Introduction
Death and dying are a part of the natural process of human life, but these aspects are sensitive to people as they invoke fear and fascination. There are many components involved in death and dying, including end-of-life considerations that have to be considered for people with terminal illnesses or due to advanced age. Such individuals are provided with highly specialized end-of-life care, focusing on offering support and comfort to those nearing the end of their lives. Human life involves diverse components, with religion and philosophy playing central roles in shaping people’s conduct. Many topics evoke a lot of controversy due to their sensitivity and different interpretations across numerous faiths, such as euthanasia.
This paper is based on the case of George, who happens to have been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a terminal disease. George considers the option of voluntary euthanasia to avoid pain and suffering. However, the topic elicits diverse views across different religious faiths that must be considered when delivering appropriate care.
The paper aims to describe George’s situation and decision from a Christian worldview perspective. The ethical and Christian worldview of voluntary euthanasia is complex. It draws upon the freedom to choose, suffering, the sanctity of life, and the belief in God as the ultimate giver and taker of life.
Suffering and Fallenness of the World
The Bible teaches people the joy that Eve and Adam enjoyed in the Garden of Eden. God provides clear directions to Adam on navigating the garden, along with clear instructions on what would occur if he disobeyed. Christians believe God intended for people to live a perfect and harmonious life. Adam and Eve enjoyed a good life in the Garden, where God provided for them everything they needed. However, they disobeyed God’s decree, which marked the fullness of the world and the beginning of human suffering.
Frey et al. (2018) state that there is a close correlation between the actions of Adam and Eve and George. The case of George can be interpreted through the Christian narrative as a form of suffering. It could be construed that God is testing George’s faith or is punishing him for the evil nature of human beings. This would be connected to God’s intention to teach a lesson or reveal His supreme power over all.
God’s word to human beings is narrated in the Bible, which captures many ways in which God can exercise his power and manifest his will. Notwithstanding any form of human suffering, God is willing to exercise his grace and offer redemption to human beings. The Bible captures suffering as a form of punishment for wrongdoing.
The King James Version Holy Bible (2023) (Leviticus 26:15, 16; Deuteronomy 28:58–61; Matthew 9:2) provides examples of how God exercised His forgiveness in the face of the world’s fall. The scriptures provide evidence that God can cause people and other creations to suffer, yet He can also offer redemption. Therefore, George can draw on the examples in the Bible and choose to persevere with the hope that he will one day be healed, despite any difficulties he may face.
Suffering and the Hope of Resurrection
A significant move by God to save humanity from their sinful nature is the provision of forgiveness through His Son, Jesus Christ, who came to earth and suffered, bearing the load of sins. Through his life, death, and resurrection, Jesus offers the promise of salvation and the possibility of eternal life to those who believe in him. Christians believe that Jesus came to earth to help connect Man to God by offering his child as a sacrifice for the sins people committed.
According to Batstone et al. (2020), Jesus endured considerable suffering and persecution on earth while remaining a righteous man. God used him as a vessel to preach to the world and show that anyone can be chosen to deliver God’s will to his people. Similarly, the suffering that George is about to undergo can be linked to God’s desire to use him to convey an essential message to humanity. He could be used to bring human beings close to God.
George should keep hope that he will defeat the illness in time. He should carry the heavy burden even if it means eventually being bound in a wheelchair and not being able to eat, move, speak, or breathe by himself. Jesus suffered on the cross; he was beaten with stripes and stabbed. He kept the hope alive and prayed for God to forgive his persecutors. He believed in life after death, regardless of the suffering he had to endure at the hands of the pirates.
Jesus did not choose to end his life, and Christianity would not permit George to do the same. He should stand tall even if it means being a prisoner in his body and undergoing torture. The Bible indicates that Jesus was crucified and died. Still, against all odds, he was resurrected on the third day (King James Version Holy Bible (2023, 1 Corinthians (15:4)). He came back to life like any other human being and was fit like any other healthy person, not in the form he died. This shows God has the power to restore the human body and flesh.
Value of Life
The Christian worldview views life as a sacred gift from God. Encountering an end-of-life situation due to a terminal illness can be tricky and is a profoundly personal journey. The Bible suggests that Christians should be delighted in their suffering, as it helps build perseverance (Romans 5:3).
At the same time, according to the King James Version Holy Bible (2023, James 1:2-4), people should have faith, as it is the driver for being steadfast and attaining fulfillment. Christ’s teachings emphasize that the human body is a reflection of God’s image, possessing inherent dignity and worth. This can provide comfort and assurance to George even as he struggles with ALS. He should focus more on his value as a person, rather than the body as defined by its health or condition. Christianity appreciates that people will find themselves in life-threatening circumstances, but they should seek consolation by acknowledging that suffering is a way of connecting with God.
The concept of the Church as a community of believers helps signify the value of life to the suffering person. Batstone et al. (2020) state that being surrounded by a supportive Christian community can offer emotional, spiritual, and practical support. The people around George can help him to deal with the terminal illness, especially as he mulls over voluntary euthanasia that raises the issue of Christian ethics.
As a Christian, George should turn to faith and ethical teachings to navigate the decisions that align with Christian beliefs. The Christian worldview requires George to cherish his moments with loved ones and engage in acts of love and service, as he will depend on them for support. Pastoral care, counseling, and open conversations with trusted spiritual advisors can be beneficial in exploring these complex emotions and finding a sense of meaning and purpose amid a terminal illness.
Euthanasia
Christianity is founded on and reaches people to instill values that guide their daily actions, ensuring they remain Godly. In the case of George, one of the values he has to reflect upon to guide him in determining whether to opt for euthanasia or not is the dignity of life. The Bible teaches that all human beings were created in the actual image of God.
Therefore, one must show respect and dignity in oneself, as the body deserves honor in delivering admiration to the creator. According to Grove et al. (2022), having respect and dignity for the body of Christ means that everyone should refrain from interfering with their bodies in any way, as they are holy temples of God. In its place, George should seek to remain healthy for days, even though ALS is degenerative and has no immediate cure.
Another essential set of values is love and compassion, which can be exercised at both the individual and societal levels. As George has been diagnosed with a terminal illness, he must be handled compassionately and with love, even as he contemplates euthanasia. He is in a situation marked by confusion, emotional disturbance, and psychological dissonance, and his reasoning may be impaired. He requires understanding, kindness, and a show of care and help to decide whether something could be life-ending or life-sustaining. The contemplation of euthanasia is not welcome in Christian views, and the Bible forbids murder, as death is listed among the Ten Commandments (Frey et al., 2018). It would be appropriate for George to also show love and compassion to himself, with the hope that he will recover.
Morally Justified Options
George has many other options that he can consider to avoid euthanasia, as it has no support in Christianity. As he waits for the Lord’s time, George can consider pursuing palliative or hospice care that can enable him to reduce pain and suffering. The maintenance will comfort him and, at the same time, affirm the sanctity of life until its natural end.
O’Connor (2020) suggests that hospice care can improve the quality of life during the illness, highlighting the importance of upholding the values of dignity and respect. He can strongly support the Christian worldview by expressing preferences regarding medical treatment through an advanced directive. The document can ensure that medical decisions align with his religious beliefs and values, should he not be able to communicate his wishes.
Additionally, George can opt to seek counseling or therapy to help cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of the disease. Engaging in spiritual practices, seeking guidance from religious leaders, and connecting with a faith community can offer solace and comfort during times of distress (O’Connor, 2020). As an expert legal practitioner, George can undertake initiatives that positively contribute to others’ lives and leave a lasting impact on the world. This will provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose during the final stages of his life. He can find peace and acceptance in the face of mortality by shifting his focus toward making amends, reconciling with loved ones, and spiritually preparing for the next life.
Personal Decision
It can be challenging to settle on the most suitable option considering the complexity and sensitivity of euthanasia in the Christian worldview. The decision involves ethical, moral, and theological considerations. However, Christianity emphasizes the importance of respecting the sanctity of life, which is viewed as a gift from God (Frey et al., 2018). Therefore, intentionally ending one’s life, even in the context of a terminal illness, would be considered morally wrong due to interference with the natural course of life and death. This can be seen as an attempt to control life and death, which may be considered an act of rebellion against God’s plan.
The ultimate choice must be informed through guidance from trusted spiritual leaders, healthcare professionals, and loved ones. Rego et al. (2020) suggest that engaging in open discussions and considering various perspectives can facilitate the formation of a well-informed decision that aligns with personal beliefs and values. Additionally, seeking pastoral care and counseling can provide valuable support during this challenging time.
Conclusion
A terminal illness can present a challenging moment in one’s life, considering the high prospect of dying shortly after enduring endless pain and suffering. George is caught up in a similar situation, and this moment can be related to Christianity through the fallenness of man and the hope for resurrection, as it touches on the core of biblical teachings on death and dying. He should stand by the Christian values of life and go by other morally justified options with the hope of recovering or dying graciously.
References
Batstone, E., Bailey, C., & Hallett, N. (2020). Spiritual care provision to end of life patients: A systematic literature review. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 29(19-20).
Frey, R. J., & Blackwell, A. H. (2018). Euthanasia. In J. L. Longe (Ed.), Gale virtual reference library: The Gale encyclopedia of nursing and allied health (4th ed.). Gale.
Grove, G., Lovell, M., & Best, M. (2022). Perspectives of Major World Religions regarding Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide: A Comparative Analysis. Journal of Religion and Health, 61(6).
King James Version Holy Bible. (2023). American Bible Society.
O’Connor, M. (2020). Reflecting on suffering at the end-of-life. Progress in Palliative Care, 1–4.
Rego, F., Gonçalves, F., Moutinho, S., Castro, L., & Nunes, R. (2020). The influence of spirituality on decision-making in palliative care outpatients: a cross-sectional study. BMC Palliative Care, 19(1).