For many, the threat of death is frightening. No amount of effort and reflection can adequately prepare individuals for death. However, there are some measures that individuals can initiate to cushion themselves against the horror that accompanies the understanding that death looms and is inevitable. Turning to their faith is among these steps. For example, Christians can rely on the assurance of afterlife for comfort. Faith is particularly important for individuals ailing from terminal illnesses. These individuals understand that their death is fast-approaching and that if they fail to initiate readiness, the impacts of their death could be devastating. While it remains highly controversial and divisive, voluntary euthanasia is among the exits available to the terminally ill. The case of George highlights the difficulties that Christian believers face as they reflect on their death. Terminally ill, George is considering voluntary euthanasia with the goal of minimizing the pain and anguish that his family will endure has the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) ravages his body and kills his spirit. The agony that George grapples with underscores the importance of faith in God. By turning to his faith for comfort, George can find answers to resolve the dilemma that he faces.
Interpretation of Suffering in Light of Fallenness of the World
The Christian worldview and narrative help to provide believers with the insights that they need to gain a clearer understanding of suffering. According to Onongha (2013), human suffering has its roots in the fallenness of the world. In his text, Onongha blames the sin that mankind committed for the emergence of suffering. He presents suffering as part of God’s mission to reconcile mankind to himself. Additionally, as Onongha states, human suffering is the result of the “flawed personal choices of individuals” (p. 130). McTavish (2016) also explored the essence of human suffering. While he agrees that suffering can be traced to mankind’s defiance and sinfulness, he adds that through suffering, individuals are allowed to better understand their helplessness and to recognize the power of God. Therefore, suffering serves an important role in the lives of believers and helps to cement their relationship with God.
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The worldview outlined above would help George to accept and better understand his situation. As noted, Christians are supposed to regard suffering as a reminder of their sinful nature. More importantly, suffering creates opportunities for reconciliation and deeper connections with God. If George is to find comfort, he needs to consider his suffering as an experience that exposes his powerlessness and challenges him to surrender to God. As he does this, he will essentially be allowing God to exercise his power and mercy.
Hope of Resurrection and Interpretation of Suffering
In addition to linking suffering to the fallenness of mankind, the Christian narrative also draws connections between suffering and the hope of resurrection. As Garcia (2006) discovered, the resurrection of Jesus serves as evidence that human suffering is designed to usher Christians into an eternity with their heavenly father. By resurrecting, Jesus essentially conquered death and demonstrated his supremacy over pain and agony. In the case study, it is noted that George is ailing from ALS, a condition without a cure and which causes death only a few years after diagnosis. This means that there is little hope that George will recover. If anything, he will lose his independence and his will to live. However, as he prepares for his inevitable and looming death, George should take comfort in the hope of resurrection. His death will mark the end of his suffering and the beginning of an eternity defined by joy, peace and comfort. It is true that George’s death will be a tremendous loss to his family. However, together with his family, George should approach his death as an unfortunate but necessary event that must occur for him to realize the promise of resurrection.
Value of Life
ALS can have devastating effects on patients and their families. For example, given that the disease has no cure, families spend huge amounts in managing it. Additionally, families watch helplessly as patients waste away and are stripped of their dignity. As his death approaches, it would not be surprising for George to regard himself as of little value. Researchers have observed with concern that terminally ill individuals consider themselves as burden to their families (Girgis et al. p. 197). This is particularly the case when the families incur huge emotional and financial costs in managing the terminal illness. Fortunately, Scripture and the larger Christian narrative provide clarity on the value and meaning of human life. There are various Bible verses which reiterate the fact that illness cannot erode the value of human life. For example, in Psalms 139: 13-16, the Bible reminds believers that they are “fearfully and wonderfully made”. This message is reinforced in Jeremiah 1:5 where God declares that before he formed man, he knew him and destined him for greatness as a prophet to the nations. Through these verses, God essentially makes it clear that the value of human life is inherent and cannot be taken away by such issues as terminal illnesses like ALS.
The case study paints a depressingly glooming future for George. It is predicted that as the ALS sets in, George will lose his independence and such functions as the ability to speak. Such loss would render any individual hopeless and could cause them to regard themselves as valueless. The works of Jesus should restore the dignity and confidence of such individuals. Throughout his ministry, Jesus associated and developed intimate relationships with outcasts and the sick. For example, he healed lepers and welcomed prostitutes and corrupt tax collectors to become part of his ministry. George should be reminded that in the eyes of Jesus, his value remains unchanged despite the devastation that the ALS will cause.
Values and Considerations
In a previous section, euthanasia was described as a highly contentious issue. Its contentious and divisive nature can be seen within the Christian community. In the US, it has been observed that religious individuals are deeply divided on the question of whether euthanasia is consistent with the Christian worldview (Pew Research Center par. 1). On the one hand, there are those who feel that euthanasia amounts to a violation of the dignity and sanctity of human life. On the other hand are believers who think that euthanasia is a process that allows for mercy to be exercised. By examining the case of George, one is able to recognize the conflicts that arise when discussing the issue of euthanasia. Fortunately, there are some values and considerations that are part of the Christian worldview which helps to illuminate the euthanasia question. The value of human life, autonomy and mercy are among the key values of the Christian worldview (“Christian Views on Euthanasia” 4). Essentially, the Christian worldview acknowledges the need to exercise mercy by minimizing human suffering and respecting the autonomy of individuals. However, this worldview also reminds individuals to understand that even as they strive to preserve the value of human life, they should recognize that their actions have impacts on others. Furthermore, the worldview urges believes to place their faith in God particularly when confronted with challenges like terminal illness. Basically, the Christian worldview does not provide a clear answer to the euthanasia question. Instead, it simply identifies the values and considerations that should guide the search for answers.
Morally Justified Options
Above, some of the values that the Christian worldview promotes have been identified. These values and considerations present a number of options that are available to George. Doing nothing, opting for euthanasia and choosing treatment are the main options. If he chooses to take no action, George will basically be exercising his autonomy and recognizing that his fate is inevitable. On the other hand, if he opts for treatment, George will be demonstrating faith in God and tremendous hope in his healing power. As already stated, there is no cure for ALS. Therefore, by seeking treatment, George will be acting out of faith and trust that God will heal him. The third option involves undergoing euthanasia. This option appears to be the most inconsistent with the Christian worldview. In addition to breaching human dignity and violating human value, this option also represents hopelessness and giving up.
Chosen Decision
The situation that George faces is indeed difficult. While he has various options, none of them stands out as ideal. If I were George, I would opt for euthanasia. I understand that this decision would cause my family and friends to endure unimaginable pain. However, I think that considering the alternatives, this is the best cause of action. My worldview is based on the utilitarian perspective. This approach places emphasis on practicality and risk and benefits. I feel that the benefits of euthanasia far outweigh the risks and drawbacks. For example, by undergoing euthanasia, I will spare my family the emotional and financial pain that they would otherwise endure if I choose to proceed with treatment. Additionally, opting for euthanasia will allow me to secure my dignity. As the case study makes clear, George will become wheelchair bound and will require support for nearly all actions. This is indignifying and conflicts with the essence of living. I would not want to live if this meant giving up my independence and sense of worth.
In conclusion, terminal illnesses such as ALS continue to cause destruction and pain. This is clear from the case of George who has bene diagnosed with ALS and fears losing his autonomy. George should rely on God for comfort at this time of uncertainty and fear. The Christian worldview presents God as a benevolent father who is willing and ready to alleviate the suffering of his people. While I agree with the Christian worldview, I find that it can be impractical to implement. Instead of blindingly adopting this worldview, individuals need to expand their perspectives and consider other approaches to making sense of the humane experience.
References
“Christian views on euthanasia”. Care, n.d. https://www.care.org.uk/our-causes/sanctity-life/euthanasia/christian-views
Garcia, J. L. A. (2006). Sin and suffering in a Catholic understanding of medical ethics. Christian Bioethics, 12 (2), 165-186.
Girgis, Afaf, Lambert, Sylvie, Johnson, Claire, Waller, Amy and Currow, David. Physical, psychosocial, relationship and economic burden of caring for people with cancer: a review. Journal of Oncology Practice, vol. 9, no. 4 (2013), 197-202.
McTavish, J. (2016). Suffering, death and eternal life. The Linacre Quarterly, 83 (2), 134-41.
Onongha, K. (2013). Suffering, salvation, and the sovereignty of God: towards a theology of suffering. Journal of Adventist Mission Studies, 2 (12), 126-136.
Pew Research Center. “Religious groups’ views on end-of-life issues”. Pew Forum, 2013. https://www.pewforum.org/2013/11/21/religious-groups-views-on-end-of-life-issues/
