Whole or parts--a theological perspective on 'person'.

The influence of a theological perspective on nursing may be seen in the ethical debates concerning the beginning and end of life, the presence of theologians on ethics committees demonstrating the scope of opinion being sought. The meeting of theology and nursing to be addressed in this paper centres on the interaction of one human being with another, characterized by the terms community, relationship, response. Theology is concerned with persons reaching their potential not in isolation from, but in community with others. Fragmented care ensues from dividing a person into 'manageable' parts. Christian theology knows no such separation and offers a focus for an understanding of 'person' which has relevance for holistic nursing. The same holds true for groups as well as individuals; to focus primarily on self-interest is to ignore the possibilities for mutual exchange. Living 'in relationship' is both the point of departure and the ultimate goal of all created existence. Autonomy and mutuality are two sides of the same coin and the pursuit of one at the expense of the other is, according to Christian theology, not only illusory but a denial of the purpose of creation.