Introduction
In this case, a patient called George, in his mid-50s, was recently diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The disease has, for some time, weakened and interfered with the coordination of his muscles, which made him fall and injure his hip. There is currently no cure for ALS, and George fears that his life will eventually deteriorate to the point of him losing muscle control. This is worsened by the fact that there is the possibility that he may only live for between three and four years with this condition. If he stays longer, he will be permanently in a wheelchair and could depend on ventilator support to assist with breathing.
Furthermore, George imagines how he will entirely rely on other people for everyday activities and the possibility of degenerating to the point at which he is a prisoner in his own body. George had considered euthanasia as a solution to his suffering; however, while doing so, he should have thought about the Christian narrative on the fallenness of the world. Therefore, his choice should be informed by the promise of resurrection, his beliefs about life, Christian teachings on euthanasia, faith-based moral principles, and modern perspectives.
Christian Narrative on the Fallenness of the World
After humanity sinned, God punished entire generations by inflicting them with endless suffering. As a man of faith, George should interpret his tragedy by being content that God knows why life is taking this trajectory. Therefore, he is supposed to perceive this as part of his burden for going against God’s rules and falling short of his expectations (Sutter, 2018). He must portray his disease as an inherent pain his savior subjects him to, accept the situation, thank God for it, and compassionately pray to be forgiven for his sins.
For being human and because of the collective curse, George should equally think that his disobedience towards God is the reason why God invoked his anger on him. As a result, God is punishing him in the form of an untreatable disease for falling short of standards (Sutter, 2018). Consequently, this agony from ALS is the price that he will pay for going against God’s commandments and for being conceived and raised through sinful actions and deeds. In other words, George should see this misery as a reminder to devote time to praying and repenting from his evil. Lastly, he must understand that God indirectly communicates to him to get closer and serve him.
Christian Worldview on Euthanasia
Despite the agony that could befall George in the future due to his amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease, Christianity is against the intentional act of taking a human life to relieve pain and suffering. According to its teachings, all things come from God; thus, humanity is meant to serve him(Wurster, 2018). It is claimed in holy books that believers should know that the reason for living is to fulfill God’s mission on the planet. They are required to help the vulnerable and always strive to be righteous.
Those who believe in this faith are viewed as considering rejoicing in suffering as a way to persevere through difficulties with the hope of eventually emerging victorious. Additionally, it is believed that agony amongst believers is part of the trials of different kinds, which are meant to test their faith (Wurster, 2018). This is meant to confirm their steadfastness and completeness in Jesus Christ, being perfect examples. The ethics of this religion focus on maximizing care for those suffering rather than minimizing discomfort, and killing is not seen as a means of looking after someone (Wurster, 2018). Thus, George should be encouraged to accept and endure his situation because that is the will of God, and if he will eventually die, it must be natural.
Religious Views, Values, and Considerations
Biblical principles guide Christians in their understanding of the existence of life. Furthermore, it informs individuals of the need for medical treatment when sick. There is equal recognition that every human becomes sinful from conception (Fleischmann, 2018). In this context, humanity must be accountable to God, who requires perfection.
Additionally, Christianity requires believers to love and take good care of others. Based on this value, George should not consider intentional death because his family and friends will give him support and provide adequate attention he needs. In addition, religious philosophy prohibits favoritism; that is, God does not discriminate against anybody and gives absolute and equal value to the lives of all people, irrespective of their social, racial, and economic status. Likewise, biblical teachings say that all human life is a gift from God, regardless of its quality, and should be respected and protected (Fleischmann, 2018). Consequently, George should devote his suffering to prayer and seek repentance and forgiveness instead of opting for euthanasia, which is a direct affront and violation of God’s commandments.
Hope of Resurrection
Spiritual teachings emphasize the need for Christians not to exercise their freedom of choice to do things that are considered sinful. In this case, deciding to take a life, whether one’s own, like the situation George finds himself in, is a sin that will be punished on judgment day. People should patiently wait for their natural ending in this world as God deems fit, despite their pain or suffering.
Those who believe and live according to the teachings of Christ are assured of eternal life (Fleischmann, 2018). Just like it happened with Jesus, natural death is a temporary sleep for those who have hope that the Lord will descend to raise them again. Therefore, they bear the burned and harsh things on earth for their everlasting good. (Fleischmann, 2018). Additionally, if it seems perfect for God in his wisdom to inflict too much agony on them, they should not challenge his will because, in the end, they will rejoice.
Moral Options Justified by the Faith
If George is a faithful Christian who lives by the doctrines of his faith, taking away his life because of the pain and suffering is not an option. All believers are discouraged from even thinking about doing it (Sutter, 2018). Morally, George is expected to understand that all the discomfort people go through is because of the sins committed by Adam and Eve that befell the whole world.
Consequently, the torture or soreness is due to direct punishment by God or because it is the true reflection of what humanity must go through till their lives are naturally terminated by the Lord. Despite the severity of the agony, George, like any other born-again, should wait for natural death as deemed fit by God (Sutter, 2018). This tragedy should inspire and encourage him to focus on being righteous so that he may move much closer to God.
Worldview on Euthanasia
Euthanasia is still controversial, and it divides opinion even among those in the health profession. Some people see it as the best method of terminating life, which conserves human dignity, while others think it is unethical and not needed at all (Right to Life Michigan, 2023). Most importantly, the contestation surrounds how it is supposed to be carried out. The proponents see it as a painless escape from prolonged suffering from diseases through the medical methods known as physician-assisted suicide (Right to Life Michigan, 2023). It is based on the logic that individuals should do whatever they desire and must not allow society to choose for them what is good or bad.
Today, the worldview is that euthanasia gives patients autonomy, gets them out of excessive suffering, and eliminates both emotional and financial burdens from their families. From the contemporary perspective, it does not make sense to keep those in distress living for long if they do not enjoy being in their current state. In any case, it is pointless to continue managing the disease, which has no cure like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, because the affected will finally die (Right to Life Michigan, 2023). Therefore, if the sick person makes the decision prematurely to terminate their life, then the doctor cannot refuse their wishes and has no option other than performing the treatment they have chosen.
Personal Opinion
If faced with a similar scenario, I would first apply a scientific, evidence-based practice that works. Second, I would double my efforts to pray to God that his wisdom would guide all my decisions so that I do not do what he disapproves. Lastly, I would allow my family members to take charge and support me however they want.
Conclusion
Euthanasia can be a solution to prolonged suffering for patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; however, while doing so, they should consider their Christian narrative on the fallenness of the world and the hope of resurrection. Further, their religious views about life, the Christian perspective on treatment, the moral options justified by their faith, and their worldview should guide their decision.
Firstly, it is a doctrine among the believers that the pain they are subjected to is a consequence of their sins, as they fell short of God’s expectation, which made him punish them. Secondly, killing or taking away life is prohibited except when it occurs naturally. Thirdly, God places equal value on all human lives, and choosing to end one is an affront to him. Fourthly, despite the agony, those who endure their discomfort and die through God’s will have hope in the resurrection on judgment day. Therefore, all those who profess this faith are discouraged from thinking about euthanasia. On the contrary, the worldview sees the mechanism as the method of terminating life, which conserves human dignity, gives patients autonomy, and eliminates the burden on their families.
References
Fleischmann, R. R. (2018). The value of human life. Christian Life Resources.
Right to Life Michigan. (2023). The worldview of euthanasia.
Sutter, B. (2018). Tragedy and suffering part 2 – A fallen world. Apostolic Christian Counseling and Family Services.
Wurster, M. (2018). What does the Bible teach about euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide? The Ethics & Religious Library Commission.