Abstract

As modern day doctors continue to advocate for advanced ways of preventing suffering and hastening the inevitable end of the journey of life, many religions still hold on to the traditions of their faith. Christians are no different in this regard and euthanasia in its various forms is not only considered morally unacceptable but regarded as a sin. It is a violation of the sanctity of life and direct disobedience to God and nature. The Christian worldview speaks of the free will of human beings but insists that that freedom does not and, cannot extend to the case of the ending of life. This perspective applied to George’s case, who is terminally ill with ALS brings to focus the dilemma in which he and his family find themselves. It becomes increasingly difficult when he thinks of losing his ability to do anything including breath, a total lack of power. The option of death with self-respect sounds like an attractive option when he imagines a life wholly dependent on others, imprisonment in his own body. It would make sense to him if he took this burden from his family. However, morality is at stake as it remains challenging to differentiate the practice of assisted death with suicide. This paper aims to explore the principles of the Christian worldview, and its relationship with the end of life choices.

Case Study: End of Life Decisions

The fallenness of the World

George’s diagnosis puts him at a constant state of unease. He cannot rid himself of the worry not just for his sake, but for the burden he will be to his family and all of his caregivers. In light of this temptations will arise for him to consider accepting his medical options and relieve himself of the pain by accelerating the process and ending what would be long and painful suffering. But were he to recognize a Christian narrative, then a new school of thought would take over his decision-making process.

The legal scholar would begin to see the importance of his last breathing moments, a moment considered by Christians as spiritual. It is a time when the spirit gets guidance to the creator. The religious view interprets life throughout its processes as sacred. No one should interfere with plans of the Lord, for it is he who creates and it is he who takes. He would then understand that it is not man’s will that human beings get born and that they will die.

Since the falling, it became inevitable for humankind to sin. Humans grew distant away from the ways of God. This reality would dawn on George and, he would realize that the options the physicians serve him with are only from a fallen man’s angle and that in this day and age life is no longer sacred and worthy of saving. The quality of life, vanity, is the only driver of our existence. George, while contemplating his suffering and immersing himself in the correct ways of a Christian, he will notice the significance of preserving life. It does not matter the state in which an individual is in, whether vegetative or in a very devastating condition, they remain a human being and for that, the people closest to him should afford him of all the comfort and care available. God created man in his likeness, suggesting a high level of value and dignity awarded to humans. George would, therefore, cease to see his suffering as a means to reduce the value of his life.

Hope of Resurrection

In Christianity, a man’s dying moment is sacred. A process that no one should get in the way of, as it would mean interfering with the process of the person’s spirit getting into the hands of the creator. The narrative in the faith preaches that Jesus Christ died and resurrected and defeated death. It showers hope to those who believe and proclaims it as a divine plan for man. Jesus’ suffering and passing on the cross, marks the restoration of humankind. In light of this, George would accept his fears and own them. He would rest assured that his life is not his for the taking. A man has the gift of stewardship over his existence but not complete dominion. He cannot take his life nor another, for then he will be giving up on the promise of heaven. Murder whether violent or not remains a son. George having understood this matters would consider his suffering as just a journey of sacrifice, that which he cannot avoid. He would do everything according to the doctrines of the faith, to serve his family and humanity till his passing moments. He will keep his eyes on the prize, the promise of eternal life and joining those who came before him and stood by the principle of the Holy Bible.

The value of Life

The Christian account views life as a gift from God. One which we can lead with our free will and decide what we would like for our families and ourselves. We are a creation of the Lord’s, one in His right image and likeness. Therefore, dignity and value are integral to our lives, not on earth and not in heaven. A true Christian believer would aid George in understanding the truth even in his suffering. The significance of humankind does not escape an individual even when they are sick in any unfavorable condition. From this angle, George will be able to see that it will not matter, that even at his dying bed, he will still be alive and valuable. No person should take it upon himself to rubbish his existence because of immobility or inability. It would be immoral to think them better dead than alive. For this reason, George should be hopeful for the people around him have a divine instruction to afford him of all the care, medication and support that will need till his final moments, for he would still be valuable to all of them as a community.

Considerations

In making his considerations before finally making his final decision on the matter of how he would wish to die. It would be central to the cause of the gospel of Christ that George understands all the factors involved before determining the direction that he would take together with his family and physicians. In matters human life, faithful servants of the Lord view life as a gift from the creator. We have the freedom to be the drivers, but we lack the dominion over how it starts and ends.

It is a sin and considered murder to take a person’s life, which includes suicide and euthanasia and as such, a  grave violation of the laws of the faith. Also, the process during which a person dies is of utmost significance spiritually. Every individual is valuable, in childhood and old age, in sickness and perfect health, and for that reason, no individual should bear the label of worthlessness even in their death bed.

Morally Justified Option

According to the Christian worldview, there is only one option for open for consideration to George, to embrace natural death. This religious perspective allows George to prepare for that day when he will leave the earth and join other faithful servants in heaven. It is not morally justifiable that he engage in activities that might disrupt this process either by accelerating his death or, by ending it abruptly. This engagement will not only connect George with sin, but also with those who will willingly help him to achieve it. Although every human being has the instruction to respect the decisions of fellow men, it is within their rights to advise them of the direction characterized by morality. George should, therefore, opt to explore all methods to preserve his existence till that moment when God chooses to rest him. In this way, he will not only be respecting God’s laws and sovereignty but also placing his trust in the power of the resurrection. He will

Personal Perspective

The gift of life is precious and sacred. It is a blessing to see every day, and it is indeed not of our choosing. That said, I believe nature to be bigger than all of us, and respecting natural processes especially the beginning and ending of life is imperative to embrace who we are. Humanity is a creation in God’s image, and therefore dignity and value are inherent and inherited qualities, undoubtedly not developed or learned. With this understanding, I would not stand in the way of the process of death based on my quality of life. It would be difficult, but with the right people, suffering becomes shared, and the burden reduces.

I would, therefore, subscribe to the teachings of Christianity and prepare for what is to come to be similar to the case of all that is alive. All those who live are undeniably going to die. I would, in this light, accept my fears and believe that my life will still be full of worth even in my lowest moments. It would be difficult for me to separate euthanasia and suicide and the best way forward would fight to the last breath.

References

Vaughn, Lewis. Bioethics: Principles, Issues, and Cases. 2nd ed. New York: Oxford University Press,2013. 38. Print.

Do you need high quality Custom Essay Writing Services?