...THE CHURCH, EUTHANASIA and ASSISTED SUICIDE Euthanasia also known as “mercy killing” and assisted suicide are worldwide controversial issues. According to the Merriam-Webster online dictionary, the word euthanasia comes from Greek, meaning easy death (eu: easy, thanatos: death). Euthanasia means to end the life of a person who is terminally ill or suffering from severe pain, in a deliberate way. At the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) webpage, in the section Ethics guides, under the title of Forms of Euthanasia, Religions and Death? (2009), different types of euthanasia are described, such as indirect, active, passive, voluntary, involuntary and non voluntary. On the other hand, assisted suicide is usually performed with the help of a health professional; that is why; it is usually called Physician Assisted Suicide (or PAS). The main controversy is over the different opinions on whether it is the sick patient’s decision or if it is a legal, ethical or religious issue to be considered by a third party. In order to practice assisted suicide in a country where it is legal, many factors should be present, such as the moral and religious beliefs of the patient and the physician or the patient’s family and the physician, as well as the legislation of the country where it is going to be carried out. At present, in countries where euthanasia is not legalized yet, it is very difficult to obtain legal permission to practice it. As regards the ethical...
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...Proposal Essay Assisted Suicide: A Catholic’s Right To Die The right to choose whether to live or die should reside with the person who is terminally ill and no one else. According to the Catholic Church there are three moral principles on conserving health and life: sanctity of life, God’s dominion and human stewardship, and the prohibition against killing. Promoting the morality of the right to life, compassionate care and the power of divine love, the Catholic Church tries to offer a hopeful perspective. Radically different views than those of the Catholic Church are expressed by both healthy and terminally ill patients when surveyed. Several national organizations have been founded supporting a persons’ choice, to include the Hemlock Society and the Final Exit Network both with Arizona chapters. One of the main reasons terminally ill patients want the right to choose assisted suicide is to be able to die with dignity. The thought of being unable to care for yourself or recognize your family is particularly frightening and unwanted by most people. Mentally competent adults have a basic human right to end their lives when they suffer from a fatal or irreversible illness or excessive pain, when their quality of life is personally unacceptable, and the future holds only hopelessness and misery. Arizona is one of 34 states that have explicitly criminalized assisted suicide; only the states of Oregon and Washington permit physician assisted suicide with the remaining...
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...Alexandra Chase DiLonardo RS 282 Film Reflection How To Die In Oregon The Right To Choose “And what will this medication do?” “It will kill me and make me happy.” These chilling lines of the opening scene of How To Die In Oregon truly relays the message of how grateful the ailed residents of Oregon are for the death with dignity law. We are met with a man named Roger, who seems more than eager to receive the medication that will kill him, as he is surrounded by a family that seemingly supports his decision. The entire film is focused on the ethical dilemma on physician assisted suicide; and how a patients decision affects the people surrounding them. It is no surprise there is a major ethical debate regarding the idea and action of euthanasia. Although, this is not a black and white issue, there is not precise right and wrong, mainly because each patient, doctor, and family situation is unique on a case by case basis. The most compelling and emotionally charged case in the film is Cody’s story. Cody is suffering from a countless amount of complications in her battle of terminal cancer. Cody acknowledges she doesn't want to die, but since she knows she will, she states “With death with dignity you do have some control over whats going to happen, you can offer that to your family. So it means you can have some good times…and have things be as normal as possible without being focused on when she is going to die because you know that.” It seems that control is a common theme...
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...nurse, in all professional relationships, practices with compassion and respect for the inherent dignity, worth, and uniqueness of every individual, unrestricted by considerations of social or economic status, personal attributes, or the nature of health problems” ("Code of Ethics for Nurses," 2010, p. 1). My personal ethics are definitely a product of my religious beliefs and my upbringing. I was born, raised and still practice Catholicism. According to the Catholic doctrine, the church does not believe in in vitro fertilization since conception happens outside the body. However, even though it was against the church’s teaching, I believe that if someone wants a baby that bad that it is justified. I believed this fact so much that when my husband and I could not have children, we tried in vitro. Having faced my own fertility issues, it is fairly obvious that I am diametrically opposed to abortion. This belief coincides with my religious beliefs as well as my own personal issues. However, this personal ethical view is not in line with the ethics of a professional nurse. I have made...
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...Euthanasia and Religion Euthanasia is the inducement of a gentle and easy death. It is considered to be a form of suicide. Yet the procedure requires the assistance of a third party, due to the potential incapacity of the individual requesting this procedure be carried out. The case could then be turned into one of homicide. As a result of this, it is incredibly difficult to find an individual who is willing to aid in the conduct of euthanasia, as they could face prosecution in a criminal court on the charge of murder. Patients who request euthanasia are often motivated by terminal illness. They appreciate that further medical treatments are unable to cure, or deacelerate, the illness. They also wish to preserve their dignity and conclude their painful suffering. Another example where a patient may want to opt for euthanasia, is when health authorities suggest they go into a hospice especially designed to cope with their illness. A wish to maintain their independence, along with the desire not to continue to be a burden on other family members, then becomes the motivation. Perspectives on the ethical issues are vastly variable on this topic, across the social spectrum. An argument against the practice of euthanasia, commonly starts with religion. The sixth commandment in the Christian Bible states, 'Thou shalt not kill'. This implies that the act would be committed with violence; a criminal act, where the victim believes that...
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...Duffy Unit II Study Guide I. Terms 1. Moral Compass – reference to a person's ability to judge what is right and wrong and act accordingly. 2. Conscience – voice inside of us that guides us when making decisions. Many people think of it as the Holy Spirit. 3. Original Sin – sin of first human beings and the fallen state of human nature that affects every person born in the world. 4. Social Sin – collective effect of many personal sins over time. 5. Free Will – gift from God that allows us to make our own choices. 6. Intellect – gift from God to see and understand the things God placed on Earth. 7. Value – a person's principles or standards of behavior. 8. Moral Law – rational expression of God’s eternal law 9. Ethics – moral principles that govern a person's behavior. 10. Eternal Law – order in creation that reflects God’s will and purpose. 11. New Law – Perfects the old law and brings it to fulfillment. 12. Old Law – the Ten Commandments. II. Commandments and Moral Explanation with example 1. You shall have no other gods before me. -Don’t put power and money above everything else. 2. You shall not make idols. -This reminds us to only serve and worship one true God. 3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain. -Don’t speak of God negatively. Everything should always be good about God. 4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. -God wants this day to be a day to remember and serve the...
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...Part A) Explain, with examples, Aquinas’ theory of Natural Law (25 Marks) The theory of natural law has been around for over 2000 years. Natural law believes that every person/thing has a purpose. It is an absolutist law; this is because the rules are set for everyone and need to be followed at all times. It is also deontological as natural law defines what is right and gives us moral rules. Aristotle believed humans were born into knowing how to act morally, as it was written within us. Aristotle believed that if people would follow laws it would lead to eudemonia. Aquinas was heavily influenced by Aristotle’s belief that all people served a purpose. Aquinas went on to believe that all of us have a ‘god given’ purpose. Soon enough Aquinas had created natural law. Natural law was influenced by Aristotle and created by Thomas Aquinas. Natural law is the idea that there is a natural order to the world that should be obeyed. This is determined by God. God made us with a purpose; natural law directs us on the purposes that we need to fulfil and natural law can be applied universally. Aquinas stated that there were four types of law: Eternal law, the perfect, complete set of God’s law that had created the universe. Humans have only partial knowledge of this. Divine law, the sacred teachings and texts of the church - that had come from God’s law written in the bible. Natural law, the human ability to know what is naturally right from our own reason. And finally, Human law, the interpretation...
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...beliefs or in his relationships. In Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, Hamlet’s uncle Claudius, murders Hamlet’s father to inherit the crown of Denmark and the love of Hamlet’s mother, Gertrude. Throughout the play there are six soliloquies that reveal the character of Hamlet and others. In more than any other Shakespearean play, the audience is painted a better picture of Hamlet’s mind. Shakespeare questions the social and Christian institutions in the face of tragedy with the usage of several ambiguous phrases. Through word play and tone shifts, Hamlet’s collapsing sanity is reflected and shows the deconstruction of his views towards the Church and its values and his family. Hamlet’s questionable sanity is first reflected in the Church and its teachings. During the Elizabethan Era, most people practiced Catholicism, and it was not until later in the 1500s that the Catholic religion was called into question by another developing religion at the time, Protestantism. Not only does society begin to doubt the teachings of the Church, Hamlet does as well because he has lost complete faith in Christian values. According to Hamlet, those values have the cause of Claudius murdering his own brother and marrying his wife. Hamlet is unable to accept this unfortunate fate, and in turn, exclaims to the heavens, “O God! O God” (I.ii.132)! Hamlet has lost faith in the Everlasting because he is disgusted that God would let such an incestuous act happen. Shakespeare’s use of ambiguity leaves the audience...
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...A Good Death ENG 155 Advanced Composition For the terminally ill, death in advanced modern societies can often be described as undignified. Terminally ill patients are frequently connected to machines, tubes, and a variety of other life-support equipment. They experience intolerable pain that would be inconceivable to a healthy individual. The terminally ill patient is often left with no option other than to die in an impersonal medical institution. They are unable to get out of bed, feed themselves or even go to the bathroom without assistance. As reported recently in a survey issued by the National Cancer Policy Board of the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council, “Many of the 550,000 American patients who die of cancer each year spend their last days in distress, suffering from pain, nausea, fatigue and depression” (Toufexis). In such circumstances there is no means for a terminally ill patient to sustain their dignity in the dying process. Unfortunately, much of the misery suffered by the terminally ill is done so needlessly. Surveys indicate that along with the loss of a patient’s dignity and quality of life is the fear of facing death in uncontrollable pain. A recent survey by the National Cancer Policy Board of the Institute of Medicine And National Research Council indicated that, nine million Americans are now living with cancer and about...
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...Third Gender – Equality and Truth http://caissg.org/third-gender-equality-truth/ It is a brave and honest person who can stand apart from the masses and openly challenge its most treasured beliefs. ~ Donna Evans As humans, we understand a little about our complex bodies even with the greatest medical science. It is what it is. Then why lie? Secrecy and stigma are worse than the condition itself. Without truth and transparency, it is difficult to pass laws, provide equal rights, offer support and help for all. We need to have an environment which encourages truth, tolerance, and respect for all. Are there only two genders or is there a third gender?Regardless of which side of the issue you are on, we can all agree thattruth is always the right option and secrecy and lying have no place for a long-term solution in a civilized society. There are several issues withsecrecy and lying. First it is wrong. Second it does not take into account the feelings and trauma of the person being lied to. Third it could lead to criminal acts such as if lying is a crime under oath. What are the bioethics for disclosure to spouses? It is NOT about gender identity or it is NOT about the sexual identity, it is about the HUMAN identity which is to say the truth. As a human being, everyone deserves a feeling of “belonging”, understanding and acceptance. Without recognition of the truth, how will an intersex person marry legally or how can an intersex couple (who are infertile) adopt a child legally...
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...United Church of Christ: The Church affirms individual freedom and responsibility. It has not asserted that hastened dying is the Christian position, but the right to choose is a legitimate Christian decision. Mainline and Liberal Christian denominations: Pro-choice statements have been made by the United Church of Christ, and the Methodist Church on the US West coast. The 'Episcopalian (Anglican) Unitarian, Methodist, Presbyterian and Quaker movements are amongst the most liberal, allowing at least individual decision making in cases of active euthanasia The BBC wrote in an Aug. 3, 2009 online article titled "Religion & Ethics - Christianity: Euthanasia - the Christian View" on www.bbc.co.uk: "Christians are mostly against euthanasia. The arguments are usually based on the beliefs that life is given by God, and that human beings are made in God's image. Some churches also emphasise the importance of not interfering with the natural process of death... Christians believe that the intrinsic dignity and value of human lives means that the value of each human life is identical. They don't think that human dignity and value are measured by mobility, intelligence, or any achievements in life. Valuing human beings as equal just because they are human beings has clear implications for thinking about euthanasia: • patients in a persistent vegetative state, although seriously damaged, remain living human beings, and so their intrinsic value remains the same as anyone...
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...Ganelle Curry Professor Meredyth Puller English 102-12 February 27, 2013 Literary Research Paper This literary research paper is based on the book Welcome to the Monkey House: A Collection of Short Works by Kurt Vonnegut. Welcome to the Monkey House: A Collection of Short Works consists of 25 short stories most of which had previously appeared in magazines such as The Atlantic Monthly, Ladies Home Journal, Fantasy and Science Fiction Magazine, Collier’s Magazine, Saturday Evening Post, The New York Times, Esquire, Venture, and Cosmopolitan. The title story appeared in Playboy magazine the same year the collection was released. Eleven of the stories were reprinted from Vonnegut’s 1961 short story collection Canary in a Cat House (Vonnegut). This paper will focus on four futuristic science fiction stories from the collection. These stories, “Welcome to the Monkey House”, “Harrison Bergeron”, “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow”, and “Unready to Wear” all share a dystopian science fiction theme. Science and technology are supposed to make the world a better place, but instead, Vonnegut concludes they only create a new set of problems (Farrell, “Science and Technology in the Works of Kurt Vonnegut”). Television is often a target of satire in much of his fiction from the 1950’s. He describes it as desensitizing and numbing while deceiving the masses (Werlock). Vonnegut uses satire and pessimism throughout these dystopian stories. Satire is a special form of literature...
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...church is very difficult because the church has a very extreme view on homosexuals (Campbell, 2010). All in all, because of the difficulty of this situation the church believes that they must maintain the high standards of morality and strictness that came from the original teachings of Jesus Christ and his apostles. As a result, the church will not change its belief on homosexuality because that would mean that we could change the teachings of Jesus Christ to fit our preference and that is a belief that the Orthodox Church discredits. While the teachings may be ancient in relation to the modern world, it’s the whole foundation of Orthodoxy, tradition. One thing that the church does is pray for the repentance of any sinner, regardless of the sin. When the church prays for the repentance it is because it views homosexuality as a sin and like every sin, one must repent to be forgiven (Montoya, 2000). So, the church believes that you pray for homosexual’s repentance because their lustful sin causes them to depart from God’s grace just like any other sin (Montoya, 2000). Thus, regarding the issue of homosexuality, the church makes it known that it is something that is rejected and that to enter the church, one must accept the rejection of homosexuality as outlined by the church (Montoya, 2000). However, accepting the idea of rejecting homosexuality does not mean that people must agree with it (Montoya, 2000). While the church’s stance on homosexuality is clear, and as established by God...
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...Religion and Peace 1) 2) 3) The understanding of peace in religious traditions Peace expressed through the sacred texts- principle teachings on peace Contributions to peace (Individual and World) Islam and Christianity The understanding of peace Christianity Concept of peace The New Testament understanding of the word ‘peace’ is living in an idyllic condition and communicating regularly with God, as epitomized by the Garden of Eden. Perfect peace was lost when Adam and Eve sinned (Genesis 3) but the coming of Christ restored the potential for peace. Therefore belief in Jesus enables humans inner peace in their lives and the looking forward to the day when Jesus will reign supreme on Earth. As Jesus states in John 16:33 peace is found in him. This is multifaceted. 1) His death was for human sin and allows humans and God to become one again. 2) His ministry is full of Jesus providing peace to those he came into contact with. Matthew 11:28-30, he offers peace to those that are troubled, in Mark 1:21-2:12 he casts out demons and forgives sins and in Hebrews 12:14 followers are encouraged to copy Jesus by making ‘every effort t live in peace with all men. 3) When Jesus returns will bring everlasting physical and spiritual peace on Earth for those who believe. The central theme of Jesus’ teachings is the Kingdom of Heaven. The kingdom of God is characterized by peace- there will be no hardships or grief or pain (Revelation). The righteous and faithful will be redeemed and will...
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...Global Business Cultural Analysis: Republic of Korea Abstract The purpose of this paper is to provide information to business professionals about the Republic of Korea, the Korean culture, and the peculiarities of conducting business in this country. The topics discussed include a brief historical background about the nation, its dimensions of culture, how these elements are integrated by Koreans, and a comparison between these characteristics and American culture and business practices. The paper examines the implications for US firms wishing to do business in Korea using Hofstede’s Dimensions of culture, a SWOT analysis, and FDI analysis. Keywords: culture, religion, Confucianism, innovation, export, KORUS FTA Historical Background of Korea The Republic of Korea (ROK) is commonly known as South Korea. For the remainder of this paper, the ROK will be synonymous with "Korea". Korea is located in northeast Asia on the Korean peninsula between the Yellow Sea and the Sea of Japan. It borders the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), also called North Korea (nK), immediately to the north, across the 38th parallel. Korea's total land area is nearly 62,000 miles, slightly larger than Indiana (www.cia.gov). It has an ethnically homogeneous population of over 49 million people, 83% of which live in urban areas (www.cia.gov). According to legend, Korea's birth as a nation was in 2333 BC with its early inhabitants coming from and heavily influenced by China...
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