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A biblical perspective on euthanasia
Trusting God for how to behave is largely related to how much we trust God in our thinking, and in turn, with our will. The issues that confront Christians today, in thinking as well as action, are based, as they have always been, on what society is itself dealing with. Today, Christians are confronted with moral issues that are not yet definitively set in society. For example, greater technology and medical advances have ushered in a whole set of issues that are still being contemplated by the majority of the public, issues like abortion, euthanasia, cloning, and stem cell research, to name a few. These issues have placed Christians into a dilemma for which they cannot easily find answers, issues the Bible does not specifically address. They are influenced by subtle and widespread thinking that rivals Biblical thinking and seeks to exalt man and not God. Christians will themselves be confronted with end-of-life issues for which they will need to make decisions, and they will certainly have loved ones in their families whose end-of-life destiny will rest upon their decisions. Furthermore, Christians live in society, and they are being observed by that society as to whether or not it makes a difference to be a Christian. They will need to know how to get answers for their personal lives, and know how to answer the questions others pose. Though the Bible does not directly speak of euthanasia, God has set standards for dealing with end-of-life issues; there are also general guidelines and principles with which Christians must struggle to become confident within their own hearts of the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the heated issue of euthanasia. Certainly, the sixth commandment not to kill (i.e., murder) will guide Christians in their decisions regarding difficult decisions in the areas of suffering and death. Furthermore, the general principles contained in the two greatest commandments, to love God and neighbor, will be a bright beacon to lead Christians in compassionate thinking and action. Finally, understanding God's purpose for mankind, and especially His children, His sovereignty, the purpose of suffering, and the fact of eternal life, all will help simplify difficult choices that must be made. In the final analysis, what Christians believe about the sanctity of a human being - and the definition of personhood will be the deciding factor in the choices they make.
- "Trusting God for how to behave is largely related to how much we trust God in our thinking, and in turn, with our will. The issues that confront Christians today, in thinking as well as action, are based, as they have always been, on what society is itself dealing with. Today, Christians are confronted with moral issues that are not yet definitively set in society. For example, greater technology and medical advances have ushered in a whole set of issues that are still being contemplated by the majority of the public, issues like abortion, euthanasia, cloning, and stem cell research, to name a few. These issues have placed Christians into a dilemma for which they cannot easily find answers, issues the Bible does not specifically address. They are influenced by subtle and widespread thinking that rivals Biblical thinking and seeks to exalt man and not God. Christians will themselves be confronted with end-of-life issues for which they will need to make decisions, and they will certainly have loved ones in their families whose end-of-life destiny will rest upon their decisions. Furthermore, Christians live in society, and they are being observed by that society as to whether or not it makes a difference to be a Christian. They will need to know how to get answers for their personal lives, and know how to answer the questions others pose. Though the Bible does not directly speak of euthanasia, God has set standards for dealing with end-of-life issues; there are also general guidelines and principles with which Christians must struggle to become confident within their own hearts of the guidance of the Holy Spirit in the heated issue of euthanasia. Certainly, the sixth commandment not to kill (i.e., murder) will guide Christians in their decisions regarding difficult decisions in the areas of suffering and death. Furthermore, the general principles contained in the two greatest commandments, to love God and neighbor, will be a bright beacon to lead Christians in compassionate thinking and action. Finally, understanding God's purpose for mankind, and especially His children, His sovereignty, the purpose of suffering, and the fact of eternal life, all will help simplify difficult choices that must be made. In the final analysis, what Christians believe about the sanctity of a human being - and the definition of personhood will be the deciding factor in the choices they make."@en
- "A biblical perspective on euthanasia"@en