A

i) What is Euthanasia?

The word 'euthanasia' comes from two Greek words whose accurate meaning is "well death". It causes a death to take place because someone suffers from an excruciating and untreatable disease or injury. They would rather die and have the pain stop than continue living with a pain that is incurable. It is also understood as causing or bringing about a person's death painlessly, usually because the person is suffering greatly, fatally or permanently ill or brutally psychologically or physically immobilized. It means doing something with the intention of causing death, the intention being the most vital aspect.

There are two kinds of euthanasia; voluntary and involuntary. Voluntary euthanasia is when someone asks to die before or during illness. There are 2 types of voluntary euthanasia; active and passive.

Voluntary active euthanasia causes the most debate out of all areas of euthanasia. It is when "mercy killing" is involved. This is when someone asks for immediate death. Being put to death through an injection is an example of this. Voluntary passive euthanasia is the type that many Christians allow. It means not taking prolonged or vigorous action to preserve life.

Involuntary euthanasia is when the decision of death is made by someone other than the patient because the patient cannot or would not make the decision themselves. For example, a close relative or doctor might make the decision if the patient is not mentally stable.

ii) Explain what Christian teachings might be used in a discussion about Euthanasia

In a discussion about euthanasia many biblical or Christian teachings can be referred to. Here are some examples;

Genesis 1:26-27 teaches Christians that God made all human beings and our life is therefore a gift of God; it is sanctified and has dignity. He made human beings so they would be like Him. Christians can understand from this that we belong to God and it is not us who shall decide when our life is to be ended, it is God's decision.

Exodus 20:13 teaches Christians that murder is a sin. Some people may see euthanasia as murder and therefore think euthanasia is a sin as it goes against what the bibles tells us.

Jesus healed many sick people and those who were nearing death. He taught Christians to love their neighbour. Christians should learn from this example and care for those dying and help to make the patients life worthwhile. By doing this Christians are respecting God's wishes.
Join now!


Romans 5:3-5 teaches Christians that God transfers his love into our hearts by means of the Holy Spirit, who is God's gift to us and in return we shall do the same. Jesus suffered for us and we shall suffer for Him.

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 teaches Christians that the body is where God's spirit lives, and that the body is the temple.

"So if anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you yourselves are his temple."

This teaches Christians about the importance of your body being respected.

...

This is a preview of the whole essay