All Christian Church’s find euthanasia totally indefensible; since there cannot be any arguments on if someone has the right to end that life unlike abortion. All Christians believe no one has the right to end a life but God, who told us clearly “Thou shall not kill” through Moses. The Catholic Church in particular teaches that death is the start of a new life with God, and no one but God has the right to decide when that new life starts. Those who are terminally ill and wish to die to end their pain don’t have to look to death as a quick way out, since pain relief is always improving and there are places such as hospices to help people live out the last of their days with dignity.
AO2 Chose one of the following abortion, euthanasia, contraception, or capital punishment. Explain how Christians would respond to the issues you have chosen. In your answer you should refer to different attitudes that Christians have to the selected issues as well as to the practical ways that Christians might offer support.
Firstly I shall look at Abortion. The Catholic Church and some other Christian Churches teach that Abortion is murder and simply because that baby depends on its mother to live whiles it’s in the womb doesn’t give her the right to end its life. However the are many situations which could push a strict Catholic into considering an abortion. For example in the case of rape if the victim suddenly discovered she was pregnant what should happen to the baby? The woman might realise it’s not the baby’s fault but may realise that she mentally wouldn’t be able to look after the child since she would be reminded of the incident constantly. That is an extraordinary case however; the reason why many might consider abortion is because they have got pregnant out of marriage and are worried about what others will think as well as how they will get the means to look after the child. In these cases the Catholic Church and other anti abortion churches would most likely advise the mother to carry out the pregnancy, and advice the mother on her options on looking after the child once it’s born. For instance adoption is one example of what to do, since if the mother wasn’t willing to keep the child she could at least be sure that it had gone to a good home. If the mother belonged to a Christian Church which allows abortions she would most likely be told of her options and the implications of the abortion would b explained to her, so she would be fully aware.
There are anti abortion charities which raise awareness of how developed the child is at the time of abortion, and just what the process involves. One example of this is SPUC, the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, who raise awareness and try to “defend the defenceless”. They inform people via handing out leaflets etc.
Secondly I am going to look at contraception and how Christians Churches view its use. The Catholic Church is just one of several Christian Churches who are totally against its use, since it prevents pregnancy which every act of sex should be open to. Since many churches including the Catholic Church are against sex outside marriage, then contraception shouldn’t b that important since married couples should be prepared to raise a child. The only form of birth control allowed by the Catholic Church is natural birth control; since it’s using the body’s natural routine then the act of sex is still open to conception. However many Protestant Churches allow contraception in particular the condom since many young couples are having sex, the condom protects against sexually transmitted diseases, as well as the possibility of pregnancy.
While some Christian Churches allow contraception and others don’t, it is clear that those that are stricter on sex outside of marriage tend to be also more strict on the use of contraception since it is believed that this would lead to sex outside of marriage, since many married couple may be considering having a child anyhow, therefore they do not require contraception.
AO3 “What a Christian believes is up to them, they should not try to make others accept their position.
Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer showing you have considered more than one point of view.
Someone who would agree with this statement would argue that everyone is entitled to their own opinions, after all God made us all unique, so we shouldn’t try and force our opinion onto others. Since we are all unique wouldn’t forcing an opinion onto someone be going against Christian teaching? Even if you do not agree with what a person thinks that doesn’t mean you have the right to try and change his beliefs. Also, in some circumstances forcing something onto someone who doesn’t want it may only make matters worse, as many who have their mind set on something will probably simply not listen to the facts they find to be too controversial.
However, someone who disagrees with this statement may argue that we should try and force our opinions onto others because as Christians we are aware of what is right and wrong, and if we know someone believes in something that is wrong shouldn’t we tell them so? Also, Jesus freely expressed his opinions to those who believed otherwise, for example he openly argued with the chief priests on several occasions, so shouldn’t we follow His example and tell those who believe in something that is wrong, what is right? As well as that, if someone is uncertain about a controversial topic such as abortion shouldn’t we give them our opinion as well as the reasoning behind it so they can help to make their mind up?
Personally I believe that Christians should express their opinions but not force others to believe so but fully inform them about all the facts. For example shouldn’t a Christian inform someone with their heart set on an abortion what the Bible teaches about abortion, as well as the facts about the process and what the baby feels so they can make an informed decision? I don’t think people should force their opinions on anyone since everyone is entitled to their own opinions, no matter what it is.
