Introduction
In this ethical analysis, we will examine the case of George, a successful attorney and legal scholar recently diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative disease affecting the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. George is struggling with the prospect of losing his abilities to speak, move, eat, and breathe due to motor neuron degeneration and gradual muscle atrophy. George has started to research the option of voluntary euthanasia in light of his diagnosis. The significance of George’s suffering, the worth of his existence as a person, the values and factors that guide decision-making, and George’s morally acceptable options will all be examined from the perspective of the Christian worldview in this research. The thesis of this analysis is that the Christian worldview emphasizes the value of human life, the importance of relieving suffering, and the need for open and honest discussion with family, doctors, and spiritual advisors to make the best decision for George, respecting his autonomy and dignity.
The Fallenness of The World
According to the Christian narrative, George’s suffering may be explained by the fact that the world has fallen. According to the Bible, sin and death were introduced into the world when Adam and Eve disobeyed God. The cause of all the current sorrow, pain, and death in the world is an occurrence known as “The Fall.” Given this narrative, it is possible to view George’s suffering as a result of how damaged the world is rather than as a punishment from God. It can also be viewed as a chance for development and change (Grove et al., 2022, p. 4759). Christians hold that suffering can have a redemptive function in a believer’s life by fostering a greater awareness of one’s humanity, a stronger dependence on God, and a more loving and compassionate outlook toward others.
The Christian worldview also holds that Jesus, the son of God, endured agony, and death on the cross and that his death served as a substitutionary atonement for humanity’s sins. As a Christian, George may take solace in knowing that Jesus, who is both fully God and human, can relate to his sorrow and pain and that his sacrifice on the cross offers George a path to hope and salvation (Grove et al., 2022, p. 4765). He might also take comfort in sharing his pain with Jesus and that it might be turned to God’s and others’ benefit.
The Hope of Resurrection
George’s suffering can be understood from the perspective of the Christian narrative in the context of the expectation of the Resurrection. According to biblical teaching, believers will rise from the dead in new bodies, free from pain and suffering, and death is not the end (Grove et al., 2022, p. 4768). George’s suffering can be viewed as momentary and not the core reality in the context of this story. The thought that his current pain is only a little portion of his existence and that eternal life will someday follow it on a perfect and restored planet may give him peace. He can also take solace in the notion that the Resurrection of Jesus assures the believer’s own Resurrection. He realized that his pain was only a temporary problem compared to the magnificence ahead.
The Christian worldview also teaches that God is sovereign and has power over everything, including pain. By believing that God is using his anguish for a purpose, even if it is not immediately apparent, George could view his suffering in the context of the prospect of Resurrection. He can take solace in the knowledge that everything happens for the benefit of those who love God (Krull et al., 2022, p. 2). He can find comfort in the notion that God is with him in his suffering and that He will ultimately make something positive of it.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
According to the Christian perspective, all human life is essential and has inherent worth because it was made in the divine image. This implies that everyone has intrinsic worth and value as a human being, regardless of their physical or mental capabilities. In light of this, the Christian worldview would enlighten George as he considers life with ALS, that his life as a person is still valued and deserving of respect, even if his physical abilities deteriorate (Krull et al., 2022, p. 3). He can take solace in the knowledge that his worth and value as a person come more from the fact that he was made in the image of God than from his physical ability.
He can also take comfort in the fact that God has a purpose for his existence and that his pain has value. According to the Christian worldview, life is given by God, and it is morally wrong to take one’s own life or the life of another (Krull et al., 2022, p. 5). George might discover that his Christian worldview teaches him that euthanasia by choice is not a viable solution. He realizes that since he was made in God’s image, the decision to end his life belongs to God and not to him.
Values and Considerations
When deciding whether George should choose euthanasia, the Christian worldview would center on a number of principles and factors. It teaches that adversity can have a redemptive function and that God can utilize it to foster character development, spiritual advancement, and a better comprehension of the human situation (Grove et al., 2022, p. 4761). George might realize that there is a reason for his pain and that he can derive more significance from it. The Christian worldview emphasizes the importance of community and the role that others play in supporting and caring for those who are suffering. George would likely find comfort in the idea that he is not alone in his suffering and has the support of his family, friends, and community. This worldview also guides that there is hope beyond this life and that through faith in Jesus Christ, believers have the promise of eternal life (Krull et al., 2022, p. 4). George may find comfort in the idea that his suffering is not the end but that he will have eternal life in heaven.
Options
For George, who has ALS, a number of options might be morally acceptable from the Christian perspective. Palliative care is a comprehensive strategy for treating the symptoms and pain of people with life-threatening illnesses like ALS (O’Connor, 2020, p. 2). George’s discomfort, suffering, and other symptoms would need to be managed to enhance his quality of life. Because it aims to lessen George’s suffering while upholding the sanctity of life, this strategy would be morally acceptable in a Christian worldview. Moreover, hospice care is a specialized form of palliative care for those nearing the end of life (O’Connor, 2020, p. 2). It focuses on providing comfort and support for the patient and their loved ones. This approach would be morally justified in the Christian worldview because it emphasizes the importance of community and providing support for those who are suffering.
George may decide that he does not want to undergo treatment or that he does not want to prolong his suffering. The Christian worldview would respect George’s autonomy and his right to make decisions about his care. George and his family might rely on prayer, faith, and seeking spiritual guidance to find hope, peace, and comfort during this difficult time. This approach would be morally justified because it emphasizes the importance of hope and the belief that God is sovereign and has a plan for George’s life.
Decision
The viewpoints and values of each person involved in the decision-making process, including George and his family, must be considered. In a Christian worldview, the value of human life is seen as holy; therefore, it is crucial to take moral considerations into account before making any decisions. However, it is also crucial to take into account things like life quality and pain relief (Krull et al., 2022, p. 2). Palliative care and hospice are options that should be taken into account because they may be able to offer George and his family consolation and support during this trying time. The use of pain management and other therapies to help with symptom relief and enhance the quality of life must also be taken into account (Krull et al., 2022, p. 2). It is essential to have an open and honest discussion with family, doctors, and spiritual advisors to make the best decision for George and his family.
The utilization of palliative care techniques to lessen George’s suffering, such as pain management, symptom control, and psychological and spiritual support, would be encouraged by a Christian worldview. Palliative care is a treatment that focuses on enhancing the quality of life for those suffering from a terrible illness. It is a crucial component of ALS therapy. Palliative care can be given at any stage of the illness and can continue along with other therapies, which is important to keep in mind (O’Connor, 2020, p. 3). Furthermore, the Christian worldview also acknowledges the importance of keeping the spiritual dimension of care in mind. George may want to consult with a spiritual advisor or chaplain to help him find meaning and purpose in his suffering and to provide him with emotional and spiritual support.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Christian worldview holds that human life is valuable and should be protected, and suffering should be alleviated. However, it also acknowledges that the world has fallen and that suffering is a reality. In the case of George, who is facing the progressive deterioration of his physical abilities due to ALS, his suffering is understandable and should be acknowledged. The Christian worldview would encourage George to consider the value of his life and the importance of preserving his autonomy and dignity. This would involve open and honest discussions with his family, doctors, and spiritual advisors to make the best decision for him.
Additionally, the Christian worldview would also respect George’s autonomy in decision-making. George has the right to make informed decisions about his care and treatment, and his wishes should be respected as much as possible. The Christian worldview would also encourage the use of advanced care planning, in which George can express his preferences for care and treatment and assign a healthcare proxy to make decisions on his behalf if he becomes unable to do so.
References
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), 4758–4782. Web.
Krull, D. S., Varga, S. L., Sgro, J. G., & Krull, S. R. A. (2022). Self-destruction or surrender? Religiosity and active versus passive euthanasia. Death Studies, 1–7. Web.
O’Connor, M. (2020). Reflecting on suffering at the end-of-life. Progress in Palliative Care, 29(1), 1–4. Web.