Euthanasia is a loving, Christian response Discuss.
"Euthanasia is a loving, Christian response" Personally, I feel inclined to disagree with this notion; however, I very fully understand why Euthanasia (sometimes known as "mercy killing", often confused with "assisted suicide" and meaning "good death") can be thought to be a loving, Christian response. It's a grey area subject, as it is not specifically mentioned in the Bible, but there are plenty of allusions to it in some form or another. By many Christians, Euthanasia is seen as a complete "no go" area and morally wrong. It is believed that every person's life is in God's hands and in his hands only. God created the world - he created all of us - and gave us life, so only God should take life away. We belong to God - "the Lord cares about our bodies" (1 Corinthians 6:13). Our lives are in His hands. As it says in (Psalm 48:14): "For this is God, our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to death" - the last line is especially important, as it implies that God is the one who will essentially take us and walk with us to death. Like the Scripture says in 1Corinthians 6:19-20 "You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's." You must look after your body as God paid the ultimate price for it (by dying on the cross to save us all from our sins). He has plans for us, so to die before the
In regards to the problems of knowledge in the case of euthanasia how can we determine if we are acting in a good or moral way when there is a clear clash of ethical viewpoints?
In regards to the problems of knowledge in the case of euthanasia how can we determine if we are acting in a good or moral way when there is a clear clash of ethical viewpoints? In relation to euthanasia the general consensus is split into two main groups: those in favour and those opposed. But the issue that makes euthanasia such a constant topic of debate is that both sides have the potential to present extremely clear and persuasive arguments in their favour. Those who support the practice of active euthanasia might argue that helping the terminally ill to bring about their own deaths, allowing them to determine the how and when, is not only humane, but also allows the person, who is simply "living to die," to maintain dignity by orchestrating their own end, thus letting them die at peace, rather than suffer to the end, perceiving themselves to be a burden and/or disgrace, to those they love. Those who are against active euthanasia would argue that by participating in the practice of active euthanasia, one is "playing God," or perhaps, even worse, that they are not acting out of mercy, but rather out of selfishness, attempting to lessen their own burden. Some would argue that the practice of euthanasia is used as a last resort, when the individual can no longer manage the pain of their illness. However, that argument can be rebutted by an observation made by a proponent
What is Euthanasia?
Question One: What is Euthanasia? Euthanasia is defined in the Chamber's English Dictionary as "the act or practice of putting someone painlessly or as gently as possible, to death". There are various forms of Euthanasia, which I must explain before referring to the teachings of the different Christian denominations. The most common of them is Voluntary Euthanasia, where the patient decides for themselves, that they would prefer to be dead. They might decide at the time, or perhaps they might have written a 'living will' instructing doctors to kill them if they are ever in a situation where they will never be conscious again. There is also In-voluntary Euthanasia, were someone else decides against the patient's wishes that would be better off dead, and enforces it in the act of killing them. Therefore it is often out-classed as Euthanasia, because it is not 'gentle'. Non-voluntary Euthanasia takes place in a situation where the patient cannot be asked, or more correctly, cannot answer. This may be because the victim is a baby and can't speak yet, or perhaps the victim is in a coma and is unable to respond to people around him, but in this case a relative or doctor will decide for the person. It is also important to distinguish the difference between killing someone (Active), and letting them die (Passive). Killing a person is expressed in an action. An example of this
How far does the film 'whose life is it anyway' succeed in persuading you that euthanasia ought to be legalised in this country? What persuasive techniques are employed in the film and how effective are they?
How far does the film 'whose life is it anyway' succeed in persuading you that euthanasia ought to be legalised in this country? What persuasive techniques are employed in the film and how effective are they? What is life? Where do you draw the line between life and death? The film 'whose life is it anyway' explores the issues of life and death. To whom does your life belong? The powerful argument and sensitive issue is whether your life belongs to you. The film shows some aspects for and against euthanasia. The controversy is whether an incapacitated man can decided whether his mind should be kept alive. Would you agree with the argument that a man who cannot move any limbs should have the choice whether to die or be kept alive through millions of pounds? What is euthanasia? The intentional killing by act or omission of a dependent human being for his or her alleged benefit. If the death is not intended, it is not an act of euthanasia. Ask yourself would you agree to let your pain and suffering come to an end? Therefore do you agree with euthanasia and suicide? In the film 'whose life is it anyway' it highlights the thrilling argument about euthanasia. Ken, the sculptor finds himself one day lying in the terminally ill department of the local hospital, with nothing to move apart from his head. After six months of lying in the same bed ken decides he no longer wishes to
Ethical Questions
Situation 1: Charity "We shouldn't need events like Comic Relief to make us give to charity." A Christian: Christians believe in following Christ's teaching and actions and since Christ taught and acted upon the giving of charity they would be with the giving of charity. They would think that we shouldn't need these events to raise money but since everyone is not of that mind they would still see it as a good way to raise charitable donations which could be put to Christian purposes. "The Lord has no favourites at the poor man's expense, but listens to his prayer when he is wronged" (Eccus 35:13). A Buddhist: A Buddhist would, I think see events like Comic Relief as a good way to raise money and a good way to gain and distribute good Karma leading to a better life after reincarnation. They would think the nature of the event would not particularly matter if it is for a good cause. Buddhist would believe that we should not need these events as it should be in our nature and part of the path to enlightenment to give to charity. But would condone them anyway. Kant: A Kantian would very much agree to this statement they would believe that an event like Comic Relief which tugs on your heart strings to give away money is not the way to go about getting charitable donations. They would say that it would be your duty to give money away to such organisations because Kant
Should Euthanasia Be Illegal?
Should Euthanasia Be Illegal? By: Jasmine Saleh Euthanasia is defined as the act of killing for reasons of mercy. The government, physicians, and people across the United States and other countries have been debating the issue of legalizing euthanasia for years. Euthanasia should be banned and illegal in America and other nations. Euthanasia came to the public's attention in the western countries in 1870's. During 1920 in Germany, euthanasia began, and from 1921-1923, wounded German veterans were the first people to be put to death by euthanasia. After 1923, the practice was extended to other people who were handicapped and mentally retarded (Sloan, NP). In 1937, the Euthanasia Society of America was founded in New York City. When people refer to euthanasia, they may be discussing passive euthanasia, active euthanasia, or assisted suicide. Passive euthanasia occurs when medical treatment to prolong a terminally ill patient is discontinued and the patient is allowed to die. In active euthanasia, a physician or a family member takes a patient's life before he or she dies of a terminal illness or injury. Assisted suicide occurs when someone does a person's request for help in dying. Euthanasia is the practice of painlessly ending the lives of people who have incurable, painful, ore distressing diseases or handicaps (Bender, 12). People define euthanasia as "the act of
Euthanasia Discursive essay.
Michelle Williamson Euthanasia Discursive essay The world really is often a strange place. If you see two men fighting on the streets they are thugs, put them in a ring and pay them lots of money and it's a sport. Likewise when your dog's cancer ridden and is in a lot of pain you are advised to put it out of its misery but when it's a human being in the same situation it's illegal. However nothing is ever as easy as it seems and as there is much more to the fighting argument there is also a lot more to Euthanasia. Euthanasia, also known as 'mercy killing', is the intentional killing by act or omission of a dependant human being for his or her benefit. The practice of it is illegal in the United Kingdom and the same applies for most countries in the world. Debate about the morality and legality of voluntary euthanasia is, for the most part, a phenomenon of the second half of the tweentieth century yet little seems to change. Personally, I am in favour of legalisng some acts of euthanasia law. Why? Those who are terminally ill may feel strongly that their own life is no longer worth living because of intractable pain. If this is the case then why is it illegal for their wishes of a peaceful death to be met? If they persistently and actively ask for help in dying there should be, in my opinion, a law that allows them to do so. A heart transplant
Also connected to issues involved in abortion and the sacredness of life is euthanasia. Our beliefs in the value of life influenced by the church also affect the way we see euthanasia. Euthanasia is the act of bringing
Abortion and Euthanasia Human life is sacred, this means life is precious and that no one has the right to take life away only God. The Christian church teaches life is a sacred gift from god. In the bible we read, 'Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish and the sea, the birds of the air, over the livestock, over the world and all the over creatures that move along the ground '. The teaching of the Catholic Church is expressed in the declaration on procured abortion (1974) in this the church points out that respect for human life is not just a Christian duty. 'So God created man in his own image, the image of God created him, male and female he created the' (Genesis 1:26-27). Created in the image of one God... has the same nature and the same origin of all.... Enjoy an equal dignity. The equality of all rests on essentially on their dignity as persons and the rights that flow from it. (taken from the Catechism of the Catholic church 1994) Contraception and birth control may be used for a variety of reasons, when pregnancy or childbirth might harm the medical or physical condition of the Mother. They are also used to limit the number of children in order not to damage living standards. The various Christian churches have different views on contraception. The Roman Catholic Church says that the use of contraception is against
Euthanasia - What is it? Christian attitudes, and can it be justified.
Helen Morgan 5/10/2007 Euthanasia (a) (i) What is Euthanasia? The word euthanasia comes from the Greek word eu (good) and thantos (death). The Chambers 21st Century Dictionary says 'the act of practice of ending the life of a person who is suffering from an incurable and often painful or distressing illness'. It is often called mercy killing. There are different types of euthanasia. Active euthanasia is when there is active intervention by a doctor to end life. Passive euthanasia is deliberately withholding or withdrawing medical treatment (which would help the patient to live longer) in the intention of ending their life. Voluntary euthanasia is performed following the request of the patient who wants to die. Physician-assisted suicide is similar to voluntary euthanasia but the doctor only prescribes the lethal drug, but does not give it to them. Involuntary euthanasia is when a patient is killed against their wishes; this is murder. Non-voluntary euthanasia is ending a patient's life when the patient is not capable of giving their own permission; it is done in the patient's 'best interests'. (ii) Explain what Christian teachings might be used in a discussion about euthanasia. [40] Christians often refer to the Bible to learn how to live their lives; although, it does not give an exact reference to euthanasia so there is still mixed opinions amongst different
Euthanasia - Christian view point in three questions and answers
Euthanasia A1 - What is Euthansia? Euthanasia means when someone wants to die because they have suffered too much stress or any form of pain. It can also mean the act or practice of killing painlessly. There are three forms of Euthanasia, they are: Compulsory Voluntary & Suicide Compulsory This is when either doctors or relatives are able to make decisions for the patient. The most published form of this euthanasia is the Nazi doctors in their 'death camps' during World War II. There was a case of compulsory euthanasia, of a victim named Tony Bland; he was one of the many Hillsborough Stadium victims who suffered an enormous amount of brain damage. He was unable to live without a life support machine, as well as being unconscious. During this unconsciousness, he survived three bouts of pneumonia; however, his parents were unable to withstand seeing their son being in a coma. They asked the medical staff to hold off their son's food and water; Tony's parents could not value something so priceless to be rendered almost near death. This method would've resulted Tony's death in extreme death, as dehydration is a painful death for someone who has a damaged brain. Voluntary Also known as Assisted Suicide, this is usually a last resort by a victim with an incurable disease or condition, leaving them in a corner only to be treated with pain. This causes the person to