Discuss how you would advise young adults in selecting contraceptive methods. Do you have any personal, religious reservations, or discomforts that would interfere with your ability to advise clients and ask them how they would address these personal conflicts?
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Advising Young Adults on Selecting Contraceptive Methods
Introduction
Selecting a contraceptive method is a vital decision for young adults, as it can significantly impact their reproductive health, personal life, and future plans. As a healthcare provider, it is crucial to approach this topic with sensitivity, offering evidence-based information while respecting individual values and beliefs. In this discussion, I will outline key considerations in advising young adults on contraceptive methods and address how personal, religious, or ethical reservations may influence this process.
Key Considerations in Advising Young Adults
1. Understanding Individual Needs and Preferences
– Medical History: Assess any pre-existing health conditions or concerns that may influence contraceptive choices, such as hormonal sensitivities or contraindications.
– Lifestyle Factors: Discuss lifestyle factors, including frequency of sexual activity, relationship status, and personal comfort levels with various methods.
– Family Planning Goals: Understand whether the individual is seeking to prevent pregnancy temporarily or permanently and discuss long-term reproductive goals.
2. Educating on Available Options
– Hormonal Methods: Explain options like birth control pills, patches, injections, and hormonal IUDs. Discuss their effectiveness, potential side effects, and how they work.
– Barrier Methods: Discuss condoms, diaphragms, and cervical caps, emphasizing their dual role in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy.
– Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs): Highlight IUDs and implants as effective long-term options that require minimal maintenance.
– Natural Methods: Discuss fertility awareness methods and the importance of tracking menstrual cycles for those who may prefer non-hormonal approaches.
3. Addressing Misconceptions and Concerns
– Encourage open dialogue about any misconceptions regarding contraceptives, such as fears about weight gain, menstrual changes, or fertility after discontinuation.
– Provide evidence-based information to alleviate concerns and clarify the effectiveness of various methods.
4. Cultural and Religious Sensitivity
– Be aware of cultural or religious beliefs that may influence contraceptive choices. Engage in respectful discussions to understand these factors.
– Offer referrals to resources or professionals who specialize in addressing specific cultural or religious concerns if needed.
5. Informed Decision-Making
– Encourage young adults to weigh the pros and cons of each method based on their unique circumstances.
– Assist them in making an informed choice by providing written materials or resources for further reading.
Personal Considerations
Addressing Personal Conflicts
As a healthcare provider, it is essential to acknowledge any personal beliefs or discomforts that may arise when discussing contraceptives. Some potential areas of conflict may include:
– Religious Reservations: If personal beliefs discourage the use of certain contraceptives, it is crucial to remain objective and prioritize the patient’s autonomy.
– Ethical Concerns: Discomfort with specific contraceptive methods due to ethical considerations may require reflection on how these beliefs affect patient care.
Strategies for Managing Personal Conflicts
1. Self-Reflection: Regular self-assessment can help healthcare providers recognize biases and ensure they do not interfere with patient care.
2. Professionalism: Maintain professionalism by focusing on the needs and preferences of the client rather than personal beliefs.
3. Seeking Guidance: Consult with colleagues or supervisors when faced with challenging situations to gain perspective and support.
4. Referral: If personal conflicts hinder the ability to provide unbiased advice, consider referring the patient to another qualified healthcare provider who may be more comfortable addressing their needs.
Conclusion
Advising young adults on contraceptive methods requires an understanding of individual needs, effective communication, and a respectful approach to personal values. While personal beliefs may influence a provider’s comfort level in discussing certain methods, it is critical to remain focused on the patient’s best interests, ensuring they receive comprehensive and unbiased information. By fostering a supportive environment for open dialogue about contraception, healthcare providers can empower young adults to make informed choices about their reproductive health.
