PHI 413 Case Study On Death And Dying Assignment

PHI 413 Case Study On Death And Dying Assignment

PHI 413 Case Study On Death And Dying Assignment

Regardless of where people live and who they are, one thing is certain in life- death. Its interpretation varies depending on people’s worldview since death denotes the end of biological processes from a biological perspective. In this case, the brain and other body organs cannot support their natural processes to keep the body alive. However, the concept is different in the Christian worldview, where death represents the separation of the body and soul. Christians also view life as a continuous process that does not end after death. How a person dies is crucial in the Christian worldview, implying the need to be closely connected to God and die how God wants. The purpose of this paper is to explain death and dying using a case study of George, a patient diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE ON;PHI 413 Case Study On Death And Dying Assignment

George’s Situation

As explained in the case study, George has been positively diagnosed with ALS. Given that ALS has no cure, George is destined to live for about 3-4 years. Sadly, George’s health will soon deteriorate to the extent of losing his ability to speak, move, eat, and breathe. The implication is that George will soon depend more on other people’s support, and his quality of life will decrease significantly. Devastated by the diagnosis, George contemplates the possibility of voluntary euthanasia. It is among the medically available options to end suffering during end-of-life. However, it is a divisive idea since the Christian and secular worldviews sharply contrast about its meaning and purpose.

George’s Suffering in Light of Christian Narrative-Fallenness of the World

The Christian narrative explains death, suffering, and illness from the point of separation from God. Indeed, the separation dominates biblical themes and illustrates the beginning of human suffering since humans could not obey God’s commands. As illustrated in Genesis Chapter Three, the fall of the world had universal and cosmic implications (Hoehner, 2020). Besides death, pain, suffering, and illness are all effects of the fall. However, this was not the original God’s design. God designed a life without suffering, but humans damaged this relationship through sin. Therefore, sin results in pain and suffering that affect each human being’s mind, body, and spirit.

Using the concept of fall, George’s suffering stems from sin, and every human being is destined for the same. Although how and when people suffer differs, each human is expected to suffer at some point. As a result, George’s situation does not differ from others and should be expected in a sinful world. It is also important to note that some illnesses and suffering stem from one’s choices. Such illnesses include obesity, whose causes include lack of physical exercise and excessive intake of fatty foods. Illnesses caused by drug abuse, alcoholism, and smoking cannot be attributed to sin (Hoehner, 2020). The other important thing to note is that a person’s magnitude of suffering does not depend on the number of sins. There is no link between individual sins and specific diseases, as explained in John 9: 1-3 (Hoehner, 2020). However, humans should expect to be sick and suffer at some point.

Generally, George’s current situation does not differ from other situations involving illness, suffering, and dying. Most illnesses, including cancers and HIV/AIDS, lead to death. Although George is not expected to live for a long time, the consequence of the illness does not differ from others. It shows how suffering, pain, and illness are inevitable in the post-fall world as a punishment for sin. Sinfulness is a general condition for all people who are guilty before God. Since all people are rebellious in nature, they will never be free from suffering, pain, and death due to their rebellious and sinful nature (Hoehner, 2020). Accordingly, George’s case exemplifies the post-fall world, and no human is immune to such suffering.

George’s Suffering in Light of Hope and Resurrection

The concept of suffering due to sin shows that God cannot overlook sin. As a result, he does not accept sinful beings into his holy kingdom, and sin deserves punishment and justice upheld. Since this was not the original life design, God came up with the idea of resurrection since he is loving and merciful (Hoehner, 2020). Resurrection connects humans and God, and the only pathway is death. As a result, everything resulting in death is not primarily a punishment but a path towards a better life. George should therefore be comfortable in his state since it is preparing him for a better life after resurrection.

Hope and resurrection have been explored in-depth in the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, God promised to send a savior to break the chain that connected people to the sinful world and redeem people for God and prepare them for eternal life. Accordingly, Jesus’s death and resurrection led to salvation, ending the guilt and punishment resulting from sin (Hoehner, 2020). Death and resurrection ended the separation that sin brought between God and humans, and death has been conquered for all humans who die in Christ. Therefore, George is guaranteed a better life but must first go through the natural process where pain, suffering, and death are central components. His suffering is not the consequence of sin from the point of hope and resurrection. Instead, it is the preparation for a more enjoyable life, and he should use the remaining time building a healthy relationship between him and God.

How Christian Worldview would Inform George’s View about the Value of Life

The value of human life is a central concept in many end-of-life issues. Most secular views on death and suffering contrast the Christian worldview on the meaning of death and dignity and value assigned to every human being. According to the Christian worldview, every human is made in God’s image; hence, all people possess innate dignity and value irrespective of their race, status, developmental stage, and functional capacity (Hoehner, 2020). Life is sacred too. The sanctity of life means a human obligation to preserve life by all means (Orr, 2004). As George contemplates life with ALS, the Christian worldview would consistently remind him that his value does not change whether he is sick or healthy. Irrespective of the situation, the human value remains the same since humans represent God in every state.

As George makes the final decision, he must remember that human value is based primarily on resembling God. Each human being must preserve that value since life is created, upheld, and sustained irrespective of sin (Hoehner, 2020). The value of life is redeemed by God, and humans are destined for eternal communion with God. As a result, George should not imagine his value of life declining in any way. The expected decline in his functional capacity will only be a change in his physical state and will not affect the value of his life. He will remain a valuable human being as long as he lives.

Values from the Christian Worldview Guiding Euthanasia

Euthanasia is viewed differently from different perspectives. In the secular worldview, euthanasia is readily acceptable since death implies the end of biological processes, including the inability of the brain to function; ending the life of a suffering person denotes an act of compassion, but pain management should supersede euthanasia (Orr, 2001; Roberts II, 2017). However, such considerations contrast with the Christian worldview, which argues that suffering should be relieved within the boundaries and principles outlined in the Bible. As a result, euthanasia contravenes the Christian worldview since it hastens death and distorts the idea of good death (Hoehner, 2020). This view is also consistent with the general view of the practice of medicine. According to Anderson (2015), doctors should help patients die in a dignified way, and death should be natural. Euthanasia is killing and does not denote care in any way.

Besides euthanasia distorting the idea of a good death, the other value that should guide George is dying in Christ. From the Christian worldview, resurrection depends on how a person dies; those who die in Christ will resurrect and be given new spiritual bodies (Hoehner, 2020). Therefore, George must not act in a manner that would deny him resurrection. Above all, life is innately valuable, and its dignity must not be distorted. George should be guided by such values as he opts for euthanasia.

Morally Justified Options in the Christian Worldview

As noted in the case study, George is destined to live for about 3-4 years. However, some patients can go up to a decade. One morally justified option from a Christian worldview is to ease suffering with the medically available options and ensure that death will be as natural as possible. The Christian worldview is not against the modern practice of medicine for easing pain and suffering, although they are direct consequences of sin (Hoehner, 2020). The other morally justified option is to wait for his death since it is inevitable. God is the sovereign over life, death, and suffering. Since euthanasia is condemned in the Bible, George can wait to die and avoid distorting the natural process through artificial methods like euthanasia.

Making Decisions Based on George’s Situation

Irrespective of George’s decision, his death’s timeline is predetermined. If I were in his position, I would combine religious, secular, and scientific perspectives to ensure I have the best end-of-life possible. For instance, the Christian worldview offers hope to those who die in Christ (Hoehner, 2020). Ensuring that I am connected to the deity in this critical period would ease the pain and mental burden typical in this period. The secular worldview considers euthanasia to end suffering. As a result, I would opt for euthanasia when it is practically impossible to minimize suffering. Guiding principles in such situations include a person’s functional capacity and the effectiveness of pain medication as a medical/scientific option (Renée Mirkes, 2017). Euthanasia will be a rational option if the options available do not end the pain, and living is akin to prolonging suffering instead of life.

Conclusion

Death and dying are emotional and distressing topics due to their implications on the dead and those close to them. George’s case study illustrates how people make decisions during end-of-life and how euthanasia is an option for many people to end suffering. As discussed in this paper, the Christian and secular worldviews contrast in their view of euthanasia as an option for ending suffering. The Christian worldview holds that human dignity should be preserved and human value should not be distorted through euthanasia. Conversely, the secular worldview considers euthanasia an option to end suffering when a person is no longer biologically functional, or recovery is not guaranteed.

References

Anderson, R. (2015). Always care, never kill: How physician-assisted suicide endangers the weak, corrupts medicine, compromises the family, and violates human dignity and equality. The Heritage Foundation. https://www.heritage.org/health-care-reform/report/always-care-never-kill-how-physician-assisted-suicide-endangers-the-weak

Hoehner, P. J. (2020). Death, dying, and grief. Practicing Dignity. https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/chapter/4

Renée Mirkes, O. S. F. (2017). Three end-of-life cases: resolving their moral dilemmas. Ethics & Medicine, 33(2), 107-120. https://search-proquest-com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/docview/1901683914/fulltextPDF/79642D3CA804C4FPQ/8?accountid=7374

Roberts II, A. H. (2017). The higher-brain concept of death: A Christian theological appraisal. Ethics & Medicine, 33(3), 177-131. https://search-proquest-com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/docview/1953801344/8E15777163CE4CF4PQ/9?accountid=7374

Orr, R. D. (2001). Pain management rather than assisted suicide: The ethical high ground. Pain Medicine, 2(2), 131-137. https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=4883594&site=ehost-live&scope=site

Orr, R. D. (2004). Ethics & life’s ending: an exchange. First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life, (145), 31-36. https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rfh&AN=ATLA0001442679&site=ehost-live&scope=site

BUY A CUSTOM- PAPER HERE ON;PHI 413 Case Study On Death And Dying Assignment

Assessment Description
The practice of health care providers at all levels brings you into contact with people from a variety of faiths. This calls for knowledge and understanding of a diversity of faith expressions; for the purpose of this course, the focus will be on the Christian worldview.
Based on “Case Study: End of Life Decisions,” the Christian worldview, and the worldview questions presented in the required topic Resources you will complete an ethical analysis of George’s situation and his decision from the perspective of the Christian worldview.
Provide a 1,500-2,000-word ethical analysis while answering the following questions:
1. How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the fallenness of the world?
2. How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the hope of resurrection?
3. 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?
4. What sorts of values and considerations would the Christian worldview focus on in deliberating about whether or not George should opt for euthanasia?
5. Given the above, what options would be morally justified in the Christian worldview for George and why?
6. 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
https://search-credoreference-com.lopes.idm.oclc.org/content/entry/galegnaah/euthanasia/0?institutionId=5865
https://lc.gcumedia.com/phi413v/practicing-dignity-an-introduction-to-christian-values-and-decision-making-in-health-care/v1.1/#/chapter/4

 

TOPIC RESOURCES, CASE STUDY, AND RUBRIC ARE LISTED IN ORDER FILES
REFERENCES AND FORMATTING SHOULD BE IN APA 7 FORMAT
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is required.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.

Rubric Criteria

Collapse All Rubric CriteriaCollapse All

Suffering and Fallenness of the World

24 points

Criteria Description

Suffering and Fallenness of the World

5. Excellent

24 points

Analysis of how the man would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative and the fallenness of the world is clear and demonstrates a deep understanding that is skillfully supported by topic study materials.

4. Good

20.4 points

Analysis of how the man would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative and the fallenness of the world is clear and skillfully supported by topic study materials.

3. Satisfactory

18 points

Analysis of how the man would interpret his suffering in light of the JJ the fallenness of the world is clear and supported by topic study materials.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

15.6 points

Analysis of how the man would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative and the fallenness of the world is unclear or vaguely supported by topic study materials.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Analysis of how the man would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative and the fallenness of the world is insufficient or not supported by topic study materials.

Suffering and the Hope of Resurrection

24 points

Criteria Description

Suffering and the Hope of Resurrection

5. Excellent

24 points

Analysis of how the man would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative and the hope of resurrection is clear and demonstrates a deep understanding that is skillfully supported by topic study materials.

4. Good

20.4 points

Analysis of how the man would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative and the hope of resurrection is clear and skillfully supported by topic study materials.

3. Satisfactory

18 points

Analysis of how the man would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative and the hope of resurrection is clear and supported by topic study materials.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

15.6 points

Analysis of how the man would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative and the hope of resurrection is unclear or vaguely supported by topic study materials.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Analysis of how the man would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative and the hope of resurrection is insufficient or not supported by topic study materials.

Value of Life

24 points

Criteria Description

Value of Life

5. Excellent

24 points

Analysis of how the Christian worldview of the man might inform his view about the value of his life as a person with ALS is clear and demonstrates a deep understanding that is skillfully supported by topic study materials.

4. Good

20.4 points

Analysis of how the Christian worldview of the man might inform his view about the value of his life as a person with ALS is clear and skillfully supported by topic study materials.

3. Satisfactory

18 points

Analysis of how the Christian worldview of the man might inform his view about the value of his life as a person with ALS is clear and supported by topic study materials.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

15.6 points

Analysis of how the Christian worldview of the man might inform his view about the value of his life as a person with ALS is unclear or vaguely supported by topic study materials.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Analysis of how the Christian worldview of the man might inform his view about the value of his life as a person with ALS is insufficient or not supported by topic study materials.

Euthanasia

24 points

Criteria Description

Euthanasia

5. Excellent

24 points

Evaluation of which values and considerations the Christian worldview focuses on when deliberating the option of euthanasia for the man is clear and demonstrates a deep understanding that is skillfully supported by topic study materials.

4. Good

20.4 points

Evaluation of which values and considerations the Christian worldview focuses on when deliberating the option of euthanasia for the man is clear and skillfully supported by topic study materials.

3. Satisfactory

18 points

Evaluation of which values and considerations the Christian worldview focuses on when deliberating the option of euthanasia for the man is clear and supported by topic study materials.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

15.6 points

Evaluation of which values and considerations the Christian worldview focuses on when deliberating the option of euthanasia for the man is unclear or vaguely supported by topic study materials.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Evaluation of which values and considerations the Christian worldview focuses on when deliberating the option of euthanasia for the man is insufficient or not supported by topic study materials.

Morally Justified Options

24 points

Criteria Description

Morally Justified Options

5. Excellent

24 points

Evaluation of which options would be justified in the Christian worldview for the man is clear and demonstrates a deep understanding that is skillfully supported by topic study materials.

4. Good

20.4 points

Evaluation of which options would be justified in the Christian worldview for the man is clear and skillfully supported by topic study materials.

3. Satisfactory

18 points

Evaluation of which options would be justified in the Christian worldview for the man is clear and supported by topic study materials.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

15.6 points

Evaluation of which options would be justified in the Christian worldview for the man is unclear or vaguely supported by topic study materials.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Evaluation of which options would be justified in the Christian worldview for the man is insufficient or not supported by topic study materials.

Personal Decision

20 points

Criteria Description

Personal Decision

5. Excellent

20 points

Reflection hypothesis of which personal choices would be make if faced with ALS based on personal worldview is clear, relevant, and insightful.

4. Good

17 points

Reflection hypothesis of which personal choices would be made if faced with ALS based on personal worldview is clear and thoughtful.

3. Satisfactory

15 points

Reflection hypothesis of which personal choices would be made if faced with ALS based on personal worldview is clear.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

13 points

Reflection hypothesis of which choices would be made if faced with ALS based on personal worldview is lacking a personal connection.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Reflection hypothesis of which personal choices would be made if faced with ALS based on personal worldview is insufficient.

Thesis Development and Purpose

14 points

Criteria Description

Thesis Development and Purpose

5. Excellent

14 points

Thesis is comprehensive and contains the essence of the paper. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear.

4. Good

11.9 points

Thesis is clear and forecasts the development of the paper. Thesis is descriptive and reflective of the arguments and appropriate to the purpose.

3. Satisfactory

10.5 points

Thesis is apparent and appropriate to purpose.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

9.1 points

Thesis is insufficiently developed or vague. Purpose is not clear.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim.

Argument Logic and Construction

16 points

Criteria Description

Argument Logic and Construction

5. Excellent

16 points

Clear and convincing argument presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative.

4. Good

13.6 points

Argument shows logical progression. Techniques of argumentation are evident. There is a smooth progression of claims from introduction to conclusion. Most sources are authoritative.

3. Satisfactory

12 points

Argument is orderly, but may have a few inconsistencies. The argument presents minimal justification of claims. Argument logically, but not thoroughly, supports the purpose. Sources used are credible. Introduction and conclusion bracket the thesis.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

10.4 points

Sufficient justification of claims is lacking. Argument lacks consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some sources have questionable credibility.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Statement of purpose is not justified by the conclusion. The conclusion does not support the claim made. Argument is incoherent and uses noncredible sources.

Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)

10 points

Criteria Description

Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)

5. Excellent

10 points

Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.

4. Good

8.5 points

Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. The writer uses a variety of effective sentence structures and figures of speech.

3. Satisfactory

7.5 points

Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but they are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct and varied sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are employed.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

6.5 points

Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register) or word choice are present. Sentence structure is correct but not varied.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice or sentence construction is used.

Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment)

10 points

Criteria Description

Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment)

5. Excellent

10 points

All format elements are correct.

4. Good

8.5 points

Appropriate template is fully used. There are virtually no errors in formatting style.

3. Satisfactory

7.5 points

Appropriate template is used. Formatting is correct, although some minor errors may be present.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

6.5 points

Appropriate template is used, but some elements are missing or mistaken. A lack of control with formatting is apparent.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Template is not used appropriately, or documentation format is rarely followed correctly.

Documentation of Sources

10 points

Criteria Description

Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style)

5. Excellent

10 points

Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error.

4. Good

8.5 points

Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is mostly correct.

3. Satisfactory

7.5 points

Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, although some formatting errors may be present.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

6.5 points

Documentation of sources is inconsistent and/or incorrect, as appropriate to assignment and style, with numerous formatting errors.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Sources are not documented.

 

Total

200 points