Discussion of end of life issues can be quite complex. Arguments on both sides of the issue can be extremely passionate due to the presence of deeply held emotional beliefs among opponents. This characteristic of the debate is fully inescapable in instances such as these. Despite the natural difficulty in forming arguments supporting a position on an end of life issue, I believe that there are some general principles which allow for the formation of a successful foundation. In taking a stance on heated issues , it is important to build an argument around fundamental concepts. By following this basic pattern, I find it possible to construct an argument against euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide on the basis of the idea of Christian Love.
             The word love holds many different meanings for many different people. The concept of Christian love is similar in that it also includes a multitude of facets. However, the Catechism of the Catholic Church does appear to outline the basic premise of love. Love is "the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being. For man is created in the image and likeness of God who is himself love" (1604). The definition found in the Catechism establishes that it is the calling of every person to love. This is the essential fundamental from which all of humanity is meant to proceed. Difficulties arise in attempting to answer this innate call. Individuals may have different views on what exactly it means to answer the call to love. We will first ponder this in light of the circumstances of the end of life situation. In any position on end of life situations, two scenarios may be present. Either acting to preserve life will outweigh the relief of suffering or relieving suffering will outweigh the preservation of life. Examples are present within Christian teaching which are fully applicable to the question of preservation of life at all costs. An excellent example can b...