Ethical analysis: Christian world view on the end of life decisions

Ethical analysis: Christian world view on the end of life decisions

Abstract.

End of life matters is diverse subjects that arise during the dying process. A dying process a period when a patient is suffering from a critical illness that cannot be reversed by medical treatment. The period is usually associated with a lot of pain and suffering. Different paradigms have diverse views on issues regarding suffering and end of life issues. Religion would probably have a view that is different from the postmodern and world opinion as far this topic is concerned. Philosophers also have different perspectives. The study herein evaluates the concept of suffering in the fallen world and how it is relevant to the Christian world. It is worth to note that end of life escalates around value and quality of life, which is perceived differently from different world dimensions. This study mainly focuses on establishing how Christianity view the end of life care and decisions. The main aspects of end of life issues discussed are euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide.

Further, the article explores the biblical view of suffering and hope during the dying process. The argument surrounding euthanasia or assisted suicide is based on various variable and branches. It, therefore, implies that it could be voluntary or involuntary, passive or active. The decision could either depend on the personal patient choice, family choice or the choice of medical professionals. Furthermore, the study evaluates ethical issues surrounding euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, such as patient autonomy — a case study of the end of life decision in which George is used as the basis for this argument. The case study gives the best analysis of the euthanasia as an end of life decision for George. Utilising this study case, it is possible to evaluate the options that would be justified in the Christian world view.

Suffering and fallenness of the word

We are living in a contemporary world in which suffering and pain have been viewed and attributed to various factors. However, Christianity has a different view of suffering in the fallen world based on biblical teachings. The issue of suffering and evil in currently is not a Christian problem. Christianity focuses on how individuals are equipped to comprehend and approach sin and pain the suffering they experience. Its argument has an onset in the creation story. God of the creator of all human beings and therefore, their existence and nature of life is not by accident but by ordained God’s intention. Pain and suffering is thus a fundamental part of the Christian life as God has a purpose over the same.

The story of Eden and the fall of man gives a clear picture of the suffering in the fallen world. This critically implies that the postmodern world is not the way God created it has but is now full of evil. It has broken and corrupted with sin. Suffering is, therefore, is linked to sin to achieve the fullness of life, then restoration is mandatory. From the case study, George is faced with a challenging situation that requires Christian interpretation to provide the full meaning of suffering. The fact that he is succumbing to suffering as a result amyotrophic lateral sclerosis does not mean an end of life. From the Christian narrative, he can seek healing from God through prayer and forgiveness of sin.

Suffering and hope of resurrection

Poor health and chronic illness cause a lot of pain suffering. The question here the question is, how to do individual suffering while focusing on Jesus Christ life of misery. Christianity would view suffering as pre-requisite for the hope of resurrection and restoration. It is therefore evident that when suffering, we are sharing in the mission of Christ. From the Christian perspective, suffering reveals to Christian the power of God to restore to the fullness of life. Jesus conquered death through resurrection. Therefore, his resurrection provides hope during suffering moments. Christian is given victory through Jesus Christ. The resurrection gives hope of transitioning from the suffering life to victorious and joyous life full of happiness through the comfort of Jesus Christ. The promise of resurrection transform the believer from an earth-bound person to a heaven-bound person. The transformation of Jesus has a broad, meaningful purpose during the moment of suffering. It is believed from the Christian view that that individual hope is in the power of Jesus Christ who can help them during the darkest moments. Apostle Paul exemplifies the signification of resurrection in his letters. It right that Jesus felt his suffering and lived in pain, but he was not overwhelmed with the pain. Instead, he understood the power of the father and believed that He could respond to his struggles victoriously. George, in the case study, portrays no hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He does not want to embrace suffering, as Jesus did. Instead of sorting for euthanasia, he could have in the restoration and eternal that comes through hope in the resurrection.

Value of life

The postmodern world views the value from the tangible benefits that come with life. On the other hand, Christianity views, it the basis of the origin of life. From the Christian perspective, life is not a biological accident, but its source is God. The scientist has tried to create an experience in laboratories, but they have failed. Life is also sacred as it is a gift from, and therefore, no human being has the power to destroy it from external cause or from within himself. It thus means that the individual is mandated to the good steward of their own life. George compromises the biblical value of life and bases his argument from the point of the secular world view. He chooses to carry out euthanasia to avoid loose of dignity and power. He perceives the possibility of degenerating to the point of being a captive of his own body.

Christian worldview on euthanasia.

Euthanasia refers to the process of putting a person to death painlessly or allowing that person to die by withholding treatment when the patient is encountering the incurable and painful disease. Assisted suicide is much different from euthanasia as it involves being supported to bring about one own death by another person, particularly a physician. In this current century, discussion on the liberation of euthanasia has raised ethical issues that appertains the practice. It mainly based on human autonomy in which an individual believes that they have the freedom to dictate what phase should their lives take. For instance, a patient has the freedom to seek euthanasia or assisted suicide.

From the Christian perspective, facilitating euthanasia is ungodly and unacceptable. First of all, human life bears Gods image and no human being has the power to terminate it. God breath life to all human nature, and so he is the giver and taker of life. Also, Christian worldview regards human beings as a community that is joined together through the body of Christ. Therefore, the decisions we make have an impact on the lives of others. Three profound issues revolve around the argument on euthanasia. These include value for life, fear and autonomy. In Georges scenario in the case study, it is clear that he opts for euthanasia because he feels that the no value of life after developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. He sees his future growth with critical disease as values. He also in great fear of being utterly dependent upon others for every essential duties and function. He fears to undergo the torture and loss of his dignity, and that is why he contemplates euthanasia. However, his decision is against the Christian perspective, which advocates sacredness of life and the need to protect it.

Morally justified options

Despite that Christianity is against euthanasia, some options are morally justified from the Christian perspective. This is based on human autonomy. All human beings are created as rational human beings. God gave all human beings to make a sensible decision for themselves. However, each and everyone would be accountable for his choices and actions. The autonomy for George is morally justified in the Christian worldview. He has the sole authority over his life.

Personal view

In spite of the principle of autonomy, euthanasia is against God’s purpose for human life. A person life is not his own but a gift from God. Taking away owns reproduction for whatever reason is the will of the creator. Then sacredness of life must have respected. God promises he works all thing for the good of those who trust in him. He assures that one-day suffering will end. Therefore, all human beings must understand that it is only who can take away life.

Conclusion

Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide disown the immense dignity that God has given human beings. The perpetuates engaged is such end of life decisions seek to do away with suffering, but they eliminate the fundamental objective value of life. The Christian worldview offers a framework that explains the biblical on end of life issues. Through this perspective, suffering and pain are meant to help the value of having hope in the resurrection. Suffering should be a basis for euthanasia