Christians and Euthanasia
April 21st, 2008
What is Grace Church’s view on euthanasia?
Key Definitions
Euthanasia consists of any act or deliberate omission taken by oneself and/or others with the specific intention of causing the death of a person and actually causing that death. It is believed by proponents of euthanasia that the death being caused is for the good of the person who is being killed.
“Active euthanasia” consists of the effort of a person to cause his own death or the death of another. With active euthanasia, the medical cause of death is not disease or injury, but rather the act taken to cause death.
“Passive euthanasia” is the withholding, withdrawal or refusal of available medical treatment that could clearly enable a person to live significantly longer. The intent of passive euthanasia is to cause a person’s death at a time when death is not imminent.
“Letting die” (which is distinct from euthanasia) consists of the withholding or withdrawing of all life-prolonging and life-sustaining medications and technologies from a terminally or irreversibly ill patient with whom death is imminent even with treatment. The intention of “letting die” is not to choose or intend death but to enhance the well-being of the patient by avoiding useless prolonging of the dying process.
The difference between “letting die” and “passive euthanasia,” then, is this: With “passive euthanasia,” death is not imminent and medical treatment could clearly enable a person to live significantly longer, but with “letting die” the patient’s death is imminent even with treatment (i.e., medical technologies can no longer prevent death). Whereas the former seeks to cause a person’s death, the latter seeks to enhance the well-being of the patient by avoiding the prolongation of the dying process.
(Note: These definitions are from Keith H. Essex, “Euthanasia,” The Master’s Seminary Journal 11/2 (2000): 191-212.)
Biblical Response
Death is inevitable and its timing ultimately rests in the hand of God (Deut. 32:39; 1 Sam. 2:6; Heb. 9:27). Life is a gift from God, and everyone has an obligation to value his own life and the life of others regardless of the circumstances.
Because Scripture prohibits murder and suicide (Gen. 9:6; Exod. 20:13; Deut. 5:17), euthanasia is never an acceptable option for the believer. In addition to violating the prohibition of suicide, the act of killing oneself is the ultimate expression of selfishness.
In the case that the patient is irreversibly terminal and death is imminent regardless of the treatment provided, it is acceptable for the patient or—if the patient is unconscious—a legally authorized third party (e.g., a spouse or family member) to choose to withhold any of the following forms of treatment:
- life-sustaining medication
- life-sustaining, medically-administered nourishment
- life-sustaining support systems
In other words, although Scripture forbids all forms of euthanasia, we believe that “letting die” is an acceptable option in the circumstances described above.
You and your loved ones may want to consider creating a living will that indicates your wishes regarding medical treatment in order to guide medical personnel in a situation when you are unable to make decisions or choose treatment options.
The differences in terminology and meaning is well explained. Thank you.
I still find it amazing that Euthanasia is as popular as it is. Any type of Euthanasia is placing ourselves in the place of God. Surely, maturity should allow us to see how much we don’t know. It’s extremely arrogant to think that I can know what’s the best timing for death for myself or for others.
Thanks for pointing out the difference with “Letting Die.” I see a huge difference.
It is amazing what selfish human justification we can give for the cause of a death. And yet the intent is exactely the same, whether by suicide or by euthanasia.
1. We play at usurping the Sovereignty of our Creator
(Or so we think, as all things ultimately work together…for spiritual justice and God’s righteousness)
2. We act in selfish ambition to avoid emotional or spiritual warfare. (I have a chronic illness myself and support many others who suffer far worse “hurdles” in life, yet I cannot ever see the need for takig the “get out” actions propagated by those who would rather kill themselves to avoid suffering).
This all in light of the fact that Christ Jesus Himself was a Man of Sorrows and aquanted with grief, pain and torture, and yet not His will but the Father’s was done willingly to save sinners.
This truth is truly humbling.
I would refer anyone to my brother in Christ Johnny Farese and his testimony regarding the Sovereignty of God, in these matters of suffering:
http://www.farese.com/
The Bible does not prohibit the ending of one’s own life and, in fact, there are at least half a dozen examples in the OT where notable Biblical figures either ended their own lives or ordered their sword bearers to attend to the task. There was no retribution, Divine or otherwise, for their actions. Ending of one’s own life was not a sin until St. Augustine, alarmed at the number of faithful who were intentionally ending their lives to enter Heaven just a bit sooner, feared that if the practice continued there would be no faithful left. Indeed, the Donatists, a Christian sect who advocated ending their lives for just that reason, were so successful that none survive today. Suicide is a tragedy and we should certainly do all we can to prevent otherwise healthy people from taking their lives when their motivation is depression, despondency, shame, rejection or other conditions that are treatable. However, when a competent adult is suffering from an irreversible and incurable illness, and is unable to relieve suffering despite the best medicine and technology have to offer, it would not be against Biblical teachings for that person to ask for help in ending that suffering. Opponents to aid in dying overlook the fact that a terminally ill person is, by definition, already in a state of dying and that he or she may simply be seeking one form of death over another. Oddly some theologians would argue that there is a religious “duty” to suffer, but if that were the case, what becomes of those who die naturally and peacefully, or suddenly and accidently. Are they relegated to limbo because they had it easy?
So are you saying that if I get cancer, I am obligated to receive chemotherapy/radiation? I’m an RN and take care of some these patients. I have to say that these treatments are not what I would choose. I don’t see any Scripture which states we have to use modern medicine and if we don’t it’s a sin. Also, I don’t see any Scripture which states that I would have to live the rest of my life on a ventilator if I can’t breath on my own. We took care of a patient IN THE HOSPITAL (don’t ask…long story)for eighteen years who lived on a ventilator. I would not live like that unless someone could clearly show me by Scripture that I was obligated to do that. This patient choose to do so and that’s fine, but that isn’t what I would choose. Also, you would be hard press to get me to stick a NG down my nose…not happening!
I suppose the question is…whose life is it anyways? I think the answer to that is “God’s”. Ergo, death is his call, not mine.
I like Daryl’s simple, though not simplified, answer. Who are we to tell God, “I’m done living?” Sure, many biblical authors have done the very same. But we need to stop thinking of ourselves and start thinking of what God is using this for. Yes, it’s easy for me to say that because I’m not the one constantly suffering. But that doesn’t diminish my point in the least. Let our life be a testimony of faith in God: If we are suffering from cancer, we must trust that God has put us in that situation for a very good reason. We may never know what that reason is, but if we start doubting God in the hard times, what trust do we truly have?
That’s just my thoughts on the matter. I will pray for wisdom and understanding.