Anointing of the sick is all a modern example of people following Jesus. It is the pastoral care of the sick. They are anointed with oil as a sign of healing and prayers are said. Cases when this may happen are, for example, before a patient has an operation; for someone who has just been
diagnosed with a serious illness; an elderly person; for a baby or child or for someone unwell at home. A person may receive it more than once. Many churches have a special anointing service twice a year during Advent and Lent.
For some Christians the quality of life comes into play. Some Christians would argue that the quality of a persons life often needs to be considered at the beginning or end of their life. That is life should not be preserved at any cost. Keeping the person alive should be the most important thing. The quality of life is equally important as the life itself and the church values all life. Many Christians believe that people who commit abortion and euthanasia may suffer from mental illnesses, unhappiness and that they believe there is no point of them living as they will die anyways. It is the easy way out of life.
A02
Faced with the issues you have chosen, explain the different ways Christians might respond?
Abortion
The word “abortion” means a death of a baby in the womb and its expulsion from the mother’s body. Sometimes this happens accidentally or by itself. This is known as a miscarriage. A miscarriage can be very depressing for the parents wanting the baby. Miscarriages can also happen unknowingly to a women as the pregnancy maybe so early that the parent might not even know about it. It is thought that a great number of miscarriages happen this way. What most of us mean when we talk about “a abortion” is really a procured abortion. This is when the foetus or growing child is deliberately killed and removed from the mother’s womb.
In Britain, abortion used to be a crime under the Offences Against The Person Act 1861. But in 1967 the liberal MP David Steel introduced a bill into the house of commons which became The Abortion Act of 1967. This act was amended in 1990 and applies to the whole of the UK except Northern Ireland.
The law in UK says that an abortion can be performed up to the end of the 24th week of pregnancy if the doctor agrees that:
To continue the pregnancy would involve a risk of injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant women greater than the risks
involved in having a abortion.
That to continue the pregnancy would involve risk of injury to the physical or mental health of any existing children of the pregnant women greater then the risks involved in her having an abortion.
However, the law allows abortion at any stage of the pregnancy:
If the doctors agree that continuing the pregnancy would involve risk to the life of the mother
If they agree that an abortion is necessary to prevent grave permanent injury to the physical or mental health of the pregnant women
If there is a substantial risk that if the child were born it would suffer from “such physical or mental abnormalities as to be serious handicapped
Most abortions have to be preformed before the end of the 24th week of pregnancy according to The Abortion Act in Britain. This is because after the 24th week of pregnancy, the baby can survive on its own. This used to be 28th week of pregnancy up to 1967, but in recent years, hospitals are becoming increasingly better at keeping very premature babies alive.
The father of the foetus to be aborted has no right in the say whether for the mother to have a abortion or not. In 1987, a student at the university of oxford lost his attempts in courts to prevent his girlfriend from having an abortion.
There have been a number of “hard cases” which show up the inhumanity of the laws which made abortion a crime. The Bourne Case in 1938 was the most famous case in the UK. Dr Alex Bourne preformed an abortion on a 14 year old girl that had been raped by several soldiers. After performing the abortion, he then gave himself up to the police. At his trial, the judge said his actions were done in good faith.
Countries that have legalized the act of abortion have seen a enormous increase in it’s use. The number of abortions per thousand women living in England and Wales today is more than three times as more than when it first became legal. Most abortions are preformed if the pregnancy involves any physical or mental health problems to the mother. But many doctors are involved in abortions and argue that if the abortion doesn’t take place, it would pose a threat on her mental health. For this reason the majority of abortions in the UK are performed for “social reasons” on perfectly healthy pregnancies.
The catholic church believes that abortion is a serious sin in any circumstance. The church insists that human life is sacred ever since the beginning of contraception and that everyone should try to protect the upcoming baby. The churches teachings state that everybody, not just Christians, jus respect the human life and it’s rights. To them, the only good thing about legalizing abortion was that women’s rights were becoming stronger and more powerful. But that is still not a excuse for them to take away the chance of a foetus to become a fully grown human being. They also understand why some people might need a abortion, and also fell for the people as they suffer from “sorrow and miseries”. The R C church will only allow a abortion in two circumstances:
Ectopic pregnancy, where the ovum if it were allowed to continue to grow would kill both the mother and the developing foetus
Where the mother has cancer of the uterus. An operation to remove the uterus would have the effect of terminating the life of the foetus.
In both cases, the death of the foetus is regarded as a secondary effect of the intention which is to tackle disease. The surgical procedures are not intended to abort the foetus, even though this will happen. This is known as Doctrine or Double effect.
The church of England state that “the foetus is to be specially respected and protected”. However they still state that if the mother is in danger of losing her life or will suffer from physical or mental pain, then the reasons of having a abortion would be accepted.
Many people today are still debating whether on the whole, is abortion right or wrong? What they sometimes forget to realise is that overall it can not be right or wrong. It is only in the circumstances of having a abortion can be judged or to understand. Many women feel they are doing what is right, when they have a abortion. Some of the reasons they believe they’re doing the right thing are for abortion.
When abortion was illegal, many women who did want to keep there baby tried very dangerous methods to induce abortion. This may be falling down the stairs, or hurting themselves, etc. that is why abortion is much safer, and women don’t need to try dangerous methods to get rid off the baby.
Also legal abortion is very safe, especially up to the first 12 weeks. By this time many women have decided whether they want to keep the baby or not, so most of the abortions will be safe for the women.
Many women today feel the stress of work, housework, looking after the children. If women are to lead a healthy, happy life and offer the same to their children they may have, they need to be able to exercise control over their reproductive system.
Abortions have existed throughout history and making it legally or socially unacceptable does not drive it away. There will always be people needing to have abortions for certain reasons, and they aren’t going to listen to the society if they think they’re doing the wrong thing. Most women feel very strong about their decisions and very rarely change them for the benefit of other people.
Many people believe abortion is wrong. And in certain circumstances, they are wrong. This is why they think abortion is wrong.
Most churches teach that life begins at contraception and they believe abortion is destroying the rights of a human to live. They feel abortions are against the wishes of god. This is because life to human beings is a gift from god and having a abortion is rejecting his gift and his intentions of a good world. In the bible and other stories, we see God and Jesus’ views on abortion. “you created every part of me; you put me together in my mother’s womb….
When I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there, you saw me before I was born” (psalmist addressed God in psalm 139:13 and 15). In Isaiah 49:15-16, the question is asked ‘can a women forget her own baby and not love the child she bore‘ ? Jesus replied by saying ‘ Aren’t five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one sparrow is forgotten by God. Even the hairs of your head have all been counted.’ Jesus was saying the sparrows sold for nothing are not forgotten. The hairs on everyone’s head have all been counted. Why should he not care for a baby that the mother wants to get rid off.
It is also better to have a abortion, than to have the child and abandon it. Without giving the child love and support that it will need.
Many people describe a abortion as ‘unjust’ and ‘uncivilised’. They believe the taking of a foetus that has the chance to live is wrong and unfair.
Abortion is unnecessary and alternatives can be found.
Women also suffer from post abortion trauma. This may result in depression, guilt, broken down relationships and emotional difficulties. The hardest part of having a abortion is realising that they have stopped someone to become a human being. Many people describe it as the same in war, the killing of soldiers. Although they have been given a life to live.
Many women use abortion as a contraception. The most common reason of this happening is drinking and having unprotected sex. They behave in an inappropriate behaviour and due to their stupidity, they stop a baby from living.
Whenever abortions are performed, there is always the lost of one life at least, and in some cases it can be two. This is why some people don’t believe in abortions as women are risking their own lives to get rid of a child.
Euthanasia
Euthanasia is defined as mercy killing, or intentionally terminating the life of someone who is hopelessly sick or injured in order to save them from the suffering. Euthanasia meant an easy death without severe suffering in ancient times . Sometimes decisions to stop a treatment like dialysis or breathing machine are also called euthanasia, but they are really not. There is a real difference a patient refusing a treatment and the patient requesting to be killed.
The word euthanasia originated from the Greek language: eu means “good” and thanatos means “death”. One meaning given to the word is ‘the intentional termination of life by another at the explicit request of the person who dies.’ That is, the term euthanasia normally implies that the act must be initiated by the person who wishes to commit suicide. However, some people define euthanasia to include both voluntary and involuntary termination of life. Like so many moral/ethical, religious terms, “euthanasia” has many meaning.
Different types of euthanasia include:
Voluntary: death brought about by a doctor at the request of the person who dies. The VES is campaigning to change the law so that someone who is incurably ill can receive medical help to die at their persistent and considered request.
Involuntary euthanasia: the killing of someone who could consent but does not. Such an action is indistinguishable from criminal homicide and the claim that motive for killing is in ‘the best interest’ of the victim is irrelevant.
Non-voluntary euthanasia: death brought about of an individual who has no capacity to understand what is involved, again out of kindness or a paternal consideration of the patients “best interest”.
Physician assisted suicide: a physician supplies information and/or the means of committing suicide (e.g. a prescription fro a lethal dose of sleeping pills, or a supply of carbon monoxide gas) to a person, so that they can easily terminate their own life. The term ‘voluntary passive euthanasia’ (VPE) is becoming commonly used. This is derived from the name of dr. Kevorkian, who has promoted VPE and assisted at the deaths of hundreds of patients.
Originally he hooked his patients up to a machine that delivered measured doses of medication, but only after the patient pushed a button to initiate the sequence. More recently, he provided carbon monoxide and a face mask so that his patient could initiate the flow of gas.
What Euthanasia is NOT: There is no euthanasia unless the death is intentionally caused by what was done or not done. Thus, some medical actions that are often labelled "passive euthanasia" are no form of euthanasia, since the intention to take life is lacking. These acts include not commencing treatment that would not provide a benefit to the patient, withdrawing treatment that has been shown to be ineffective, too burdensome or is unwanted, and the giving of high doses of pain-killers that may endanger life, when they have been shown to be necessary. All those are part of good medical practice, endorsed by law, when they are properly carried out.
Euthanasia, at the moment is illegal throughout the world apart from in the State of Oregon in USA, where there is a law specifically allowing doctors to prescribe lethal drugs for the purpose of euthanasia. In the Netherlands it is practised widely, although, in fact, it remains illegal.
Opposition:
Majority of religions disapprove Euthanasia, Christianity disapproves it according to the belief human being have a special place in God's heart, eyes and in his creation:
"For you created my inmost being; you (God) knit me together in my mother's womb"(psalm 139)
The catholic church teaches that all forms of euthanasia are wrong.
Catholics regard suicide as wrong because of their views of the sanctity of life. Life is created by god and is sacred and should be well respected. It is up to god to decide when we shall die and live, and the whole means of abortion is going against what god wants.
Catholics regard all types of euthanasia as wrong because they believe they are all forms of murder. People are taking upon themselves god’s role which is a grave sin. Humans should not interfere with gods plans and wishes, and euthanasia is doing exactly that. “even if death is thought imminent, the ordinary care owed to a sick person cannot be legitimately interrupted.”
Not striving to keep alive causes problems for religious believers. The catholic church accepts that treatments which prolong life, but do not cure, do not need to be given if the patient does not want them. “discontinuing medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate; it is the refusal of ’over-zealous’ treatment.”
For Catholics, the doctrine of double effect means that terminally ill patients can be given increasing doses of painkillers, even though it will shorten their lives, but not a large enough dose to end life immediately. “the use of painkillers to alleviate the suffering of the dying, even at the dignity if death is not willed either as an end or a means, but only foreseen and tolerated as inevitable.”
Many Catholics regard switching off a life-support machine as direct euthanasia. They certainly do not allow switching off a life-support machine and then allowing the patient to starve to death.
Whatever its motives and means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or dying person. It is morally unacceptable. Thus an act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder greatly contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to the living god, his creator.
Many people either agree or disagree either euthanasia. Here are the points people make in favour for euthanasia.
Euthanasia can quickly and humanly end a patient’s suffering. It can help to shorten the grief and suffering of patients loved ones and helps them get on with their own lives.
Everyone has the right to decide how they are going to die. It is their body and they should be able to do what they like with it.
If the law was changed, doctors could legally act on a patient’s desire to die without further suffering.
Euthanasia would help others face a death if they realized they could die with dignity.
It would help doctors if they knew of their patients intentions.
The initial decision about euthanasia could be made when the individual was not under stress of immediate suffering or anxiety.
The people who don’t agree with euthanasia also have a very strong point. Here are the points that believe insist that euthanasia is wrong.
There are many pain-killing drugs which can help the die with dignity
A patient might not be able to make rational decisions or might change their mind but be incapable of telling the doctors,
Many people argue, however, that a person who is terminally ill may make a miraculous recovery - it has happened in the past. Most terminally ill people whose pain and sufferings are relieved by excellent care, given by hospices, hospitals and GPs do not require making decisions about euthanasia. Old people might feel they are a nuisance to others and opt for euthanasia when in their hearts they want to continue living.
Life is a gift form god and only god can take it away. If someone commits euthanasia, they are going against god’s views or wishes.
Euthanasia devalues life by making it disposable-it could be the first step on to slippery slope
The relationship of trust between doctors and patients could be destroyed under the Hippocratic oath, doctors must try to preserve life.
AO3
“What Christians believe about life is up to them. They should try to make others accept their position.”
There are many different shared opinions to do with this statement.
I would agree with the statement as Christians believe life is sacred and holy. Other people have no right telling others what they can and cant do.
Jesus was not afraid to stand up to people, they were scared of him and his powers. So if Jesus can stand up for what is right, why shouldn’t we? Each and everyone one of us is entitled to stand up to what we believe in.
Also Christians have a duty and responsibilities to protect the weak. They try and help to preserve life, and help people with disadvantages.
Being a christain is not always easy. It demands you to make a stand against what you feel is wrong. “it takes one good person to remain silent to allow evil to continue”.
I believe everyone should be entitled to their freedom of speech, including Christians. It is their responsibility to inform others and follow in Jesus’ teachings.
Famous people have stood up for what they believe, and they have made a change. Martin Luther king stood up for his own beliefs and his dream of a better world.
But on the other hand, I can also see people agreeing with this statements points.
Everyone is entitled to freedom of choice. People can do what ever they want, whenever they want, as long as they don’t break the law. An example of this is the rock band “hell on earth.” They wanted to have a terminally ill person to commit suicide while they were playing a concert. They wanted to raise awareness of right-to- die issues.
Christians should be compassionate and show understanding to women having abortions as this is such a difficult situation.
Christians should respect other people and treat them how you would treat yourself as no one is more or less than anyone else. Every is equal.
Abortion is traumatic enough for women without condemning them.
Some people go so far and kill to get their point across. There actions become as bad as the act they are complaining against.
My personal opinion is that every one has the right to what they say. But in some situations, the opinion or what they believe should be kept quiet, especially in public places.
Many people would agree that Christians should not try to force their opinions onto other. My personal opinion is that Christians have the right to their own thoughts on life, but if they do not agree with beliefs, then they should not try to change them. Everyone has the right to freedom of choice along as they don’t break any laws. People who believe in euthanasia and abortion, have just as much right to form a opinion then anyone else.
