The Elderly and the Sanctity of Life The Sanctity of Life is the Christian belief that life is sacred and created by God. This belief affects the way Christians think about life and death issues.
A Greek word meaning “Easy death” There are two types of euthanasia: Passive and Active. Active euthanasia is illegal in the U.K but legal in the Netherlands. EXIT have campaigned for voluntary euthanasia to be made legal in Britain from 1935. What is euthanasia? “Voluntary” euthanasia (Diane Pretty) “Non voluntary” euthanasia (Tony Bland) Double Effect – This is when by taking drugs to ease your pain there is a risk of premature death All Christians believe life is sacred Hospices should be able to care for the terminally ill Life is a gift from God The Catholic Church Refuses to accept Active Euthanasia. The Catholic Church view this as murder. Refuses to accept Active Euthanasia. The Catholic Church view this as murder. Accepts Double Effect as spiritually acceptable Life is a gift from God. Only he should take it away. “I chose you before you were born” “Thou shall not kill” The Church Of England Is not comfortable with active euthanasia. Many Christians worry about the legalisation of euthanasia. There is much disagreement amongst all Christian faith groups. There is no general consensus.
The Hospice Movement “Terminal care should become so good that no one ever need ask for voluntary euthanasia” The Hospice Movement “Patients must be supported by the community” (Methodist Conference 1974) Islam and Euthanasia
Neither kill nor destroy yourselves: for verily god has been to you most merciful." (4.29) “He gave you life, then will He cause you to die, and will again bring you to life; and again to Him will you return." (2.28) "Be sure We shall test you...but give glad tidings to those who patiently persevere." (2:155) "Whoever kills a person …it is as though he has killed all mankind." (5:32)
Muslims think euthanasia is a form of suicide so is wrong.
Sanctity of life – ‘Do not take life, which Allah made sacred,’ Quran 17:33
Allah (swt) knows best, by taking your or someone else’s life ‘in their best interests’ is like saying you know better than Allah (swt) – the highest form of arrogance
Passive euthanasia would be allowed if there is no hope of being cured and the patient refuses treatment
Life After Death – Muslim Culture
Muslims believe in life after death and a Day of Judgement
The soul is separate from the body and the person is waits in barzakh (a transition stage) which differs depending on deeds.
On the Day of Resurection, everyone will be raised and undergo judgement based on their beliefs and actions during life
Everyone will cross the bridge of sirat which will differ depending on the person
The good go to heaven (jannah) whilst the bad go to hell (jahanam)
Test Questions Religion provides comfort for the dying.’ What do you think? Explain your opinion. (3 marks)
Give three reasons why some religious people support the work of a hospice. (3 marks)
‘Senior citizens are the most important members of society.’ Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer, showing that you have thought about more than one point of view. (6 marks)