Understanding Suffering and Value of Life in Christianity
School
Moi University**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
STATISTICS 316
Subject
Philosophy
Date
Dec 12, 2024
Pages
8
Uploaded by francisonduto
Death and Dying: Case AnalysisStudent Name:After reading the "Case Study: End-of-Life Decisions" document (or one provided by yourinstructor) and topic Resources, respond to the following, using only citations from the caseand topic Resources:1.Based on the case and topic Resources, in 300-400 words,how might theindividual(s) interpret their suffering in light of the Christian view of the fallenworld and the hope of resurrection? Christianity holds that sin is the reason the world is fallen. Consequently, a variety of defectsare encountered, such as sin, criminal activity, illness and disease, immorality, and death, amongothers. Consequently, George may understand his pain as a result of being born in a fallen world.Living in an imperfect environment does not shield him from experiencing things like disease, eventhough he has been a devoted member of his profession, a present father, and even a communityvolunteer (Gonçalves et al., 2022). He can, nevertheless, make the world a little more perfect becauseof his disease. His community service, for example, demonstrates that he will experience empathy andcompassion in return. God has never abandoned him, therefore he should have hope despite his presenthardships.As Christians, we are called to let God work through us, even if it means going throughhardship. Regardless of living without sin, man might contrast his suffering with that of Christ(Mijatović, 2021). But because his suffering made it possible for Christians to experience salvation andeternal life, it was essential. He can concentrate on the goal of his current struggles and strive towardsachieving it rather than on his present suffering and future course. By remaining optimistic andresilient in the face of adversity, he may guarantee that Christ is exalted by him. He should maintain© 2024. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
his faith and hope in the resurrection even though it is clear that he will endure further pain due to thenature of his illness (Hall et al., 2022). According to the Christian perspective, people should anticipateresurrection because death is not the end of life. Given this, he ought to maintain his faith and enduresuffering in the same way that Christ does. He will have a magnificent body once he dies, and he willlive in it pain-free.2.Based on the case and topic Resources, in 300-400 words, as the individual(s) must contemplate life with their dilemma, how would the Christian worldview inform their view about the value of life as a person? Euthanasia would not be recommended as a remedy for any particular life in the Christianviewpoint. The reason for this is that it emphasizes the value of life and views euthanasia as suicide. Inthe doctrine of Christianity, God gives life as a gift from the moment of conception. According toBogue et al. (2022), Christians believe that God is the source of life and that he has the right to take itaway at any time. As a result, taking away life is against God's will. Furthermore, the Christianperspective emphasizes imago Dei, or the image of God. This implies that people are worthwhile inand of themselves, despite any flaws they may have, whether they be psychological, emotional,cognitive, or physical. Gonçalves et al., 2022 also contend that, the inherent value of life on earth is notdiminished by having an illness like ALS. It is noteworthy that the Christian worldview contends that since Christians are guardians oftheir bodies, they ought to take the best possible care of them rather than trying to find their demise.For an ALS patient like George, this entails attending therapy sessions and adhering torecommendations from medical professionals. Christianity also emphasizes the value of developmentand hardship. Notably, suffering is essential for strengthening one's faith and dependence on God.Consequently, illness offers benefits beyond mere misery. Regardless of a person's physical flaws,Christianity has always placed a strong emphasis on compassion and dignity. This implies that carersand medical professionals should provide patients with consolation and attention when they are ill
(Londral, 2022).They should also prioritize the dignity of the individual and refrain from harsh measures meant to make their suffering worse. In light of this, the patient is assured that they will always be cared for and that they will not be alone in their suffering. Particularly in George's situation, it is clear that he hasbeen involved in the community; as a result, those around him will automatically respect, reciprocate, and show empathy.3.Based on the case and topic Resources, in 300-400 words,how does the concept of suffering in a Christian worldview inform their deliberations about the choices they will make? According to the Christian perspective, suffering is essential to Christian decision-making. AChristian can choose between two points of view and use them to determine what actions to do in anysituation. One way to look at hardship is as a way to test and improve oneself. Christians can endure more suffering without giving up or grumbling when they view it as a test oftheir faith. By avoiding sin and seeking God's power, individuals can also strengthen their dependenceon Him and further develop their character (Bogue et al., 2022). Given this perspective, George may beopen to enduring additional treatments, which he will perceive as a test of his faith in God. Empathyand compassion offer an alternative viewpoint on suffering. Christians are aware that we ought to showcompassion and empathy to people in need. This implies that, for the higher praise of God and since allindividuals are deserving regardless of their circumstances, Christians should always be prepared toassist in easing the suffering of others. An ALS patient may consequently choose to forego complex treatments in favor of ones thatincrease their level of comfort when making decisions. In the Christian perspective, suffering iscontingent on the idea of life after death. Therefore, in order to prepare for eternal life, a person may beready to endure suffering. They will have an excellent opportunity to deepen their trust in God and
perhaps get ready for the next phase of their lives. The ALS sufferer may therefore view their sufferingas an opportunity to repent of their sins and live only for the sake of the kingdom of life (Mijatović,2021). Their relationships with others, with themselves, and—above all—with God will all improve asa result. As a result, regardless of how their disease turns out, they will be at peace since they will bethinking about the hereafter even while they are in pain.4.Based on the case and topic Resources, in 150-200 words,how would you be able to come alongside and demonstrate empathy for the individual(s) as you support and care for them? Reflect on your actions and their consequences.As a Christian, I would stand by George and understand their predicament in a different way.One method is by providing them with spiritual support; even though I may not be able to ease theirpain, I can offer them consolation by praying with them and even reading the Bible with them. I would support Hardy's (2021) suggestion that they should engage in spiritual reflection and offerassistance when needed. In addition, as a Christian, I would actively listen to them rather thanexpressing general worries like "everything will be fine." Without passing judgement on their viewpoints, I would let George air his disappointments,anxieties, or hopes. Additionally, I would make an effort to provide him with practical assistance in theform of meals when necessary, coaching the basketball team on his behalf, and providingtransportation to the team members' destinations. For both George and myself, my activities will havefavorable results. They will relieve the person of any responsibilities they may be carrying, suchworrying about transportation or food. They will also believe that God has not given up on them sincethey will feel appreciated and understood. They will continue to trust God for their healing, which willfurther drive their spiritual progress (Katarzyna Ciećwierska et al., 2023). Because I am performing thedeeds of mercy that are the calling of every Christian, I shall experience spiritual fulfilment.
5.Based on the case and topic Resources, in 150-200 words,how can you demonstrate respect for the perspectives of the individual(s) that may be different from your personal and professional values? Consider your conscious and unconscious biases in relationship to human rights in health care practice. Reflect on your actions and their consequences.Understanding their anxieties is one way I can show respect for their viewpoint,particularly if it differs from my own personal and professional ideals. Their viewpoint can beexplained by a variety of things, including cultural norms, life events, and even terror. I wouldtherefore try to support their choices. Additionally, even though this might not be in line with myideals, I would make sure to respect their autonomy, including their ability to make their ownhealthcare decisions. I would concentrate on my responsibility to give them all the facts I can whilemaking sure to uphold moral principles and treat them with respect regardless of their decision.I could, however, have both unconscious and conscious biases that could influencehow I interact with the individual. By reflecting on myself, I would be able to identify potentialsources of my biases and consciously work to respect and understand the patient. It would also makeme reevaluate my assumptions and point out areas where I should seek out further information tocomprehend various viewpoints. I'll be sure to respect other people's viewpoints because of this. Thepatient will feel valued as a result of my activities, which will significantly enhance the quality of theircare.6.Based on the case, topic Resources, and on your worldview, in 150-200 words,what decision would you make if you were in their situation? As a Christian, I think that everyone has intrinsic value. For this reason, I would live to the
very end if I were George. Before my body deteriorates even more, I would make sure that I take careof my affairs, including making a will, selecting my healthcare provider, forgiving others, andenjoying my last days with my loved ones (Horowski & Kowalski, 2021). But given the prior life, Ihave to acknowledge that this could be challenging. George was quite involved in his family,profession, and community. One could lose their sense of purpose and find up in regrettable situationslike favoring euthanasia if they lose all of this independence.Nonetheless, I would confide in my family members or close friends about my worries, and Ihave no doubt that they would offer me the courage to face my pain head-on. As well, I would offerprayers to God since it will strengthen my faith and enable me to handle any challenges that may arisefrom the illness. Furthermore, the prospect of eternal life will motivate me to remain obedient to Goduntil the very end.ReferencesBogue, D., Hogan, M., White, N., Hoehner, P., Self, C., & Evans, K. (2022). Practicing DignityAn Introduction to Christian Values and Decision Making in Health Care (2nd ed.).Grand Canyon University.
Gonçalves, F., Teixeira, M. I., & Magalhães, B. (2022). The Role of Spirituality In People withAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and their Caregivers: Scoping Review. Palliative &Supportive Care, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478951522001511Hall, M. E. L., McMartin, J., Park, C. L., Sacco, S. J., Kim, D., Kapic, K., Silverman, E.,Shannonhouse, L., Aten, J., Snow, L. M., & Lopez, L. (2022). Suffering with Christ:Emic Christian Coping and Relation to Well-being. SSM – Mental Health, 2, 100158.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssmmh.2022.100158Hardy, J. (2021). Hope As Community: Spiritual Care for Families with Members Who HaveAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Canadian Journal of Theology, Mental Health andDisability, 1(2),137–146.https://jps.library.utoronto.ca/index.php/cjtmhd/article/view/37803/28766Horowski, J., & Kowalski, M. (2021). Human Health and Christianity in the Context of theDilemmaofForgiveness. JournalofReligionandHealth, 61(2).https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-021-01424-1Katarzyna Ciećwierska, Dorothée Lulé, Semb, O., Krzysztof Nieporęcki, Bielecki, M., Baader,S., Ludolph, A. C., & Kuźma‐Kozakiewicz, M. (2023). Religiosity in Patients withAmyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, A Cross-country Comparison. Quality of LifeResearch, 32(8), 2235–2246. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-023-03383-4Londral, A. (2022). Assistive Technologies for Communication Empower Patients With ALS toGenerateandSelf-ReportHealthData. FrontiersinNeurology, 13.https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2022.867567Mijatović, F. (2021). (In)active God—Coping with Suffering and Pain from the Perspective ofChristianity. Religions, 12(11), 939. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel12110939