Paradox Of Death

disease, or a person who is dying". the church says any law permitting euthanasia is a unjust

As euthanasia has become a prevalent topic in our society, many opinions have formed regarding the morality of it and whether it goes against Christian beliefs. Two opposing points of view, both written by Christians, explore this topic. John Shelby Spong argues in his article “Euthanasia Does Not Violate Christian Beliefs” that Christians need to reevaluate their view on assisted suicide and that it should be an individual choice. Chris Armstrong argues against euthanasia in the article “Christianity Condemns Voluntary Euthanasia” and contends that as Christians, we should never support the taking of life. While both authors agree that passive euthanasia

Euthanasia is argued to be defined as depriving of life or causing the death of a living being. A primary and controversial component to euthanasia is the idea that the physicians are acting in “God” like form. Christians are thought to believe that “thou shall not kill.” Christians believe that all human beings have been in created in God’s image and should be cherished in all circumstances. However, according to the article written by Ann-Marie Begley, she explains, “if only God can end a life, then clearly all instances of killing are wrong, including killing in war and self defense” (Begley 300). The only way this philosophy can be upheld is with complete pacifism in which most Christians would not agree with. The other argument opposing euthanasia is the concern about the perceived public role of the physician. The metaphorical stance of doctors seen around the country is that they are the ‘enemies of death.’ The fear is that the image would be eroded resulting in the lost of trust within the public. Ann-Marie Begley explains, “the trust does not rest with the cure and healing but with the compassion and a recognition that there comes a time when the healer has reached the limits of his or her ability” (Begley 303). The argument of depriving someone of life is also seen in equivalence to murder. Scholars also differentiate murder from euthanasia in that euthanasia there is no malice

People opposed to euthanasia may argue that physician assisted suicide is going against God. However, people shouldn’t lengthen the process of dying than what is absolutely necessary. In his article on euthanasia, Steve Seibold wrote, “If someone chooses to believe that God wants her to suffer through a terminal illness that's her decision, but when you force the rest of us to obey laws based on evidence-less beliefs, it’s wrong and needs to be stopped.” Others may possibly mention that life is sacred and euthanasia cheapens the value of life. On the other hand, all people, who are mentally capable of deciding, should have equal rights and opportunities to live, or to decide not to continue

The Catholic Church has addressed the issue of euthanasia, and is strongly against the practice. This is evident in the teachings of the church, and through the Catechisms of the Catholic Church. They define euthanasia as, “an act or omission which, of itself or by

Again, in the words of Girsh; “It should be as much of a crime to make someone live who with justification does not wish to continue as it is to take life without consent” (Girsh). In response to this argument, and perhaps the best reason for Catholics to support the church, is the fact that physician assisted suicide is a slippery slope to legalized murder — that the intent to kill is of utmost importance in the matter, and the moral repercussions of killing someone are irreversible (Harriss). In other words, physician assisted suicide inevitably leads to a culture of death. This claim is supported by the current state of healthcare in the Netherlands, where “Studies show that hospice-style palliative care 'is virtually unknown’” (Smith). Additionally, as a final note, it may be important to note that one of the problem with physician assisted suicide for Catholics is one of control; people want to end their own lives to be in control, but in reality, that control is supposed to be left to

     This essay is dedicated to the expression of the various official views of religious bodies within our nation. Most major denominations are represented. These religions have long been the custodians of the truth, serving to check the erratic and unpredictable tendencies of political, judicial and social bodies which would have Americans killing off their elderly and handicapped.

Moreover, euthanasia is restricted by the church. This is another important point that we should consider, especially for religious people. According to “Death and Dignity” it is emphasized that “Life is a gift from God and it is only God who can take it back”. Christian’s point of view considers euthanasia as a crime against church, religion and God. Christians consider this as an immoral act. When considering the religious factor as well, we can conclude that no one has the right to take control over our lives, especially when we are unconscious.

The Catholic churches stance on Euthanasia, is one that is built up over many sources, including encyclical letters popes have issued at various times, many studies that have been published throughout the 20th century, pastoral letters that have also been issued, and even simple passages from the bible. All of these combined builds up the Catholic churches overall stance on euthanasia.

God bestowed upon humanity the sacred gift of life. As creatures of the Creator, human beings should never consider disregarding God’s holy gift through the actions of suicide or euthanasia (The National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC), 2011). “God did not make death, nor does He rejoice in the destruction of the living. For He fashioned all things that they may have being” (Wisdom 1:13). Christians belief that through the death of Jesus Christ, God gave us the sacred gift of eternal life. Through this belief, life should be protected, guarded and respected in others and in oneself (Meilaender, 2013, p. 64).

They understand the pain and emotional suffering but believe that a hospice is a better solution and that to commit Euthanasia is murder and a degrading act upon human life. Catholics argument for Euthanasia is the idea of quality of life. This term was created in 1970 as a term used to describe the general welfare of an individual. It was then gradually adopted as a term to describe one’s own persona existence. “Euthanasia is a grave violation of the law of God, since it is a deliberate and morally unacceptable killing of a human being. This doctrine is based upon the moral word law and upon the written word of God” – The

No one wants to die. Even people who want seek their religious salvation after death, do not want to die to get there. Whether you fear it, embrace it, or recognize death as something other than the biological end of your life, death is the destination we all share as no one has ever escaped it. However you feel about death, it’s probably a result of how you’ve been conditioned to the idea of death. What a culture believes happens during and after death, whether there is an afterlife and what that afterlife might be like, morality, and fate greatly shapes how an individual feels and embraces death. Taking a closer look at how some different cultures throughout time such as the ancient Egyptians, the Greeks and Romans, and native American Indians we can see how this universal human experience isn’t so universal outside the biological end of the physical body.

The debate on whether it is moral to assist in suicide or euthanasia has been very strong and heated by both sides of the argument, this debate has not gone away although the bill for the arguments for assisted suicide and euthanasia was lost in the UK parliament last year.[footnoteRef:1] Using the works of catholic theologians from the fourth century to the twenty first century, this essay gives the theological account of death and dying and aims to shape the moral debate concerning

Euthanasia is defined as, "The act or practice of putting to death painlessly a person suffering from an incurable disease." Euthanasia can be traced back as far back as the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. It was sometimes allowed in these civilizations to help others die. Voluntary euthanasia was approved in these ancient societies. Today, the practice of euthanasia causes great controversy. Both pro-life groups and right-to-die groups present arguments for their different sides. Pro-life groups make arguments and present fears against euthanasia. I contend that the case for the right to die is the stronger argument.

In current times we have made many technological advances that have boosted the medical productivity in hospitals. However, the rapid development of medicine is far from being a long term resolve for many health issues. We have a plethora of people whose quality of life is very low and has no chance of improving. During these situations allowing the person to end their life via euthanasia should be allowed. I will argue that Euthanasia is morally permissible in some cases because there are several moral justifications that argue for ending one’s life.