Divinity in nursing: The complexities of adopting a spiritual basis for care. (24th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Garrett, Bernie
• Other Names: Jankunis Frank guestEditor.; Dahlke Sherry guestEditor.; Jantzen Darlaine guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Nursing philosophy. Volume 22:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-05-24
• Subjects: divinity -- epistemology -- new ageism -- nursing theory -- philosophy of nursing -- philosophy of science; Nursing -- Philosophy -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Periodicals; 610.17
• DOI: 10.1111/nup.12355
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1466-7681

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, the historical alignment of nursing with divinity‐based perspectives and modern New Age nursing theories are explored. The nature of divinity in nursing is examined, together with the complexities and issues that arise in adopting a spiritual basis for care. The work of the key theorists in this area (Rogers, Newman, Parse, Watson, Dossey) is reconsidered and fundamental epistemological problems inherent in this approach reviewed. Specific concerns with the interpretation of holistic care, adoption of doxastic logic, faith‐based rationales, influence of Caucasian Judeo‐Christian and New Age values, misappropriation of science, use of pseudoscience and development of divinity as social consumer product are discussed. Practical problems with using a spiritual basis in contemporary nursing practice are also explored and the alignment of divinity‐based nursing theories with the modern antiscience movement is examined. Overall, the re‐emergence of divinity‐based nursing and spiritual basis for care may be problematic, and would seem to counter the development of an inclusive profession. Additionally, the alignment of nursing with antiscience movements rejecting biomedicine has significant public health implications. This is argued as a regressive step for the advancement of the profession.