PHI 413V Week 4 Case Study on Death and Dying Essay

PHI 413V Week 4 Case Study on Death and Dying Essay

Case Study on Death and Dying

Healthcare providers encounter different religions and their doctrines explaining various aspects of disease process, death, and dying and aspects associated with them like euthanasia, especially for terminally ill patients. Existing world religions have views on issues like suffering from terminal illnesses, their cause, and how individual patients and families should respond to such problems. Issues like euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, and advance directives continue to raise ethical, moral, and religious questions among these religions (Hoehner, 2020). The purpose of this paper is to provide an ethical analysis of George, an accomplished attorney in his fifties and diagnosed with a degenerative terminal condition, and his decision from the Christian worldview perspective.

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George’s Interpretation of His Suffering Based on Christian Narrative with Emphasis on the Fallenness of the World

The Christian worldview bases its teachings from the Biblical narration about the Fall of Man because of the Origin Sin committed by the first human beings; Adam and Eve. The concept of Fall of Man details how Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command by eating the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden. Sin arises due to the insubordination act by Adam and Eve and God pronouncing diseases, suffering, illness, and death as a result of the disobedience. The Bible in different books; from Genesis to Romans and Ephesians, is categorical that the wages of both physical and spiritual sin is death. The Christian narrative is emphatic that sickness and diseases are a demonstration of the effects of sin as pronounced by God to Adam and Eve (Billings, 2017). Christians believe that people suffer from diseases and other afflictions of the body because of disobeying God’s teachings.

George should interpret his suffering based on the Christian narrative as a consequent of mankind’s disobedience to God’s commands. George should understand the suffering is part of human life and one cannot run away from it but depends on God’s grace for healing. George suffers from a degenerative condition called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis which leads to loss of nerves and inability for one to perform any duties by themselves. Sin results in the effects that impact the mind, body, and soul for every person. George should interpret his current condition as an aspect of getting close to God and listening to His voice according to the Christian narrative (Hoehner, 2020). George needs to consider his suffering and diagnosis as a condition that befalls all people in the world to fulfill God’s words that human beings will suffer in different ways because of their disobedience. George needs to understand that he is not solely responsible for his illness and suffering but it is a broad effect of the curse placed on man by God because of their fall by committing the original sin.

George’s Interpretation of Suffering Based on the Christian Narrative with Emphasis on the Hope of Resurrection

The very basis of the Christian faith is premised on the resurrection of Jesus Christ as God’s plan for the redemption of humankind after the fall of Adam and Eve. Christians believe in the resurrection of the body on the judgment or last day of the world when Jesus will come for the second time to deliver them from the yolks of the Devil or Satan. Christianity advances that Jesus suffered to take away the human sins and his death on the cross and subsequent resurrection provides hope that humans will rise again after death. The implication is that resurrection provides hope for life after death when one believes in Jesus Christ as God’s salvation plan. God promised to send a Messiah to redeem His people (Titus 2:11-14). Jesus is the sacrificial lamb sent to die to atone for man’s sin which led to his fall (Southgate, 2019).Christians believe that death is a conquered enemy for those who have also died in Christ and those who believe.

George needs to view his suffering and eventual death as an enemy that is only temporary because he shall overcome it after resurrection. The hope of resurrection gives Christians confidence and trust in God that they shall live again in happiness in eternal life as promised by Jesus Christ when he ascended to heaven to prepare a place for the believers. Christians believe that death is a transient event that leads to a new eternal life where God’s original plan for humanity will be anchored on forever. Therefore, George should not view his suffering as an end in itself but as a chance for him to get salvation and hope for eternal life (McTavish, 2017). George should view his suffering as a chance to prepare for the eternal life, even if he dies. He should have the hope that he shall resurrect when Jesus comes for the second time to take his believers. The hope of resurrection will ease George’s tensions so that he can focus on treatment options and making memorable moments with his family before his demise. The biblical narrative’s final part explores the restoration of all creation as those who died as believers will receive the resurrection and imperishable bodies.

Christian Worldview on value of Life

George contemplates life with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) as a terminal condition and this affects his view about the value of life. The very foundation of the Christian worldview is that life is a gift from God that begins at conception. The Christian worldview advances that no one has authority even over his own life and body because all these are sacred gifts from God. The body is God’s temple and dwelling place and no person should take away life despite their suffering and other conditions afflicting them. The value of life entails committing to suffering knowing that God gives strength, especially to the weak to overcome challenges because of the worth of life (Southgate, 2019). Life’s value of this level cannot be lost, not even with an ALS diagnosis. It takes a robust will and trust of God’s promise and word for one to endure suffering without surrendering to the sin of suicide. The Christian worldview is categorical that despite the suffering that one may encounter and the degenerative nature of their effects on their life and body, they should not devalue it by considering ending it through suicide or euthanasia.

The Christian worldview informs George’s view about the value of life as a person as belonging to God and not his own. George should not consider his life valueless just because he has ALS but needs to enjoy it because his family, colleagues, and community need him even at his weakest point. George needs to understand that Jesus Christ did not come for the strong but those weak physically and psychologically because of the vagaries of sin and its effects on human body. George should understand that even Jesus Christ suffered but never despaired as he held life valuable. George needs to consider the wider perspective about his illness and disease in light of the value of life as advanced by the Christian perspective.

Values and Considerations on Euthanasia Based on the Christian Worldview

Euthanasia denotes the intentional killing or ending of life for compassionate reasons (McTavish, 2017). George will encounter severe difficulties as his ALS diagnosis progresses, and will loss ability to breathe independently, move, speak and even feed. George will lose his dignity and power as he will over-depend on caretakers for his survival. Consequently, he may have a strong urge to contemplate euthanasia. The Christian worldview consider compassion and delivery from suffering and pain. However, suffering and passion as demonstrated by Jesus Christ during his accusations and subsequent torture before death should strengthen one’s resolve to ensure hardships for the ultimate price of salvation and encouraging others to endure difficult moments. Suffering reveals that God can offer compassion and relief even in the most difficult and dreaded situations (Cherry, 2018). Despite the compassion and relief from suffering and pain that it can offer, Christians do not accept any form of euthanasia as it amounts to taking away life without God’s intervention or plan.

The clarion for compassion should not conflict with core Christian teachings. The Ten Commandments, biblical narrations of many individuals who suffered due to afflictions and diseases, and Christian teaching prohibit murder or any kind of killing (McTavish, 2017). The Decalogue identifies murder among other things as killing another individual or deliberately ending own life through euthanasia and physician-assisted death. Therefore, the intentional or deliberate ending of life contravenes Christian beliefs.

The other critical consideration while contemplating euthanasia in George’s situation is the precedent that it shall set, not just for his family but community. Such an action can invoke suicide contagion where individuals in his family opt to take away their life whenever they encounter severe difficulties. George should consider if he wants to set such a precedent for his family. George should consider the effects of euthanasia on his family as it will not stop the suffering but will only transfer it to those left behind as they will have to leave with the decision for the rest of their lives(McTavish, 2017). They will live feeling that they did nothing to help prolong the life of the one suffering through sustained and effective caregiving. Euthanasia has long-term effects for the bereaved as they may suffer from severe post-traumatic stress disorder. Regardless of the compassionate argument for euthanasia, George needs to analyze the impacts of euthanasia on his family and society, particularly triggering a suicide contagion, and transferring of pain to the remaining members of his family.

Morally Justified Options for George

The Christian worldview is emphatic that the gift of life is sacred and no individual should be denied this gift; either by those close to them or themselves. Christian view the sanctity of life through the prism of destined eternity and fellowship with God after resurrection. This implies that individuals should allow God’s plan to take precedent despite one’s medical and health condition. Therefore, different morally-justified options for George should focus on the basis of the need for one to live according to God’s plan since death is a conquered enemy. However, it should not be resisted neither fastened by those affected.

The first morally-justified option for George is to seek services of experienced professionals if he feels that he will become a burden to the family or uncomfortable. He could surrender his end-of-life care to experience professionals to preserve his perceived dignity (Cherry, 2018). These facilities have healthcare professionals that will offer necessary palliative care to offer him necessary comfort and relieve him from severe pain. Secondly, George should talk to his family and prepare them mentally for the events that will occur in his life and reassure them of his readiness and willingness to endure the encounter. Through this approach, the family would experience less traumatic events and get necessary training to care for him(Southgate, 2019). The family will get necessary information and requisite support so that they can provide the best care in his final days before his demise.

Thirdly, George should also adhere to the treatment interventions to relieve pain and suffering due to the severity of the ALS symptoms. George should consider palliative and hospice care, especially as he transitions to the last days. Through the approaches, he will have reduced pain and severity. Palliative and hospice care will eliminate the need for euthanasia as he will be prepared and more comfortable with dying naturally. The choice is morally-justified based on the Christian worldview as it alleviates pain, shows compassion and simultaneously avoids murder.

Personal Decision

The situation in George’s life is delicate and complex for anyone because of the degenerative nature of the condition, ALS. The Christian worldview is emphatic that euthanasia is not a consideration or option, despite offering compassion and ending one’s humiliation. Life is sacred and a gift from God. Therefore, irrespective of the sufferings and pain that one may endure, they should not consider taking away their lives either through euthanasia or any form of suicide (Southgate, 2019). In this case, my decision is based on the Christian teaching and view that life is sacred and I would opt for treatment option if I were George. George should not contemplate euthanasia but focus on getting treatment interventions to ensure that he lessens the pain and suffering, attain comfort and get time to leave with his family in his final days.

Conclusion

Death and dying are critical aspects for healthcare providers because of the nature of cases that they encounter in their practice. Having understanding of the Christian perspective allows practitioners to understand the intricate situations with patients and the best way to handle them. The case of George and his condition shows that death and dying affect individual perceptions about the value pf life, especially in terminal conditions like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS.

References

Billings, S. (2017). Suffering in a Fallen World. Trinity Lutheran: Church and School.

https://www.trinitymenasha.com/docs/sermons/sermon-july-23-2017.pdf

Cherry, M. J. (2018). Physician-assisted suicide and voluntary euthanasia: How not to die as a

Christian. Christian bioethics: Non-Ecumenical Studies in Medical Morality, 24(1), 1-16.

Hoehner, P. J. (2020). Death, Dying, and Grief. An Introduction to Christian Values and

            DecisionMaking in Health Care.

McTavish, J. (2017). Suffering, death, and eternal life. The Linacre Quarterly, 83(2):134-141.

https://doi.org/10.1080/00243639.2016.1166338

Sharp, S. (2019). The bible and attitudes toward voluntary euthanasia. Death Studies, 43(4),

240–247. https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2018.1450793

Southgate, C. C. B. (2019). ‘In spite of all this, we will yearn for You’: Reflections on God’s

involvement in events causing great suffering. Routledge

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Assessment Description
The practice of health care providers at all levels brings you into contact with people from a variety of faiths. This calls for knowledge and understanding of a diversity of faith expressions; for the purpose of this course, the focus will be on the Christian worldview.

Based on “Case Study: End of Life Decisions,” the Christian worldview, and the worldview questions presented in the required topic Resources you will complete an ethical analysis of George’s situation and his decision from the perspective of the Christian worldview.

Provide a 1,500-2,000-word ethical analysis while answering the following questions:

1. How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the fallenness of the world?
2. How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the hope of resurrection?
3. As George contemplates life with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), how would the Christian worldview inform his view about the value of his life as a person?
4. What sorts of values and considerations would the Christian worldview focus on in deliberating about whether or not George should opt for euthanasia?
5. Given the above, what options would be morally justified in the Christian worldview for George and why?
6. Based on your worldview, what decision would you make if you were in George’s situation?
Remember to support your responses with the topic Resources.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is required.

This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.

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Rubric

Suffering and Fallenness of the World assessment

Suffering and Fallenness of the World

24 points

Criteria Description

Suffering and Fallenness of the World

5. Excellent

24 points

Analysis of how the man would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative and the fallenness of the world is clear and demonstrates a deep understanding that is skillfully supported by topic study materials.

4. Good

20.4 points

Analysis of how the man would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative and the fallenness of the world is clear and skillfully supported by topic study materials.

3. Satisfactory

18 points

Analysis of how the man would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative and the fallenness of the world is clear and supported by topic study materials.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

15.6 points

Analysis of how the man would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative and the fallenness of the world is unclear or vaguely supported by topic study materials.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Analysis of how the man would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative and the fallenness of the world is insufficient or not supported by topic study materials.

Suffering and the Hope of Resurrection assessment

Suffering and the Hope of Resurrection

24 points

Criteria Description

Suffering and the Hope of Resurrection

5. Excellent

24 points

Analysis of how the man would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative and the hope of resurrection is clear and demonstrates a deep understanding that is skillfully supported by topic study materials.

4. Good

20.4 points

Analysis of how the man would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative and the hope of resurrection is clear and skillfully supported by topic study materials.

3. Satisfactory

18 points

Analysis of how the man would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative and the hope of resurrection is clear and supported by topic study materials.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

15.6 points

Analysis of how the man would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative and the hope of resurrection is unclear or vaguely supported by topic study materials.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Analysis of how the man would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative and the hope of resurrection is insufficient or not supported by topic study materials.

Value of Life assessment

Value of Life

24 points

Criteria Description

Value of Life

5. Excellent

24 points

Analysis of how the Christian worldview of the man might inform his view about the value of his life as a person with ALS is clear and demonstrates a deep understanding that is skillfully supported by topic study materials.

4. Good

20.4 points

Analysis of how the Christian worldview of the man might inform his view about the value of his life as a person with ALS is clear and skillfully supported by topic study materials.

3. Satisfactory

18 points

Analysis of how the Christian worldview of the man might inform his view about the value of his life as a person with ALS is clear and supported by topic study materials.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

15.6 points

Analysis of how the Christian worldview of the man might inform his view about the value of his life as a person with ALS is unclear or vaguely supported by topic study materials.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Analysis of how the Christian worldview of the man might inform his view about the value of his life as a person with ALS is insufficient or not supported by topic study materials.

Euthanasia assessment

Euthanasia

24 points

Criteria Description

Euthanasia

5. Excellent

24 points

Evaluation of which values and considerations the Christian worldview focuses on when deliberating the option of euthanasia for the man is clear and demonstrates a deep understanding that is skillfully supported by topic study materials.

4. Good

20.4 points

Evaluation of which values and considerations the Christian worldview focuses on when deliberating the option of euthanasia for the man is clear and skillfully supported by topic study materials.

3. Satisfactory

18 points

Evaluation of which values and considerations the Christian worldview focuses on when deliberating the option of euthanasia for the man is clear and supported by topic study materials.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

15.6 points

Evaluation of which values and considerations the Christian worldview focuses on when deliberating the option of euthanasia for the man is unclear or vaguely supported by topic study materials.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Evaluation of which values and considerations the Christian worldview focuses on when deliberating the option of euthanasia for the man is insufficient or not supported by topic study materials.

Morally Justified Options assessment

Morally Justified Options

24 points

Criteria Description

Morally Justified Options

5. Excellent

24 points

Evaluation of which options would be justified in the Christian worldview for the man is clear and demonstrates a deep understanding that is skillfully supported by topic study materials.

4. Good

20.4 points

Evaluation of which options would be justified in the Christian worldview for the man is clear and skillfully supported by topic study materials.

3. Satisfactory

18 points

Evaluation of which options would be justified in the Christian worldview for the man is clear and supported by topic study materials.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

15.6 points

Evaluation of which options would be justified in the Christian worldview for the man is unclear or vaguely supported by topic study materials.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Evaluation of which options would be justified in the Christian worldview for the man is insufficient or not supported by topic study materials.

Personal Decision assessment

Personal Decision

20 points

Criteria Description

Personal Decision

5. Excellent

20 points

Reflection hypothesis of which personal choices would be make if faced with ALS based on personal worldview is clear, relevant, and insightful.

4. Good

17 points

Reflection hypothesis of which personal choices would be made if faced with ALS based on personal worldview is clear and thoughtful.

3. Satisfactory

15 points

Reflection hypothesis of which personal choices would be made if faced with ALS based on personal worldview is clear.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

13 points

Reflection hypothesis of which choices would be made if faced with ALS based on personal worldview is lacking a personal connection.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Reflection hypothesis of which personal choices would be made if faced with ALS based on personal worldview is insufficient.

Thesis Development and Purpose assessment

Thesis Development and Purpose

14 points

Criteria Description

Thesis Development and Purpose

5. Excellent

14 points

Thesis is comprehensive and contains the essence of the paper. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear.

4. Good

11.9 points

Thesis is clear and forecasts the development of the paper. Thesis is descriptive and reflective of the arguments and appropriate to the purpose.

3. Satisfactory

10.5 points

Thesis is apparent and appropriate to purpose.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

9.1 points

Thesis is insufficiently developed or vague. Purpose is not clear.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Paper lacks any discernible overall purpose or organizing claim.

Argument Logic and Construction assessment

Argument Logic and Construction

16 points

Criteria Description

Argument Logic and Construction

5. Excellent

16 points

Clear and convincing argument presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative.

4. Good

13.6 points

Argument shows logical progression. Techniques of argumentation are evident. There is a smooth progression of claims from introduction to conclusion. Most sources are authoritative.

3. Satisfactory

12 points

Argument is orderly, but may have a few inconsistencies. The argument presents minimal justification of claims. Argument logically, but not thoroughly, supports the purpose. Sources used are credible. Introduction and conclusion bracket the thesis.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

10.4 points

Sufficient justification of claims is lacking. Argument lacks consistent unity. There are obvious flaws in the logic. Some sources have questionable credibility.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Statement of purpose is not justified by the conclusion. The conclusion does not support the claim made. Argument is incoherent and uses noncredible sources.

Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use) assessment

Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)

10 points

Criteria Description

Mechanics of Writing (includes spelling, punctuation, grammar, language use)

5. Excellent

10 points

Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English.

4. Good

8.5 points

Prose is largely free of mechanical errors, although a few may be present. The writer uses a variety of effective sentence structures and figures of speech.

3. Satisfactory

7.5 points

Some mechanical errors or typos are present, but they are not overly distracting to the reader. Correct and varied sentence structure and audience-appropriate language are employed.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

6.5 points

Frequent and repetitive mechanical errors distract the reader. Inconsistencies in language choice (register) or word choice are present. Sentence structure is correct but not varied.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Surface errors are pervasive enough that they impede communication of meaning. Inappropriate word choice or sentence construction is used.

collapse Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment) assessment

Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment)

10 points

Criteria Description

Paper Format (use of appropriate style for the major and assignment)

5. Excellent

10 points

All format elements are correct.

4. Good

8.5 points

Appropriate template is fully used. There are virtually no errors in formatting style.

3. Satisfactory

7.5 points

Appropriate template is used. Formatting is correct, although some minor errors may be present.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

6.5 points

Appropriate template is used, but some elements are missing or mistaken. A lack of control with formatting is apparent.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Template is not used appropriately, or documentation format is rarely followed correctly.

Documentation of Sources assessment

Documentation of Sources

10 points

Criteria Description

Documentation of Sources (citations, footnotes, references, bibliography, etc., as appropriate to assignment and style)

5. Excellent

10 points

Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error.

4. Good

8.5 points

Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is mostly correct.

3. Satisfactory

7.5 points

Sources are documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, although some formatting errors may be present.

2. Less Than Satisfactory

6.5 points

Documentation of sources is inconsistent and/or incorrect, as appropriate to assignment and style, with numerous formatting errors.

1. Unsatisfactory

0 points

Sources are not documented.