Clinically, virtual reality (VR) applications can be used to control pain and to treat psychological disorders. Christians should be attentive to issues of embodiment and excarnation when approaching this technology. At the end of life, VR can help mend one’s relationship to one’s body and promote relationships of care and love between persons. Negatively, VR can be depersonalizing if it alienates a patient from the flesh world. However, VR can help a patient towards a good death as a pain relief adjunct when used within a caring community.
Ethics & Medicine > theology of technology