Comments on: Christians and Euthanasia http://www.sfpulpit.com/2008/04/21/christians-and-euthanasia/ A Ministry of Shepherds' Fellowship Sun, 01 Mar 2009 19:54:00 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Christian Brother http://www.sfpulpit.com/2008/04/21/christians-and-euthanasia/comment-page-1/#comment-126820 Christian Brother Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:34:30 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2008/04/21/christians-and-euthanasia/#comment-126820 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. 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.

]]> By: Daryl http://www.sfpulpit.com/2008/04/21/christians-and-euthanasia/comment-page-1/#comment-126570 Daryl Thu, 24 Apr 2008 13:53:30 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2008/04/21/christians-and-euthanasia/#comment-126570 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 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.

]]> By: sarah http://www.sfpulpit.com/2008/04/21/christians-and-euthanasia/comment-page-1/#comment-126393 sarah Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:53:51 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2008/04/21/christians-and-euthanasia/#comment-126393 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! :) 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! :)

]]> By: Roland http://www.sfpulpit.com/2008/04/21/christians-and-euthanasia/comment-page-1/#comment-126151 Roland Tue, 22 Apr 2008 16:56:42 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2008/04/21/christians-and-euthanasia/#comment-126151 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? 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?

]]> By: William du Plooy http://www.sfpulpit.com/2008/04/21/christians-and-euthanasia/comment-page-1/#comment-126018 William du Plooy Mon, 21 Apr 2008 23:34:20 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2008/04/21/christians-and-euthanasia/#comment-126018 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/ 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/

]]> By: Mike http://www.sfpulpit.com/2008/04/21/christians-and-euthanasia/comment-page-1/#comment-125924 Mike Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:25:14 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2008/04/21/christians-and-euthanasia/#comment-125924 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. 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.

]]> By: Pat Kruse http://www.sfpulpit.com/2008/04/21/christians-and-euthanasia/comment-page-1/#comment-125906 Pat Kruse Mon, 21 Apr 2008 12:19:05 +0000 http://www.sfpulpit.com/2008/04/21/christians-and-euthanasia/#comment-125906 The differences in terminology and meaning is well explained. Thank you. The differences in terminology and meaning is well explained. Thank you.

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