Christian Perspectives on Euthanasia by Dr Clarkson

e.g. Catholic teaching:

rb_clarkson — 2014-12-12 07:50:39 UTC

The Second Vatican Ecumenical Council condemned 'whatever is opposed to life itself, such as any type of murder, genocide, abortion, euthanasia...[as]...supreme dishonour to the Creator". (Pasoral Constitution Gaudium et Spes, 1965)

e.g. Liberal Protestant:

rb_clarkson — 2014-12-12 07:57:53 UTC

Joseph Fletcher argues that euthanasia is consistent with Christian Kindness:

1. Quality of life is more valuable than biological life.

2. Death is a friend to someone with a debilitating illness, as it is not the end.

3. All medical interventions place human will against nature.

4. Special equipment and unnecessary surgery are not morally required for a person who is terminally ill.

e.g. Conservative Protestant

rb_clarkson — 2014-12-12 08:00:07 UTC

'Since killing is generally wrong it should be kept to as narrow a range of exceptions as possible' (Arthur Dyck, 1975). Dyck supports passive but not active euthanasia, as he believes that passive euthanasia can be merciful but actively killing someone is never merciful.

Roman Catholic

2014-12-12 09:15:56 UTC

Life is sacred and a gift from God

General Christian

2014-12-12 09:16:09 UTC

the human being is not simply a biological entity but a person, in the image of God and Christ

General

2014-12-12 09:16:19 UTC

There is no difference between our response to a suffering animal or human

Roman Catholic

2014-12-12 09:16:35 UTC

an assisted death is an offence against the dignity of the human person, a crime against life, and an attack on humanity.

Conservative Protestant:

2014-12-12 09:16:57 UTC

Mercy is considered a moral obligation, killing is never a mercy. And is considered a contradiction when used to justify the killing of the disabled or mentally , as we are failing to care for the most needy in the community.

Roman Catholic

2014-12-12 09:17:52 UTC

To take a life opposes God's love for that person, and rejects the duty of a perosn to live life according to God's plan.

Roman Catholic

2014-12-12 09:18:19 UTC

God has created us for a purpose,and it is our duty to live and pursue that purpose

2014-12-12 09:18:33 UTC

Liberal Protestant: acts of kindness may embrace euthanasia, for instance when a human being is dying in agony

Liberal Protestant

2014-12-12 09:21:31 UTC

The Christian faith emphasises love for one's fellow human being, and death is not the end for Christians

2014-12-12 09:21:36 UTC

Conservative Protestant:

2014-12-12 09:25:35 UTC

Voluntary euthanasia, self-willed by a rational, legally competent person, is permitted by some theologians. However active euthanansia in which the person plays no role, is condemned by the majority of Christians.

2014-12-12 09:26:19 UTC

Biblical teachings prohibit killing; the sixth commandment States 'you shall not kill'

Roman catholic

2014-12-12 09:26:49 UTC

"For it is a question of the violation of the divine law, an offence against the dignity of the human person, a crime against life, and an attacking the humanity"

2014-12-12 09:27:21 UTC

Liberal Protestant: people are prepared to 'face death and accept death as preferable to continuous suffering for the patient and the family'

Conservative Protestant

2014-12-12 09:27:43 UTC

While mercy is a moral obligation ,killing is never a mercy.

Catholic

2014-12-12 09:36:12 UTC

Seeing as it is morally wrong to commit suicide, it is also wrong to assist someone to commit suicide

Church of England

2014-12-12 09:38:49 UTC

Making the old and ill feel wanted an valuable is more important. The Church should do all it can to make the elderly and ill feel like important members of society.

General Christian view

2014-12-12 09:40:09 UTC

You should not 'interfere with the natural process of death

Church of England

2014-12-12 09:41:03 UTC

Sanctity of life is very important but doctors should not have to keep people alive for the sake of it regardless of the quality of life

Church of England:

2014-12-12 09:41:56 UTC

It puts vulnerable people at risk

Christian views

2014-12-12 09:42:06 UTC

To propose euthanasia for an individual is to judge that the current life of that individual is not worthwhile.

General Christian view

2014-12-12 09:43:11 UTC

no human being has the authority to take the life of any innocent person, even if that person wants to die

Mother Teresa

2014-12-12 09:43:11 UTC

She believed the world gained a lot from the suffering of the poor and she saw their dying as sharing in Christ's passion.

Church of England

2014-12-12 09:45:05 UTC

Many people believe that the period just before death is a profoundly spiritual time.They think it is wrong to interfere with the process of dying,as this would interrupt the process of the spirit moving towards God.

Anglican Church of England:

2014-12-12 09:47:00 UTC

this issue is life threatening for society

2014-12-12 09:49:53 UTC

Mother Teresa

rb_clarkson — 2014-12-12 09:53:43 UTC

She is quoted as saying 'There is something beautiful in seeing the poor accept their lot, to suffer like Christ's Passion. The world gains much from their suffering.'

2014-12-12 10:07:54 UTC

Dat guy