TruthMatters

Euthanasia

Euthanasia is the kind of action taken to bring about a death. The term “euthanasia” is derived from two Greek words—eu meaning “well” or “good,” and thanatos meaning “death” or a good death. There are those that would argue that death is not good under any circumstance even natural death.

There are basically two forms of euthanasia.

1.      Voluntary euthanasia is where a patient requests death or grants permission to be put to death. This type of euthanasia generally refers:

a.       For the terminally ill patients that will allow them “to die with dignity”

b.      Self-sacrifice for others. Jesus’ death illustrates it, and his words (John 15:13) commend it as the highest form of love.

c.       Suicide.

 2.  Involuntary euthanasia is when someone is put to death without requesting it or granting permission. This type of euthanasia can be influenced by one’s economics or their desire to not to have to continue being the care giver. This type of euthanasia generally refers to:

a    Mercy killings where others desire to release someone who is suffering and has no other way of escape but death.

b.   Where the choice of death is deliberately removed from an individual because someone else considers them no longer socially useful. This kind of euthanasia would include such groups such as the “hardened” criminals, the mentally retarded, and whole ethnic or racial groups.

c.   Killing in self-defense, or war.

God’s Insight:

The bible provides mankind with a set of values and guidelines to live by. The bible states the following:

1.                  God created everyone special. Psalms 139:13-16

2.                  God has a definite purpose for every person.

3.                  God is the giver of life. Genesis 2:7

4.                  Killing is condemned both in the OT (Exodus 20:13) and the NT. Matt 5:21; 19:18; Mark 10:19; Luke 18:20; Rom 13:9 (The bible does list exceptions to the rule such as killing in self-defense, capital punishment and a just war.)

Suffering is neither enjoyable nor to be sought after but that does not mean it cannot have any positive value in a person’s life. Rom 5:3–5, 1 Pet 1:6–9, 2 Cor 4:17, 12:10 and the book of Job, for example, speak of the potential benefits to be gained from suffering.

Conclusion:

Based upon the above information, the question of euthanasia is not a clear-cut issue as being right or all wrong as. Biblically speaking, human life is sacred. It is sacred because man is made in God’s image (Gen 1:26–27; 5:1).