Spiritual Aspects of End-of-Life Care for Christian Patients

Christianity aligns well with the principles of palliative care which respects the dignity of individuals and provides holistic care, embracing their physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs, as did Jesus’ healing ministry. Although Christians comprise groups which differ in their interpretations of the teachings of Jesus Christ and they observe different rituals and practices, their spiritual beliefs, which influence their end-of-life care, align. Following the example of Christ, they believe in an afterlife where they may dwell with the eternal God. As a response to God’s grace, Christians aspire throughout life and at the end of life to love God, and others, discern with humility and submit to God’s will, and repent for wrongdoings to seek God’s forgiveness. The promise of eternal life is the source of great hope for Christians as death approaches. This will guide what is required at the end of life to achieve their spiritual wellbeing, which is beyond secular spiritual support and results in finding meaning and achieving peace.