Christian love in end of life issues
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
When pondering the aim of an action, the inclination may arise to include the motive of the action. Because of the respect for this gift of life, humanity must respect and obey the limits of this gift set forth by God. Therefore, assertions supporting the preservation of life at all costs are invalid. A motive of love might drive someone to act to relieve the suffering of another. Actions that attempt to preserve life unconditionally, then, fail to adhere to an important facet comprising Christian love. Refuting the arguments that seek to relieve suffering may seem to be rather callous. This would appear to be the noble action. The situation involving the elimination of suffering at all costs cannot be dealt with quite as easily as the unconditional preservation of life. University Park: The Pennsylvania State University Press, 1987. Fear of pain and suffering is natural.
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