Ethical Dilemmas Of Euthanasia Research Paper

Euthanasia: Ethical Dilemmas and Possible Solutions

Euthanasia is defined by The Merriam-Webster dictionary as, “the act or practice of killing someone who is very sick or injured in order to prevent any more suffering (n.d.). This is a very controversial topic as ethical dilemmas are present when the possible contemplation of euthanasia exists. There are ethical dilemmas involved with a decision that involves allowing someone else to die. Ethical problems usually do not have a simple answer or often lead to an indisputable solution. Different views on the matter may provide potentially different outcomes. A closer look at the Christian worldview perspective will give an in-depth view of a Christian solution for a specific case where euthanasia

God loves his creation; those who follow and accept him will receive the gift of eternal life after death. However, suicide will never end well as Heaven may be eliminated as an option. According to Olasunkanmi (2015), “Since the world is God’s creation, each of the elements that make it up has an appropriate value and a corresponding ethical status. That is the reason the three religions agree on the point that suicide is bad, and that euthanasia is just one variation of suicide” (p. 34). To commit suicide would be to further harm one’s body, and as humanity is created in the image of God, then one would destroy the likeness that God has given mankind. The Bible states, “If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy that person; for God's temple is sacred, and you together are that temple” (1 Cor. 3:17, NIV). The temple that is mentioned is the human body. A Christian worldview would use these thoughts when encountering a subject as difficult as

A solution that allows euthanasia to exist is done for the purpose of relieving pain and suffering. According to Ruijis et al, “Unbearable suffering is considered an important motive for patients requesting euthanasia and/or assisted suicide” (2014, par. 5). Christianity also believes in the relief of pain and suffering, but the approach and timing are different. A view that is not from a Christian standpoint eliminates depression and agony instantly by terminating life; the issue is that salvation is almost certainly eliminated. Christian worldview will also eliminate the same pain and suffering; not by euthanizing a person, but by allowing the person to die when God decides. The result from the Christian solution allows for a person to receive eternal relief from depression and all associated issues by putting complete faith in God until death arrives on its own. Euthanasia may be considered a temporary fix as to where living a life in which God is the primary focus, will lead to a permanent solution. Both result in the elimination of pain and suffering, but one is a short-term solution and the other is an everlasting