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Bioethical Concerns for Christians: Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia

Written by: Robert A. Pyne, Professor of Theological Studies, Dallas Theological Seminary Appears in: Understanding Christian Theology, Part VI: Humanity and Sin Charles R. Swindoll and Roy B. Zuck, General Editors

There is a difference between preserving life and prolonging the process of dying. We seek the former, and not the latter.

There is yet another difference between accepting the inevitability of death and causing death. Again we seek the former, and not the latter. We should try to make people comfortable, and sometimes those same actions may hasten the inevitable. Painkillers, for example, may also slow the respiratory rate, making it more difficult to keep fluid out of the lungs. However, such methods should always be intended to bring relief, not death.

Some people seek to find relief in death, and that presents another problem. Should physicians or family members cooperate when asked to help someone commit suicide? The recent national debate over assisted suicide has often treated it as a distinct act, neither murder nor suicide. In actual fact, it is both murder and suicide. Two people conspire to kill someone. One seeks to kill herself, and that is suicide. The other seeks to kill someone other than himself, and that is murder. As noted in our discussion of handicapped persons, suicidal people need our help- not in committing suicide, but in not committing suicide.

Pyne, Robert A., (2003). Part VI: Humanity and Sin. In: Understanding Christian Theology. Swindoll, Charles R, & Zuck, Roy B. (pp. 699-701). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Charles R. Swindoll and Roy B. Zuck, General Editors

This Memorandum is for informational purposes only. It is important that you discuss all legal options and consequences with a qualified elder law attorney prior to any action. Should you wish to discuss your situation with us, please call (631) 424-2800 for a consultation. For additional Memoranda, please call or visit our website at www.elderlaw.pro.