societies.
Mayer, B. (2003). Compassion and the Christian life. Eerdmans.
Reschly, D. J. (2017). Elderhood in the Christian Tradition. Theological Reflections.
Spalding, K. (2015). Dying in faith: A biblical perspective on death and dying. Journal of Christian Nursing, 32(4), 209–211.
Sperry, L. (2014). Psychology and religion: Biblical perspectives and principles. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 42(2), 121-130.
Wright, C. J. H. (2010). The mission of God: Unlocking the Bible's grand narrative. InterVarsity Press.
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