Abstract
Nursing practices have shown that the spiritual beliefs of terminally ill patients may have a profound effect on their attitudes toward voluntary euthanasia. This essay explores the aspect of dying from the Christian perspective, focusing on such concepts as fallenness of the world, resurrection, and the value of a person’s life. These theoretical implications from the Christian narrative are used throughout the paper to analyze the case study of a patient suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. First, to demonstrate the significance of obeyance and acceptance when facing a deadly condition, this paper elucidates concepts of original sin, life as a gift, and the afterlife. Next, the role of resurrection for a Christian is interpreted through examples of spiritual transcendence and the possibility of deliverance from sin. Subsequently, the essay explains the value of each person’s life, according to the Bible, finalizing the work with a discussion on two opposite views on assisted suicide.
Introduction
Religious beliefs and the patient’s attitude toward death and dying have always influenced the medical practices of treating terminal diseases. While some individuals agree to palliative care to prolong their lifespan, others prefer physician-assisted suicide. By examining Christian’s views on the fallenness of the world, the hope of resurrection, and the value of a person’s life, one can see that euthanasia is not a morally acceptable option for a Christian parishioner.
Fallenness of the World
The concept of the fallenness of the world in Christianity is closely connected with the existence of an original sin, where the disease is explained as a sign of human sinfulness. In other words, patients suffering from an incurable illness metaphorically experience punishment for the iniquity. According to Devan (2015), other theologists tend to interpret terminal sickness in Christianity as “potential blessings given for virtuous suffering” (p. 130). Since God has not defined humans based on physical or mental wellness, one should enjoy the happiness of life through mere existence, regardless of physical pain. (Devan, 2015). Consequently, in the case study, instead of focusing on losing his ability to move and speak, George should think about his infirmity through the perspective of becoming closer to God. As followed by Devan (2015), every illness is a part of the Creator’s plan; thus, being sick should not stop Christians from believing in God and cherishing his Word. Unable to carry out his usual routine, the man will have more opportunity for self-reflection, prayer, and understanding of the meaning of mere existence.
Hope of Resurrection
The process of dying, as well as feeling a patient experiences, may vary depending on the religious worldview. As highlighted by O’Brien (2017), a person believing in the existence of an afterlife perceives death as “a joyful transition to a better state” (p. 259). Devan (2015) also noted that for Christians, who find the meaning of life in the perspective of reconnecting with God in heaven, dying opens the possibility to fulfill their lifelong mission of deliverance from sin. Suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, George may quickly start missing his satisfying career and happy relationship on Earth. However, from the Christian perspective on the resurrection, Earthly life, together with all the parishioner’s accomplishments, fades away in comparison with the spiritual transcendence, existing only in the afterlife. As emphasized by Devan (2015), a physical body allows a person to “experience the grace of God” (p. 134), but only through transfiguration after dying can one achieve peace in eternity. Such an outlook on death may help George to concentrate on the spiritual body and psychic transformation he is going to endure, rather than fixating on his physical disability.
Value of Life
When facing a life-threatening condition, accompanied by pain, side effects of treatment, fear, and misery from gained disabilities, patients frequently question the value of their life. As explained by O’Brien (2017), dying individuals may consider their last months or years pointless, struggling to accept the loss of control over their movements and actions. However, Devan (2015) emphasized that, in Christianity, the value of a person’s life is not defined by living conditions or physical, and mental well-being, rather it is seen in the potential of encountering God’s grace. Therefore, despite sickness and suffering, instead of viewing their existence as irrational, patients should remember that life is a gift given to people with love and “God’s sheer goodness and gratuity” (Devan, 2015, p. 126). For George, it is essential to realize that, from the beginning and till the end, the Creator is in control of the human’s life, supporting it with His blessings. Only by finding meaning in his disease and trusting in God’s providence can man find freedom and release from his affliction.
Euthanasia and Morally Acceptable Options
Though believing in life after death, Christian parishioners may have different attitudes toward voluntary euthanasia, dependent on their interpretations of the Word and religious affiliation. On the one hand, Klopfer and Price claimed that assisted suicide, in the case of a terminal disease, may help patients to receive the otherworldly reward of an afterlife sooner (as cited in Sharp, 2019). On the other hand, Sharp (2019) wrote that by consciously getting a lethal injection, Christians commit a deadly sin of murder, deliberately taking their life, gifted by God. Since most branches of Christianity oppose assisted suicide, George’s decision of undergoing euthanasia, most likely, would not be morally justified. By reflecting on the fallenness of the world, the hope of resurrection, and the value of an individual’s life, the man would refuse the procedure, accepting that God owns control over his death. To bring comfort during his last years, he could reach for palliative care, find spiritual support in church or silent prayer, and continue humbly praising God, with a hope for his help and mercy.
Personal Decision
As a devoted Christian, who believes in the power of love and forgiveness, I would prefer palliative care, spending the last years with my family, and trusting in the Creator’s plan. Undergoing euthanasia may not only be “a grave transgression” but also a selfish choice, which contradicts the lessons of sacrifice and altruism taught in the Bible (Sharp, 2019, p. 75). Devan (2015) acknowledged that every human’s life, regardless of destiny, is worthy; thus, one needs to be able to accept the challenges given to him. By embracing the illness, spending time with my family, and continuing to believe in God’s mercy, I would find eternal peace.
Conclusion
In Christian doctrine, the decision to undergo voluntary euthanasia is not morally acceptable. Thus, when suffering from a life-threatening condition, a parishioner should set debilitative thoughts about physical pain and fear of dying aside. To find appeasement and comfort in times of misery, a patient should reflect on the value of a person’s life in the Bible, hoping for eternal life in heaven and deliverance from sin.
References
Devan, J. S. (2015). A Christian ontology of genetic disease and disorder. Journal of Disability & Religion, 19(2), 119-145. Web.
O’Brien, M. E. (2017). Spirituality in nursing (6th ed.). Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning, 2017.
Sharp, S. (2019). Belief in life after death and attitudes toward voluntary euthanasia. Omega – Journal of Death and Dying, 79(1), 72-89. Web.