Issues: Euthanasia

Why Do Christians Oppose Euthanasia?

1. Christians believe all human life is made by God, in the image of God (Genesis1:27). God created every person, whether sick, healthy, disabled or able-bodied. Christians believe practicing euthanasia does not show respect to God.
2. Christians believe euthanasia goes against the commandment 'Do not murder'. (The Bible, Exodus chapter 20 verse 13).
3. Christians believe that in a way we do not own our bodies. In the New Testament, in 1 Corinthians chapter 6 verse 19 Paul says 'You do not belong to yourself.' Christians believe we are God's workmanship and only God has a right to give or take a life. In the book of Job chapter 1 verse 21, Job comments ' The LORD gave me everything I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD!' It is only God's right to give and take life. If we take on this role, Christians believe we are trying to 'play God.'
4. Christians believe that God has a plan for our life, even when we are suffering. Even if we think our life has finished, Christians believe God can use our life.
5. Jesus suffered on the cross for humans. Christians believe that God doesn't promise us a life free from suffering. They don't believe the individual should try to escape pain. Christians also believe we have a responsibility to care for the dying. They believe that with modern medicine it is possible to allow terminally ill patients to live fully until they die. The Hospice Movement was set up by Christians to allow the dying person the dignity of dying without pain.
6. Although Christians believe in life after death, Christians do not believe people have the right to end a person's life in this way.