Introduction
Human decisions are influenced by socio-cultural and economic factors occurring in our daily lives. Determining ethical choices is considered a personal decision impacted by individual beliefs. This discussion aims to analyze the moral justifications of George’s decision for voluntary euthanasia (Grudem, 2020). The case study presented proves that he is suffering from the initial stages of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). In essence, this is a condition attributed to weakness and ineffective coordination with other body parts. The illness has no cure and degenerates to chronic levels, reducing expectancy to between 3 and 4 years. In this scenario, the individual is forced to make a moral decision on whether to continue with the medication or allow doctors to terminate his life legally (Bogue & Hogan 2020). An ethical analysis of George’s euthanasia decision indicates insufficient Christianity knowledge on dedication, commitment, and awareness of humanity’s moral obligations.
George’s Interpretation through the Christian Narrative
The case provided identifies George as an essential member of a social community. His professional achievements in law and lecturing make him significant in moral decisions affecting society. Subjectively, the Christian narrative on suffering is intended to test the spiritual strength among followers. This aspect of interpretation would imply unforeseen healing from ALS as a terminal illness to George. Most importantly, the world’s fallenness could be attributed to the fading Christian narrative against diseases and healing (Bogue & Hogan 2020). People in modern societies have degraded the essence of spiritual significance when seeking an accurate interpretation of incidences. For instance, overwhelming scientific evidence associates global warming with the ongoing climatic changes across Europe, America, and Australia. The fallenness of the world has reduced the stability of spiritual faith, as evidenced by Christianity. As a result, George’s suffering could be related to the Christian narrative emphasizing the degradation of human values.
Christian’s Worldview of Life
In addition, George’s decision on euthanasia can be ethically analyzed using the Christian narrative on resurrection hopes. The values of Christianity on life and death are primarily communicated through the existence of Christ (Bogue & Hogan 2020). He is considered to be the son of God who was dedicated to spreading the gospel and promised eternal life. The hope of resurrection among Christianity followers is based on the crucifixion narrative where Jesus died for three days but later regained life. His death amazed the followers who opted to comply with stipulated moral values required for life after death (Grudem, 2020). In this perspective, George’s euthanasia decision could be influenced by the hope of resurrection as a Christian. The spiritual belief of a second chance could imply peaceful death after chronic stages of ALS. Similarly, the hope of resurrection as a Christian narrative would depict a strong spiritual relationship with God ending with unpredicted healing.
As George contemplates ALS as a terminal illness, his euthanasia decision can be impacted by the value of life as a person. This chronic illness reduces a patient’s life duration and causes immense psychological and physiological challenges (Fontalis et al., 2018). Nonetheless, the Christian worldview regarding life entails a philosophical perspective that attributes human existence to God (Grudem, 2020). Believers of this faith acknowledge that a supreme being determines human life. This narrative would change George’s euthanasia decision as it is spiritually immoral. Deciding on one’s life contradicts Christianity’s vital values hence considered against ethical beliefs among followers (Bogue & Hogan, 2020). Most fundamentally, euthanasia is a controversial medical process that allows people to decide how and when to end their lives. Giving power to humans on determining death is unethical and immoral in the Christian worldview regarding euthanasia.
Christian Values and Considerations on Euthanasia
From a Christian worldview, George has several values and considerations to make before opting for euthanasia. For instance, he should be informed on the spiritual significance of life according to Christianity’s moral values. As briefly highlighted before, the decision of life and death is solely determined by God. Both humans and scientific proof are expected to override a supreme being (Fontalis et al., 2018). From George’s perspective, the symptoms of ALS could subject him to a wheelchair as long as he lives. Moreover, the brain’s loss of fundamental cognitive processes could make him totally dependent on family members and close friends. The medical pressure of opting for euthanasia could be justified by the social pressure of burdening others with basic needs. The Christian viewpoint, nonetheless, could influence George’s decision against euthanasia as it is spiritually unethical. Believers are expected to depict empathy and togetherness; hence, should nurse the patient till he dies from the chronic illness.
Additionally, spiritual values that respect principles of humanity could influence George’s decision on euthanasia. For instance, relatives and close friends could be urged to depict positivity whenever they visit him. These are critical healthcare attributes that result in timely recovery among patients (Fontalis et al., 2018). ALS depicts symptoms of a terminal illness indicating a shortened life among patients. During this period, patients and close relatives experience severe psychological challenges. The deteriorating state of neurons can biologically fail, ending in unpredicted death. Christianity’s principles on human life present valuable morals of guiding an ethical decision. In this case, George should be religiously aware of the spiritual implications of determining one’s life’s fate. This would be against Christianity for George to predict the end of life using a medical procedure (Bogue & Hogan, 2020). The moral principles that guide ethical decisions on life and death should be presented exclusively before making a final decision.
Morally Justified Christian Worldview Options
A Christian worldview perspective notes that George faces an ethical dilemma requiring morality in decision-making. This analysis noted that euthanasia is a medical process that allows patients to determine when and how to die. The medical procedure has been legalized in liberal countries, including Canada, New Zealand, and Belgium (Grudem, 2020). Personal reasons for opting for euthanasia are unmeasurable and cannot be socially judged, as evidenced in conservative societies. Therefore, George could be morally justified to proceed with euthanasia if he feels later stages will inflict sorrow and sadness to family members and friends (Barr, 2017). It is a common feeling among patients to save loved ones from economic and social challenges attributed to chronic illness. As a Christian, George’s good intentions regarding the decision could be morally justified from a Christian worldview (Fontalis et al., 2018). This perspective would allow him to die gracefully with the consent of all individuals affected by his condition.
Similarly, George would be morally consistent and relevant in practicing moral values of Christianity by opting-out of the euthanasia decision. In other terms, he can decide to live until the advanced stages of ALS as a means of fulfilling predefined spiritual values. For instance, followers of this faith are prohibited from killing other people since life’s value is unmeasurable. Making a decision regarding one’s life can be interpreted as a direct action against Christianity’s moral values (Bogue & Hogan, 2020). Similarly, the entire process could be perceived as unethical if the medical practitioners involved agree with George’s decision. Euthanasia is administered by a medical expert with scientific knowledge on the biological functioning of human life (Fontalis et al., 2018). Professionals in this doctrine have acquired wisdom and knowledge on different approaches to ending a patient’s life. Most importantly, a religious viewpoint would morally justify George’s decision to live until he dies after succumbing to the terminal illness.
Personal Decision in George’s Situation
If I were in George’s situation, I would opt for euthanasia as earlier contemplated. Accepting the procedure would indicate appreciation of life and its major achievements. As earlier noted, the individual is considered important in the social and economic decision of his community. As a learned scholar of law, he contributes substantially to the intellectual growth of justice and freedoms to his fellow society members (Grudem, 2020). The condition in discussion constitutes a terminal illness requiring one to predict his/her end of life. Based on the above justification, I would proceed with the decision as it would logically relate with realities of the moment (Barr, 2017). In other terms, waiting for the ultimate dying period of ALS would cause social discomfort among family members and friends. They would be forced to spend resources such as time and finances to cater to George’s treatment needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, moral values and ethical practices are influenced by varying sources of wisdom and knowledge. The case study identifies George’s decision on euthanasia as a fundamental decision influenced by personal and religious beliefs. As a person, he is concerned about the social and economic discomfort that his terminal illness in ALS could cause to his family and friends. However, a Christianity viewpoint could perceive euthanasia as an unethical medical practice in the healthcare sector. The procedure contradicts the source of life and critical decisions regarding an individual’s death. If I were George, I would continue with the procedure as it justifies the realities of ALS as a terminal illness.
References
Barr, W. (2017). Mindfulness, now and Zen: The sceptics guide to ultimate reality. Lulu Press.
Bogue D. W., & Hogan M. (2020). Foundational issues in Christian spirituality and ethics. Grand Canyon University Media. Web.
Fontalis, A., Prousali, E., & Kulkarni, K. (2018). Euthanasia and assisted dying: What is the current position and what are the key arguments informing the debate? Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, 111(11), 407-413. Web.
Grudem, W. (2020). What the Bible says about abortion, euthanasia, and end-of-life medical decisions. Crossway.