The health condition of an individual presents different thoughts and perspectives based on underpinning experiences. In some scenarios, a patient could be subjected to different forms of treatment without a significant degree of improvement. At the same time, there are terminal conditions that have no treatment and one is bound to live with the symptoms and effects till their death. Worldviews determine how patients and practitioners interpret, perceive, and embrace their encounters. The Christian worldview is embedded in the ultimate sanctity of life by upholding the essence of suffering, hope, and value of life especially in terminal conditions among patients as illustrated in this excerpt based on George’s case study.
Suffering and Fallenness of the World
Christian worldview emphasizes the understanding of the fall and the degree of the sinfulness of the world or humanity for one to be able to comprehend the human condition and experiences. Christianity recognizes the existence of catastrophic encounters as consequences of the fallenness of humans, which in turn led to the hostility, pain, labor, and uncertainties being witnessed in the world ( Mohler, 2011 ). Being diagnosed with a terminal illness or any other health condition is an example of the catastrophic nature of the fallenness of humanity. Based on George’s diagnostic confirmation, it is true that with time, his body will degenerate due to the pathophysiology of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). However, from George’s perspective, which is in line with the Christian worldview, such experiences are normal to humanity since it is part of the consequences of the world’s fallenness ( Mohler, 2011 ). Both the book of Genesis and the New Testament gospel books equally affirms that the existence of sin subsequently paved the way for death to occur. Being diagnosed with a terminal condition is one of the examples among numerous methods and ways by which people meet their death. Suffering and pain and to a larger extent, the existence of death, have been explained as part of the elements that came into existence immediately after sin. Therefore, George will stress the consequences of the fallenness of the world as a component of the Christian worldview to justify an acceptance of the diagnosis and the eventual degeneration that will follow with time before his death.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Suffering and the Hope of Resurrection
George’s condition comes with pain and suffering and eventually, he will die; however, the Christian worldview recognizes pain and suffering by stressing on the hope that lies beyond the experiences especially after death. According to the Christian worldview, suffering is something that cannot be entirely avoided in this world (Wurster, 2018). When a Christian goes through pain and suffering, they are encouraged to anchor their hope on the forthcoming resurrection after death. For example, Christians are encouraged to rejoice in suffering since, through suffering, one is able to endure (Romans 5:3). The same sentiments are echoed in James 1: 2 – 4, which affirms that “ count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials… that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. ” In fact, George’s hope is founded on the belief that there is resurrection after death characterized by a lack of pain and suffering and an abundance of eternal life. Although the Christian worldview considers suffering and pain as consequences of sin, going through such experiences, especially in terms of health, generates endurance when the hope is founded on the resurrection. Therefore, George will be able to understand the effects of degeneration that comes with ALS as justified by the reality of suffering as part of the daily encounters of Christians.
Value of Life
As George contemplates his life with the ALS condition, the Christian worldview postulates the essence of valuing the present, the past, and hoping for the future. Christianity upholds the sacredness of life, whether an individual is in good health or diagnosed with an illness. Life starts at conception and only ends through natural death. In this case, everyone is bound to have a dignified life through his personal endeavors or with the help of other people till the day they take the last breath. In this case, the body as well as life, which activates the body, are all scared. Therefore, as long as one is still alive whether as an embryo, a patient, handicapped, or a healthy person, they share an equal degree of dignity and existential. At the same time, pain and suffering, based on Christian principles, do not indicate that one is not alive or should be considered as of low dignity. George is expected to understand that regardless of his condition, he is still a living soul with dignity and respect. Therefore, it is not possible to entirely avoid suffering at any cost whatsoever specifically when one is living within the confines of the fallenness of humanity.
Euthanasia
The Christian worldview focuses on the sanctity nature of life as the core value and consideration when deciding whether or not to consider euthanasia as an option for ending pain and suffering. Passive and active euthanasia are equally condemned in the Christian worldview because of the extent to which they go against the dignity of an individual and the meaning of life (Wurster, 2018). George could be tempted to consider euthanasia as an option to end his looming suffering after ALS diagnosis. The current justification for such a decision is based on the extent to which arguments have been centered around the need to end suffering and minimize suffering, hasten death, and the call by those affected to die with dignity. However, the Christian worldview does not support such a move whether it is recommended by a physician or a choice by the individual. As noted in the previous sections, Christianity esteems life regardless of the conditions associated with its existence. One wonders how possible it will be to rejoice in suffering but the bible encourages the need to focus on the hope of resurrection. Therefore, according to the Christian fundamentals, euthanasia is equivalent to killing and no matter how it may be considered as an act of compassion to the one suffering and in pain, it goes against the sanctity of life.
Morally Justified Options
Since euthanasia is not a morally justified option for George in line with the Christian worldview, palliative care remains a valid alternative to be considered by the patient, practitioners, and the family. Palliative care involves relief from pain while focusing on the need to view death as a normal occurrence and a stage of life ( Broeckaert, 2011 ). Different practitioners and professionals such as nurses, physicians, spiritual counselors, and psychologists play a significant role in assisting patients with a terminal illness to live a positive life to the end of life. Palliative care focuses on both the medication as well as the spiritual and existential part of symptom management ( Broeckaert, 2011 ). The objective of palliative care is to build confidence and comfort among patients with terminal conditions as they face extreme degeneration and death. Through palliative care, George will be able to understand that indeed facing a natural death is the true meaning of dying with dignity as opposed to passive or active euthanasia (Wurster, 2018). Patients with incurable conditions require holistic care, which entails the medication part and the existential support through the inclusion of a religious worldview. Christianity values life from its simplest form to the final point when one naturally or accidentally dies.
Personal Decision
From the case study, it is evident that George has already started thinking about euthanasia as an option to a dignified death as opposed to facing the degeneration that comes with ALS. In my perspective, founded on the Christian worldview, I would consider the option of facing the degenerative symptoms of ALS rather than ending my life prematurely. Evidence from palliative care ascertains how comprehensive and multidimensional end of life care is an effective method for managing terminal illness ( Broeckaert, 2011 ). A person in George’s condition could be affected by thoughts of being a burden to the family especially when the condition advances to the impairment of the respiratory system. However, different symptoms based on various degenerative stages are part of the process or impact of ALS on an individual. Additionally, passive and active euthanasia rejects the inherent associated with the sacred nature of life that God has given to humanity. If I find myself in George’s position, I will not resort to euthanasia because it indeed puts an end to pain and suffering but at the same time, it eliminates the fundamental value of life as depicted by biblical principles.
Conclusion
Terminal illnesses present the reality of death among those affected. In essence, it becomes a critical challenge for diagnosed patients and their families to accept the reality that is looming. Religious worldviews impact how people perceive death and critical illnesses and the subsequent decisions they will make regarding pain and suffering. Based on the Christian worldview, euthanasia is not a morally acceptable option when facing pain and suffering that will eventually lead to death due to the principle of life sanctity. In this case, palliative care remains the only valid alternative for terminal illness patients such as George’s ALS condition.
References
Broeckaert, B. (2011). Spirituality and palliative care. Indian J Palliat Care , 17 (Suppl): S39-S41.
Mohler, R. A. (2011). The Christian worldview as master narrative: Sin and its consequences. Albert Mohler. Available at: https://albertmohler.com/2011/01/07/the-christian-worldview-as-master-narrative-sin-and-its-consequences/
The Holy Bible . (1995). New Revised Standard Version. Oxford University Press: Oxford.
Wurster, M. (2018). What does the bible teach about Euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide? ERLC Resource Library. Available at: https://erlc.com/resource-library/articles/what-does-the-bible-teach-about-euthanasia-and-physician-assisted-suicide
