Faced with insurmountable odds in terms of sickness and poor health, most people become very philosophical in terms of contemplating their existence within the broader context. The harsh reality of dealing with tremendous suffering or incurable pain often pushes people into adopting spiritual and religious philosophies. This notion is supported by Cuccia (2014), who asserts that spirituality often creates a sense of hope and reduced stress thereby resulting in improved well-being. For others, however, terminal diseases present an unbearable future, as the case with George in the case study who opts for euthanasia as a way of escaping from the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This write-up delves into the dynamics of George’s condition by offering a Christian view on the status of suffering, death and dying. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease which is also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The disease attacks the neuromuscular system limiting the body’s ability to move, speak or eat.
The nature of muscle impairment associated with the disease has no cure so far and as such survival rates have been pegged at two to four years upon the onset of its symptoms (Andersen et al., 2012). In the case of George, these realities have pushed him to the edge considering his high status and position within society. George feels that his life has come to an end since he is likely to be reduced in a prisoner within his body. It can be argued that George has lost all hope, an element that is pushing him to consider mercy death. However, according to Koenig and Larson, (20010, spirituality and religiosity are contributory factors in helping individuals cope with the deleterious effects of their conditions. In essence, they prove vital in building hope within an individual. It is, therefore, essential to help George understand his condition from a Christian perspective.
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According to the Gospel of Mark, the Christhood of Jesus was attained through suffering. He begins by stating “the beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mark 1:1).” His mission is to emphasize the fact that Jesus was the Son of God who came down to earth in human form for the redemption of humankind. Mark dedicates his Gospel to the suffering and humiliation of Jesus as well as his eventual death with the goal of helping believers understand that it was the only possible way through which Jesus would become Christ. The historical context of Mark’s Gospel has been traced back to a period of Christian persecution during Emperor Nero’s reign. This context is essential in providing a more in-depth hermeneutical perspective in comprehending Mark’s message. In other words, the Roman context proves vital in underpinning Mark’s message of Jesus’s humiliation and suffering. The passion narrative forms Mark’s primary focus in the entire gospel.
While most of the teachings of Jesus had focused on the Kingdom and day-to-day interactions, his urgency, and style of preaching ultimately changed when Peter revealed Him as the Christ. Not only did He begin to talk about his death, but that He also began to endure the spiritual torment of His imminent death, thus marking the onset of his suffering. In one of such sermons, Mark asserts that; “Jesus then told the crowd and the disciples to come closer, and he said: If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross and follow me (Mark 8: 34).” In this message, it is clear that Jesus is quite adamant on the need for mental and spiritual fortitude in surviving the Christian journey. It is from this point that Jesus would begin to suffer beginning with a major betrayal by His own disciple.
Upon being arrested by the authorities he was beaten and blindfolded before being escorted to the court as captured in Mark 14: 53-65. His beatings and suffering continue on the day of his trial under Pilate where he is mocked, beaten and ridiculed by soldiers. Besides being miserably whipped, he is adorned with a crown of thorns before being forced to carry His own cross to meet His end according to Mark 15:1-37. From Mark’s point of view; therefore, the passion narrative underpins the only sure way through which Jesus attained Christhood. For Mark, the implication of this particular perspective is that practicing Christians must ready and willing to endure the suffering, pain, and struggle of life in salvation. In other words, like Christ, Christians should be ready to follow in His footsteps if they are to enjoy the promises of the Lord as marked by the covenant of Jesus’ blood.
While Mark’s Gospel spreads the good news of salvation that comes through Jesus Christ, it is evident that it is important to remember the message of suffering and death that underpins the beauty and peace of salvation in Christ. In other words, the cost of spiritual freedom comes at a cost that might involve unbearable pain and suffering, Christians must, however, set their eyes on the ultimate reward of eternal redemption to propel their endurance (McCormack, 2008). From this position, it is possible to assert that Marks Gospel attempts to inspire and encourage Christians amidst their challenges and suffering. This also applies to George’s case who is faced with a terminal illness that threatens to destroy everything he has built over his lifetime. As he prepares for the progression of the diseases characterized by more severe symptoms, George must be reminded of the importance of holding his faith amidst the humiliation and suffering.
For individuals with ALS, such as George major concerns are centered on the quality-of-life, more so as the disease advances. As a person loses their ability to move, speak or eat, they are rendered helpless and the mercy of their family and friends even for the most basic activities. For individuals that have enjoyed significant power and activity in their lives such as George, succumbing to such issues conditions can prove devastating. In striving to contemplate the vagaries of his new found condition, George is left hopeless knowing that he is going to lose his dignity and life in a short while. His solution to this problem is to kill himself before the disease can advance any further (Dobson, 2007). While his concerns may be a focus on the quality of life, he is likely to live following the progression of his disease he should be reminded of the sanctity of life and its value within the universe.
With a society founded on biblical and religious principles, the story of humanity begins in Genesis following the creation story. The Genesis story lays out the plan that defines the path of human history since creation underpinning the position of humanity across society and more importantly, its sanctity within the universe. As creations of God, human beings can look at themselves as stewards of their bodies rather than the original owners. Additionally, it is clear that human beings are made in God’s image an element that accords them an inherent God-given dignity. Paul also reminds believers of the importance of remaining content with their lives by acknowledging its significance within the more massive hand of God at play. In Philippians 4: 12 he states "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation." The final resounding biblical view that discourages euthanasia is found in the book of Deuteronomy 32:39 which states "there is no God beside me, I put to death, and I bring to life."
Death is an inevitable part of life, and while it occurs naturally, most people often die from various diseases. In instances involving tremendous pain and suffering, however, individuals are forced to reconsider their values and beliefs, an element that is associated with the fear of death. Religious and spiritual beliefs often take center stage with some individuals questioning their beliefs while others sort comfort in religious philosophies. This is because religious beliefs have proven instrumental in helping eliminate the fear associated with death by providing the internal fortitude to help a person deal with conditions and processes of dying. In George’s case, therefore, addressing his problem requires a rejuvenation of his hope in life and the creator. As the giver and taker of life, God holds the exclusive right over human life; this means no human beings holds the right to take their lives regardless of their condition.
Based on this background, George needs to renew his faith in the Lord despite the pain, torment, and suffering he faces. As his disease progresses, he is likely to experience further humiliation and grief following the loss of significant motor functions. Despite the degree of suffering he encounters, he must not resolve to take life realizing that it is precious and that suicide violates the ultimate law of creation. George should be reminded of the Christ time on earth including his suffering and humiliation while on earth. More importantly, however, is realizing that suffering faithfully presents an opportunity at the resurrection and eternal life through Jesus name.
References
Cuccia, K. (2014). The End of Suffering. The Catholic Library World , 84 (3), 195.
Dobson, E. (2007). Prayers and promises when facing a life-threatening illness: 30 short morning and evening reflections . Grand Rapids, Mich: Zondervan.
Koenig, H. G., Larson, D. B., & Larson, S. S. (2001). Religion and coping with serious medical illness. Annals of Pharmacotherapy , 35 (3), 352-359.
McCormack, B. L. (2008). Engaging the doctrine of God: Contemporary Protestant perspectives . Grand Rapids, Mich: Baker Academic.
