Abstract
Different religions raise different perceptions of life, suffering, and death. They tend to offer explanations on why sufferings exist and life after death. Aware of the sufferings mostly resulting from terminal illnesses, religions come up with views and create awareness on how people should handle or even respond to suffering. Terminal illnesses hugely induce suffering on the patients and their respective families since the patient has a very limited life span after the diagnose of such a disease (Hare, 2015). Different religions have been on the front line addressing the issue of terminal illnesses, defining different approaches to handle such instances. One of the approaches has raised a debate among the religions on whether to carry out euthanasia on patients or not. Most of the religions view this approach as one of the ways to relieve terminal sickness patients’ suffering through the termination of their lives (Geisler, 2009). However, the debate arises between the different religions as some tend to support this approach while others are against it. This manuscript presents a comparison of different views from different religions on suffering, euthanasia, and death. Relying on the Christianity approach, the manuscript reflects on the ethical analysis case of George, a man who is developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) that will induce a lot of suffering and lastly lead him to death.
Interpretation of George’s suffering based on the fallenness of the world narrative.
The Christian religion has a huge emphasis on the importance of human life. Termination of life is never advocated for by Christianity since they consider it a sin, an action describing the fallenness of the world (Geisler, 2009). As per the Christian narrative, all Christians suffer but they stand firm with the notion that after all tribulations they will enter the kingdom of God.
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George’s case presents a beginning of sufferings that tend can be aligned with the Christian approach. The more the tribulations, the more his faith will be fastened towards the kingdom of God (Moulton et. al, 2006) . Therefore, in light of the Christian narrative, George needs to interpret his suffering as a battleground for his soul. Relating to the biblical story of Job, in the anticipated sufferings of the terminal illness, George needs to focus on God even in the midst of his sufferings. Christianity expects an individual to undergo the suffering still death since it will offer a suitable preparation for the glory. Focusing on the fallenness of the world, any approach including euthanasia is a sin as per the Christianity ethics. Therefore, George needs to interpret his suffering that it is purposeful and he is in the preparation stage to the glory.
Interpretation of George’s suffering based on the hope of resurrection.
In line with the emphasis on the hope of resurrection, George does not need to be dreadful on the sufferings on the terminal illness (Geisler, 2009). Despite the anticipated death, Christian belief records that there is life after death that rejuvenates the hope of resurrection in Christians. Moreover, the sufferings on earth is an added advantage since it is a preparation stage to glory. In a real sense, George’s condition induces a lot of suffering into his life within the short life span before his death. The fears raised in the case study presented will hugely affect him and his kin as well (Hare, 2015). The suffering in this context will be accompanied by pain emanating from severe symptoms. However, in light of the Christian narrative, George should undergo all the suffering with great hope of resurrection and comfortable life in the glory.
Christian worldview on the value of George’s life.
The Christian religion has a very distinct value in life. Christian worldview considers life as a gift from God (Moulton et. al, 2010) . As a sacred essence, no man has any right to terminate another’s life or even to end life within himself. Despite any suffering affecting an individual, Christianity considers it as a sacred possession from the creator who has the divine power to terminate any individual’s life. In consideration of George’s case, Christian perception demonstrates the value of his life despite the sufferings characterizing it. George needs to understand the sanctity of life despite the suffering. Moreover, life belongs to God who has the sovereign right to dictate how lives should be regulated (Hare, 2015). In his contemplations, George should consider that life is a sacred gift from God hence live it preparing for eternity within the anticipated life span. Therefore, based on Christianity, George should eliminate euthanasia among the approaches towards his ailment.
Christian’s values and considerations towards euthanasia.
Christian worldview focuses on the following values while focusing on the debate regarding the euthanasia option (Moulton et. al, 2010) . Joy is one of the governing values in Christianity. In relation to George’s situation, Christian worldview focuses on finding joy in the sufferings. This value is a contentedness that emanates from having faith in God through the sufferings that all shall be well. Trusting in God is one of the values that sustain Christian believers even in their times of need. Gentleness is the next value that requires an individual to take a gentle approach towards life as evidence that Christ dwells in someone’s life. Christian’s considerations dictate that life bears God’s image hence no one has the authority to terminate it. In addition, religion agrees that everyone has the right to make his/her own decision. However, there is a need to involve God in such decisions with a total understanding of life and the impacts of such decisions towards the life lived (Moulton et. al, 2010) .
Christian’s Justifiable options on George’s scenario.
Clearly, euthanasia is not advocated for in the Christian religion. However, giving ample care to the patient is among the best options (Geisler, 2009). Throughout the limited lifespan, George needs to receive care from the family and everyone related to him demonstrating love and concern despite his situation. This can be done by responding to his needs and be available to avoid any case where the patient might feel abandoned. Moreover, Christianity stresses on providing spiritual support through holding out hope in spite of the dark side of life brought by the sufferings. The reason behind these approaches is to give him a sense of belonging that will eliminate chances of stress leaving euthanasia the only option. In a Christian approach, these strategies will always remind him of God’s presence, love and the great life in the glory (Hare, 2015).
The personal decision relating to George’s situation.
Being in a terminal illness situation is a very complicated state (Moulton et. al, 2010) . First, caring for the terminally ill is not an easy task since the care is driven towards someone who is facing death. The suffering period is never easy due to pains and stress. George’s situation requires numerous resources from the family to sustain him in his death bed. Moreover, it requires a spiritually mature person to handle him to always motivate him on a Christian basis. In my worldview approach, my decision will be inspired by my life expectancy to death. George’s case has a life expectancy of 3 to 4 years. There are chances of slowing down the degeneration of the symptoms during the life expectancy period. In such a case, the suitable option involves enjoying the company of my beloved as long as the symptoms remain low. However, if become a prisoner of my body subject to torture, extreme dependence and loss of my dignity and power, euthanasia can be a better option to see me off to the glory. This is because one tends to burden his/her caretakers and even exhaust finances trying to lower the symptoms. Death will always be the final destination after all the sufferings incurred in the lifetime. To avoid such cases, summoning it through euthanasia might be a better option.
References
Hare, R. M. (2015). Euthanasia-A Christian View. Philosophic Exchange , 6 (1), 2.
Geisler, N. L. (2009). Christian ethics (pp. 216-217). Apollos.
Moulton, B. E., Hill, T. D., & Burdette, A. (2010, June). Religion and trends in euthanasia attitudes among US adults, 1977–2004. In Sociological Forum (Vol. 21, No. 2, pp. 249-272). Springer US.
