The same arguments made for respect and protection of life at the beginning also apply at the end of life. Jesus cared for the weakest most vulnerable people in society. This is evident in stories such as “Healing of the ten lepers” “Resurrection of Jairus” daughter” and “The parable of the Good Samaritan.” Catholics believe that “death with dignity” does not mean euthanasia. It means that terminally ill should be cared for and treated with the proper medical attention until God is ready and willing to take their life.
Many believe that those who carry out euthanasia are placing themselves in God’s role. Death is a part of life and is a natural process. According to Ecclesiastes 3:2 it is God who decides the time of our death. To interfere with this by supporting and carrying out euthanasia is wrong so therefore it would put those God’s shoes.
Baptism in the Christian church signifies our trust in God. It is the most basic Christian teaching. To wish for death in the means of euthanasia is to deny that there is hope in life and goes against this teaching that is most commonly practiced in the church today.
Some Christian’s in the church actually believe in euthanasia, as there is nothing in the Bible that says that a person must be kept alive at all costs especially if they are in great pain. They say that death with dignity should override any other teaching.
AO2
Explain the different ways Christians might respond to abortion and euthanasia.
Abortion is the deliberate killing of an unborn being by using medical or a surgical procedure. The Catholic Church teaches that abortion is a mortal sin and is indefensible, since the unborn child is innocent of any offence and incapable of defending itself. In 1974 the Roman Catholic Church declared, “From the time the ovum is fertilised, a life is begun which is neither that of the father or mother. It is the life of a new human being with its own growth. It would become human if it was not human already”
According to the Vatican Declaration on Euthanasia, euthanasia is “an action or an omission which of itself or by intention causes death, in order that all suffering may in this way be eliminated.”
In 1980, Catholic Archbishops of Britain defended the right of life of all from conception to death. In 1995, Pope John Paul װ said in document “Gospel of Life” abortion and euthanasia were gravely immoral. He said “No one can permit in any way the killing of a foetus, an old person or a person who is dying,” as the church says that Catholics are not permitted to assist abortion or euthanasia in any way.
Catholics today are encouraged to campaign against abortion by joining organisations such as “Society for protection of the unborn child” and “Life”. These organisations offer counselling and advice to women who are pregnant and may be thinking about having an abortion. However the Methodist Church states, “ The argument for euthanasia would be met if medical skill in terminal care is improved, pre-death loneliness is relieved and patient and family are supported by the statutory services and the family. The whole of the patient’s needs, including the spiritual, must be met.”
All churches however condemn abortion and euthanasia in theory but may allow limited abortion or euthanasia in practice, for example abortion may be allowed when a foetus is severely malformed. A few Christians support abortion in the case of severe Down’s syndrome. Another instance when some Christians support abortion is when the mother has been severely traumatised as the result of rape. In case of euthanasia some Christians say that mercy killing is better than inflicting more suffering of a terminally ill person. They will support work of organisations such as “The Voluntary Society” and “EXIT” that campaign for death with dignity. This includes such treatment as the life support machine being turned off. Some pro-euthanasia Christians support changes in the law to make euthanasia more acceptable such as “Mental Incapacity Bill.”
People are also opposed to euthanasia and abortion for in the book of Samuel it states that “The Lord brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up.” This shows the Christian people that God is the only one who can create or destroy life.
Ao3
What Christians believe about life is up to them. They should not try to make others accept their position. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer showing that you have thought about more than one point of view.
Yes, I do not believe so. Christians have a right to preach about their beliefs. They can show anyone their views on major issues relevant to them, whether it is abortion or euthanasia, to raise awareness among other people. Jesus instructed his disciples to baptise people “and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.” Christians today may believe that it is there duty as well to preach the word of God to their fellow human beings. The Catholic Church also tries to pass on the faith of the church to all people, as they feel that its leaders are the “Authentic Teachers” of faith. Some Christians believe that preaching this word is not optional and that God has commanded them to do so, just like the disciples. They believe that their faith contains the eternal truth that exists everywhere and are obliged to bring this truth to other people.
However, people have free will to do what they want whether it is what God to follow, what they want to believe or what colour of shoes they wear. They do not have to accept the invitation from people to listen to what they may not believe in. Also in Jesus was involved in a lot of preaching in his life-time, however he did not force anyone to follow him or to obey his orders. He told a story of “The Woman Caught in Adultery” in which Jesus condemns people who try to force others to live in a particular way. It may also be a better idea if Christians tried to show people how they could lead better lives but setting a good example rather than trying to force people to live good lives.
Maybe Christians have the right to explain their views and preach their opinions, but others do not have to accept this or be forced to do something about the matter.
