Christians have long been major advocates for issues regarding the sanctity of human life. Most regular churchgoers can explain (at least rudimentarily) their position on beginning of life issues; i.e. why they believe abortion is wrong. However, when it comes to “end of life” questions, those same people have trouble expressing a biblical worldview on the topic. In fact, many have embraced an emotional view which is contrary to a biblical worldview.
A couple of years ago, my wife was in nursing school when the topic of euthanasia came up in class discussion. The teacher told a heart-wrenching story about a friend of his who had a terminal disease and how much easier it would have been for everyone involved if euthanasia had been an option. As if on cue, the majority of the class expressed similar sentiments towards euthanasia. I can’t help but wonder if they had a solid biblical worldview on end of life issues, if the class would have responded the same. Keep in mind, this occurred in rural, southern Missouri – Not exactly a liberal bastion.
I don’t want to sound overly critical of the nursing students, because I too have experienced difficulties having answers to some of those hard dilemmas. Specifically, I was stymied with the question as to why a terminal patient refusing treatment which would extend their life 6 months (yet not cure them) was different than a person with a terminal disease deciding to end their life a little prematurely so as to avoid suffering. Again, I knew there was a difference, but I did not know how to express why there was a difference.
When you hear the word euthanasia, what do you think of? Teens in China? As I use the term “euthanasia”, I will be primarily lumping together a few similar concepts: active euthanasia which is the intentional taking of life a la Jack Kevorkian and unnatural passive euthanasia which involves the withholding of those things which are naturally necessary for life (like food and oxygen) a la Terri Schiavo or Haleigh Poutre.
The topic of euthanasia is complex and there are few clear-cut answers, however, we must consider a few important points if we wish not to be left speechless and confounded. As Libertarianism has become more in vogue, I often hear some form of this argument: “Individuals have the right to choose their death.” While a huge part of me wants to agree with this, I must say that this is not a biblical outlook. Scripture is clear that we do not belong to ourselves; we belong to God. Acts 17:24-31, teaches that all humanity owes to God worship because He created and enlivens all people. Euthanasia is simply not a worshipful act. By its very nature, euthanasia denies that God rules over life and death, and instead attempts to put humanity in His place.
Another common phrase I often hear is that euthanasia is the compassionate thing to do because it ends people’s suffering. I applaud the desire to limit suffering, and like the nursing students, I can see the appeal to this viewpoint. No one takes pleasure in the needless suffering of another. While pain for pain’s sake is unnecessary and antithetical to the Christian position, Christians believe that suffering is not needless; it does serve a purpose. Indeed, Christ – the source of our salvation – was made perfect and learned obedience through suffering (Hebrews 5:7-9). Further, Christianity teaches that suffering literally builds character (Romans 5:3-5). The Christian answer to suffering is both more compassionate and more holistic than the euthanistic approach.
I believe the most straightforward argument against euthanasia is that murder and suicide are evil. Euthanists would have us believe that good comes from their termination of life, however we know that nothing clean can come from something unclean. Death is the enemy. Christ came to overcome the works of evil not to use them to assist in the furtherance of His kingdom.
So, how would I respond today if I were presented with the same hypothetical question that stymied me years ago? I would focus on the fact that humans belong to God and He uses suffering for His good purposes. Further, I would make clear that there is a significant distinction between ending a life as an act of rebellion to God’s sovereignty over our lives (and deaths), and allowing the natural course of life to occur. What is important, is that Christians can articulate a biblical view life (beginning and end) and have a biblical framework with which to consider these difficult questions which are becoming all too common.
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