Case Study on Death and Dying

Case Study on Death and Dying

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Abstract

This paper demonstrates a review of a case whereby George opts to exercise euthanasia. George was diagnosed with a sickness that cannot be treated. The disease is neurological progressive in nature. He knows that the disease will make him suffer a painful and slow death. This kind of a slow death will give hard time to his immediate family. This paper review will also state ethical analysis on how two varying religions considers this situation. However, Christianity and Buddhism are consulted. In the long run, efforts to find out the beliefs of George in relation to his sickness, death, and death as a result of euthanasia will be established depending on views all over the world on the two religions.

Introduction

According to Christians, there must be a clear reason for the inevitable sickness that has rendered George’s life desperate and deadly. ALS is a condition that cannot be treated and individuals diagnosed with it will eventually die. Christians believe that the victim is ought to develop a strong and very close relationship with the lord. As per the Christian perception, George is supposed to view the situation as a reminder that Jesus Christ earlier existed but died later on so that human beings get salvation. Illness, diseases, and death were not ordained by God and no way can they be God’s plan to humankind in future (Hardy, 2015). This is plainly stated in the book of Isaiah and Revelation in the bible. God never acts any without a strategy and as observed in the case study, George’s illness is due to shalom disobedience.

Information collected about George illustrates that he is a very intelligent and caring man. In spite of his good traits, he does not engage himself in worshiping neither the religious practices nor his creator. It is believed that shalom breakage is the reason for estrangement from the Supreme Being.

However, according to Buddhism, George suffering and sickness is because of a belief that anything that happens to an individual’s life is proportionally connected to karma (Shelly & Miller 2013). Outcome of any action is linked to its own karma. Bringing joy and good deeds to other persons will bring similar things to us too. However, suffering and illness happens when we bringing sorrows and suffering to others. Buddhists believe this to be Karma’s laws and the rule of cause and influence. As per the regulations of karma, the spirits of people who died years back are reborn. This is the realms appropriate to Karmic concentrations. According to the Buddhists, George can categorize his suffering as the key impact of something done earlier by an individual. In Christianity views, God is observed to value the wellbeing of everything He created. The wellbeing of George is not different from those of others thus, valued in the same criteria. Christians believe that it is only God who has the answer for George’s condition.

On the other hand, it is the role of George to figure out the suffering so that he is able to understand the lesson God is teaching him. The divine love of God for his people is not new in Christianity. For example, His value for the people is seen when God stopped Abraham from sacrificing his only son. God is happy when people obey and trust his commands. In Christian perspective, every person must look for salvation as attributed in prayers and the bible. The bible says that one shall serve God and he will bless the food, drinks, and relieve a person from any illness. In association with Buddhism, George’s is not living his own life. It is the perpetual cycle from death and being reborn. Buddhists believe that George’s case is an added advantage in that only human beings reach Nirvana.

From Buddha’s teachings, the spiritual growth of an individual is much imperative in relation to material welfare growth. History teaches people that it is difficult to acquire everlasting joy concurrently with the earthly happiness. Christianity however, is forced to believe that the case of euthanasia is a great offence to the lord. This is because our life does not give us the right to decide what would transpire with it. Christians are not given the mandate of occupying God’s position and giving orders to end life of another person.

Even though at times pain and illness overwhelm us, it is crucial to flashback how Jesus Christ suffered on the earth. Despite his suffering, Jesus Christ did not decide to kill himself. From this point of view, Christians are against the case of euthanasia since they believe it to be murder. Killing is an iniquity before God. Human beings are therefore, given the mandate to protect and care for those who are suffering rather than neglecting their conditions. Victims of euthanasia should be given maximum care so that they can live their life’s story as expected. The law of Buddha is believed to strongly oppose any kind of mistreatment, body, and mind modifications. The diagnosis of George illness is termed unfortunate. This is because Buddhists believe that the spirit, mind, and the flesh depend on each other hence, linked together. To the Buddhists, the case of mercy murder is not clear as the period and issue killing remain parallel to each other.

Euthanasia is something that arises from mercy. Incase George decides to commit suicide; he will eventually condemn his own spirit therefore, putting the following age generations in trouble and more suffering (Sri Dhammananda, 2012). The human body is considered a precious tool that ought to dwell in good health for better growth of spirits. He has no alternative rather than thinking of the sickness and living the present situation. This would enable him live joyfully and ensure no illnesses in the following life. In Christian view, euthanasia cannot be justified morally both in the present day and in future. It will be imperative for the health care experts to seek pastoral assistance and palliative care. This is as a result of the progressive ALS (Herber & Rooney, 2013). Pastoral care would be relevant pertaining to George’s illness. This is because it directs him throughout his entire life and rejuvenates his connection with God.

On the other hand, palliative care is modified for individuals suffering from debilitating illnesses such as ALS. This protection is not availed to deter the plan George’s maker had for him but to ensure that the group directs him just like his family members. Care and protection is guaranteed through enhanced care strategies and proper preparedness for end of life. The activity would give George adequate time to draw closer to God. The Buddhist believes that life is a personal torture as well as an advantage.

Euthanasia hence is morally justified but rejected according to their teachings. However, George’s decision to kill himself may fail in Karma approach and he will eventually pay in his following life. Mercy killing is never an option even when one is very true. The result of mercy killing is not the same with hatred killing like in the case of animals. Buddhist does not have any stand to justify different kinds of murder.

From my point of view, the Supreme Being is the only maker of every being, the owner of power over everything, and the sustainer of human life. The conditions of the environment are based on views of everyone in the society. God is the key argument is environmental creation. Writes believe that mankind is made in the image of God. He is in a position to perfect morals and therefore, people should seek forgiveness from God (Meilaender, 2013). God is also seen as the main source of love and creation all over the world. Human being ought to put their trust and hope in God as his judgment guarantees eternal life for the faithful. He possesses all the powers and knowledge in everything. God is therefore, ought to be the only supreme being that accords and takes life.

It is therefore, significant for George to interpret the impacts of euthanasia. This is in connection to the influences that can pose in any of the religions that he may assign his judgments. Even if he decides to select any of the religions, euthanasia is still a rejected act. Despite Buddhism and Christianity having different beliefs, the condition of George portrays similar cases of pain illness. This also shows that having all the individuals live in the earth full of iniquities. The lord urges those who are weary and heavy loaded to draw near him so that they can get rest. The bible states that Christians should remove the yokes and lean on God since he is gentle and soft .He understands everything and gives solace to tired souls. In many of the rhetorical questions in life, death and the act of dying illustrates an encounter which poses challenges to several people. This is discovered when individuals communicate genuinely with utmost sincerity.

Conclusion

In summary, being a medical practitioner demands maximum application of knowledge and skills in communication process. Nurses, for example, apply all the tactical skills and techniques in bringing the challenging conversations with the whole groups of families as well as patients. People with diseases that cannot be treated should not be looked down upon. Guiding and counseling is key to recovering the moral wellbeing of such a persons. Health care practitioners should be well equipped with skills and techniques to handle such situations in a professional manner. This is because they help teach the family as well as the society of the appropriate care that the patient requires.

Mercy killing is ungodly. God is the only giver and taker of life. Christian views support this fact and therefore, as far as we are still on this world, no human kind is given power and authority by God to kill the other fellow. One should live as long as the years given by His maker. Moreover, no individual subjects himself to these incurable conditions.

References

Hardy, J. (2015). Ultimate Reality and Divine Beings. Retrieved August17, 2017, from http://www.patheos.com/Library/Buddhism/Beliefs/Ultimate-Reality-and-Divine-Beings

Hebert, K., Moore, H., & Rooney, J. (2013). The Nurse Advocate in End-of-Life Care. The Ochsner Journal, 11(4), 325–329

Meilaender, G. (2013). Bioethics: A primer for Christians (3rd ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. ISBN-13: 9780802867704. Retrieved April 09, 2017, from https://viewer.gcu.edu/UXWB22

Shelly, J. A., & Miller, A. B. (2013). Called to Care: a Christian Worldview for Nursing. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic/InterVarsity Press. Retrieved August17, 2017, from http://gcumedia.com/digital-resources/intervarsity-press/2006/called-to-care_a-christian-worldview-for-nursing_ebook_2e.php

Sri Dhammananda, K. (2013). What Buddhists Believe. Retrieved August17, 2017, from http://www.budsas.org/ebud/whatbudbeliev/main.htm