Case Study End-of-Life Decisions Essay

Case Study End-of-Life Decisions Essay

Case Study End-of-Life Decisions Essay

            Death and dying are bitter and challenging realities of life that everyone must accept. Euthanasia is a contentious matter in bioethics. There is a great controversy in the world and Christians perspectives of euthanasia. The purpose of this paper is to delve into the case scenario of George, who was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) by looking at his impending death and the ethics of euthanasia based on Christian worldview.

How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the fallenness of the world?

            According to Christianity, fallenness and suffering are traced back to the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit leading to the fall and ensuing suffering.  Adam and Eve were cursed and assured of suffering as a punishment for their sin. As such, George should remember that suffering is part of human life, which was declared to human being after the fall (Hiuser, 2020). As human beings, who often fall short of the will of God, George may associate his suffering to his sins against God. Therefore, George can console himself considering repenting his sins and asking God for forgiveness and healing.

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How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the hope of resurrection?

            Christianity teaches that that God is the creator of everything on earth including life, suffering, and death. As such, George can interpret his suffering a will of God. Sometimes is crucial in creating a close relationship with God and remind human beings of how Christ suffered to deliver them from sin.  Nonetheless, the death of Jesus Christ and His subsequent resurrection is a demonstration that death was conquered by Jesus Christ. As such, George should acknowledge that even if this disease causes his death, there is a hope of resurrection when Jesus comes back to take His people to heaven (Southgate, 2018). If George perceives his suffering as will of God, he is likely to remain steadfast and stronger in faith. However, even if dies, there is hope of resurrection just like Jesus resurrected.

As George contemplates life with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), how would the Christian worldview inform his view about the value of his life as a person?

            Based on the Christian worldview, human beings are expected to fully put their trust in God in every situation. Christians believe that life is sacred and precious gift from God, hence, George should consider the value of life despite suffering from ALS, which is a serious condition (Khosa-Nkatini & Buqa, 2021). Accordingly, he is expected to bear the pain and suffering associated with this agonizing disease and he should not consider taking his life away. Christians are often encouraged to remain steadfast in their faith even during suffering and a painful ordeal such as the one George is going through should not make him make a decision to end his life.

What sorts of values and considerations would the Christian worldview focus on in deliberating about whether or not George should opt for euthanasia?

            The kind of values and considerations that the Christian worldview should focus on determination of whether or not George should opt for euthanasia is the hope of resurrection and the suffering of Christ Jesus. Jesus was subjected to untold suffering before being killed. When He felt overwhelmed, Jesus prayed to God let His will happen and take away the cup of suffering. As such George should prayer to God and asks for God’s grace to withstand the pain and suffering and let the Will of God happen (Southgate, 2018). Regarding the hope of resurrection, hope of life after death determines how a person welcomes death. Christ withstood suffering and also defeated death, giving hope of life after death. George should acknowledge that God created him purposefully and his suffering should not make him take away life. He should let the will of God happen and even if he dies, he should hope for a new life in heaven.

Given the above, what options would be morally justified in the Christian worldview for George and why?

            Christian teaching is that God is the creator of everything including life and life is sacred and human beings are not allowed to take it except God. The case of George demonstrates an ethical dilemma based on the Christian worldview. After being diagnosed by ALS, George thinks about euthanasia to avoid suffering. However, Christian teaching is suffering is a mere punishment for sin and part of God’s plan, As such, it is wrong to interfere with God’s plan. As such, George should accept the suffering and pain just as Jesus also accepted the suffering. Even if George died, there is hope of external life (Khosa-Nkatini & Buqa, 2021).

Based on your worldview, what decision would you make if you were in George’s situation?

            If I was George, I would acknowledge and embrace pain, suffering, and natural death because it the intention of God. Therefore, I would respect the God’s will on the purpose of my life and rule out euthanasia. Instead, I would endure the pain and suffering associated with the disease. Moreover, the Ten Commandments also denounce suicide since is a violation of the law of God. Based on the sanctity of life, I would wait for God’s time to take away my life.

Conclusion

            According to Christian worldview, human life is sacred and a precious gift from god. Therefore, only God has the authority to bring death to an individual. Christian teachings claim that suffering is a component of life and a plan of God to test the faith of His people in Him and also remind people the miseries of sin. As such, George should endure the sickness and suffering and avoid euthanasia. If he dies, there is hope for eternal life.

References

Hiuser, K. (2020). Astrobiology and Fallenness—Baptising Spock. Theology and Science, 18(4), 579-588. https://doi.org/10.1080/14746700.2020.1825193

Khosa-Nkatini, H. P., & Buqa, W. (2021). Suicide as a sin and mental illness: A dialogue between Christianity and psychology. Verbum et Ecclesia, 42(1), 1-6. http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/ve.v42i1.2318 

Southgate, C. (2018). Theology in a suffering world: Glory and longing. Cambridge University Press.

 

 Provide ethical analysis while answering the following questions:

How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the fallenness of the world?
How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the hope of resurrection?
As George contemplates life with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), how would the Christian worldview inform his view about the value of his life as a person?
What sorts of values and considerations would the Christian worldview focus on in deliberating about whether or not George should opt for euthanasia?
Given the above, what options would be morally justified in the Christian worldview for George and why?
Based on your worldview, what decision would you make if you were in George’s situation?
Remember to support your responses with the topic Resources.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is required.

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