‘For every thing there is a reason, and a time for every matter under heaven, a time to be born, a time to die’ (Ecclesiastes: 1-4). This tells Christians that God knows what he is doing and humans should not interfere with their sacred life.
Roman Catholics choose not to support euthanasia, as they believe that it is just the same as murder. The Pope said that to cause death in this way was ‘A grave violation of the law of God’. Those whose lives are not fully healthy should be treated with special care. Especially the sick, handicapped and elderly should be helped to live as normal a life as possible. However, this does not mean ending a life prematurely.
There are three main reasons why many people believe that euthanasia is unacceptable. The first is that euthanasia is murder. The next is that euthanasia is contrary to the dignity of human beings. The third is that euthanasia destroys the respect that is due to God, for he made the life and life is sacred (the sanctity of life).
The Roman Catholic Church does not believe that doctors should use any ‘out of the ordinary’ treatment to keep people alive. The Church of England holds a similar view, saying that although taking of another human life is forbidden; there are very strong arguments that people should not be kept alive when they are suffering intolerable pain. People should be allowed to die, but only if nature, or God, decides.
Christians in the Church of England believe that human life is a gift from God, which should be preserved and nourished. This is because of the sanctity of life which means that all human life is sacred and should be treated with respect. They especially believe that making the old and ill feel wanted and valuable is important.
‘No man has power over the wind to contain it; so no one has power over the day of his death.’ (Ecclesiastes 8:8). This quote gives a strong reason for Christians to disagree with euthanasia as it is very clear that to kill is wrong, whatever the reasoning.
There are no passages that openly support euthanasia. However this does not mean that all Christians do not agree with euthanasia. Many see euthanasia as a compassionate response, and they use passages such as ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself’ – Jesus’ words. This passage, and others relating to love can be used to argue in favour of euthanasia. This is because many Christians believe that they have the right to kill a person to help them if they love them and want the best for them.
The Bible is usually very specific about moral issues such as euthanasia, but in the case of euthanasia, nowhere in the Bible does it specifically condemn it.
Baptists agree that when a person is brain dead and experts agree there is no chance of recovery, then it is acceptable to stop treatment and allow the patient to die naturally.
The Methodist Church believes: ‘We need to provide better care for the dying rather than kill them off ‘early.’ – Methodist Conference in 1974. Therefore Methodist Christians believe that people should be looked after with their best interests at heart.
Overall I think that most Christians believe that euthanasia is wrong, but some believe that it is up to the person and their best interests must be primarily taken into account.
Bibliography:
What the Churches Say: Third Edition 2000
