As George thinks about his life with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the Christian worldview can inform his view about the value of his life as a person in multiple ways. First, the Christian worldview can tell his opinion about the importance of his life by showing him that life is a precious gift from God. Since George considers euthanasia, the Christian worldview can inform him that because God gave him life as a gift, it should not be taken away by human actions. According to the Christian worldview, George should persevere through the pain and
5 suffering because there is a reward after all the agonizing torture. The Christian worldview shows that, after suffering on earth, death is not the end. The Christian worldview offers that humans shall receive new life in heaven and should therefore endure all the pain and suffering on earth. What sorts of values and considerations would the Christian worldview focus on in deliberating about whether or not George should opt for euthanasia? The Christian worldview indicates that, just like Jesus suffered and conquered death without giving up, humans should endure all the suffering with the hope and promise of a better outcome (Lewis Hall, M. Elizabeth, and Peter Hill, 2019). Christians should accept suffering because of the greater reward. The Christian worldview states that the reward was the resurrection and a new life after Jesus suffered and died on the cross. Therefore, the Christian worldview would focus on the values in deliberating whether George should opt for euthanasia is the promise of a greater reward after all the suffering on earth. Given the above, what options would be morally justified in the Christian worldview for George and why? Under the above, the option that would be morally justified in the Christian worldview of George is that he should endure the suffering, taking it with grace, until God takes away his life. The Christian worldview considers euthanasia as immoral and against life. Christians often condemn euthanasia, saying that humans are not obligated to take away life. Another option that would be morally justified is to continue seeking medical assistance without considering euthanasia and waiting for natural death. Christian worldview indicates that for those who endure suffering, death is not the end of them. Christian worldview shows that, after death, those who
6 endured shall receive eternal life. Just as Christ suffered and endured suffering, Christians must endure suffering by accepting it and God's will. Based on your worldview, what decision would you make if you were in George's situation? If I were in George's situation, suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), having been healthy for many years, I would consider voluntary euthanasia. Sometimes, thinking about how life will be without being able to do things for yourself is depressing. Assuming that, at some point, you will be dependent on others for tasks you used to perform yourself can be heartbreaking. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) eats all the motor nerves, and medical professionals have stated that although one can live more than ten years with it, the guaranteed time without losing all morbidity is three to four years. Therefore, if I were in George's situation, I would consider voluntary euthanasia because it would save me a lot of suffering and also ease the burden of catering for me to my family. Conclusion In summary, Christians view life as a precious gift from God, saying that no human has the power or mandate to take life away. However, some sufferings are not worth enduring, especially knowing you will eventually die. Although suffering is viewed negatively by the Christian worldview, it is sometimes the best option to avoid it. For example, when you look at cancer patients and their pain during chemotherapies and radiation processes, you stop to think about why anyone would go through all that pain instead of dying. The Christian worldview views death as resting and bidding goodbye to all the suffering. Therefore, euthanasia is not bad because it aids death before the suffering begins.
7 References Bernstein, A. E. (2020).The formation of hell: death and retribution in the ancient and early Christian worlds. Cornell University Press. Lewis Hall, M. E., & Hill, P. (2019). Meaning-making, suffering, and religion: A worldview conception.Mental Health, Religion & Culture,22(5), 467-479. Pesut, B., Greig, M., Thorne, S., Storch, J., Burgess, M., Tishelman, C., ... & Janke, R. (2020). Nursing and euthanasia: A narrative review of the nursing ethics literature.Nursing ethics,27(1), 152-167. Wright, N. T., & Bird, M. F. (2019).The New Testament in its world: An introduction to the history, literature, and theology of the first Christians.
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