Topic 4 DQ 2.1
Please respond with a paragraph to the following post, add citations and references:
The topic of suicide and euthanasia are never easy to discuss with anyone that has been impacted by such a devasting act. As a Christian, suicide is a sinful act and there are many verses in the Bible that support these teachings. Christians believe that committing suicide is morally wrong and unacceptable, it goes against their belief system and principles of humanity.
Meilander rejected euthanasia and medically assisted suicide, but accepts refusal of treatment, if it is not done with the intention to cause the death of the person. Meilander also said that Christians like to maximize care not reduce suffering, therefore euthanasia is unacceptable in the Christian worldview. His view on suicide is that it’s morally wrong because of its contradiction to our nature as creatures of God (Meilander, 2013).
As a Christian, I do not believe in suicide or euthanasia. I think God has a plan for us all and He never gives us anything we can’t handle. No one has the right to take anyone’s life or commit suicide. However, I know it can be difficult when you have patients that are close to death and choose to go on hospice and end their treatment. I think patients suffering from terminal illnesses are justified to end their treatment and suffering. If they have a living will which states what type of treatment they choose, I believe they should be allowed to make their own decision. I am not here to pass judgement on anyone, but here to provide love and support.
Reference
Meilander, G. (2013). Bioethics: A primer for Christians (3rd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: William.B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. ISBN-13:9780802867704.
Purtilo, R., Doherty, R. Ethical Dimensions in the Health Professions. 5th ed. P.334-335 [Pageburstls]. Retrieved from https://pageburstls.elsevier.com/#/books/978-1-437…
