Euthanasia: Compassion or
Murder?
Introduction:
Euthanasia is garnering more attention these days. On
3/18, our country became consumed w/the Terry Schiavo case in FL. These events prompted this lesson. There
is a growing culture of death in America. Currently euthanasia is illegal in
US. But, Oregon passed law
allowing euthanasia. This law is currently
under review by US Supreme Court. Euthanasia
is a product of 20th century medical success. People who would have
formerly died – now kept alive by advanced medical treatments. It is
clear that some Americans are tempted by what on the surface seems to be an
acceptable, clinical, high-tech “humane” way of disposing of those deemed to be
living an unacceptable quality of life.
I. Definitions.
A.
Euthanasia
literally means “good death” in the Greek.
1.
Euthanasia
is divided into two types: active & passive.
B.
Active
Euthanasia is the intentional killing of a patient by a doctor to help a
patient die. Voluntary/involuntary. Euthanasia
is NOT Physician Assisted Suicide.
1.
In
PAS – doctor provides patient necessary means to commit suicide.
C.
Passive
Euthanasia: Officials allow nature to take its course w/or w/o patients
knowledge.
II. The Bible and
Euthanasia
A.
Matters
of life & death belong to God.
1.
John
5:26 – God is the source of life.
2.
Gen.
2:7 – God is the giver of life.
3.
Acts
17:24-25, 28 – God is the preserver of life.
4.
Deut.
32:39; 1 Sam. 2:6 – God is the taker of life.
B.
Ex.
20:13 – God said you shall not
kill.
C.
1
Sam. 31; 2 Sam. 1 – the biblical practice as seen in the death of Saul.
1.
Consider
Saul’s condition – 31:3-4; 31:4b – the armor bearer’s reaction:
2.
2
Sam. 1:13-14 – David’s reaction to Amalekite who claimed he killed Saul.
a)
13:14
– David called the Amalekite a murderer.
D.
Scripture
says there can be value in the trails of life.
1.
Suffering
allows us an opportunity to prove our faith. Psa 23:4
a)
Lk.
1:38; 2 Cor. 12:9 – problems in life teach us to rely on God for strength
and guidance. Think of Job
1:20-21; 2:10 – Job’s example.
2.
We
can use our trials to glorify God – 2 Cor. 4:16-18
III. Why Euthanasia is
wrong.
A.
Does
not value human life. Must place
value on those less fortunate: Lk. 14:13
B.
No
respect for elderly parents.
1.
Honor/respect
for parents does not stop when children move out. Eph. 6:1-2
2.
1
Tim. 5:8, 16 – our salvation is contingent upon our care of loved ones.
C.
No
respect for the rightful placement of death. Heb. 9:27
1.
There
is a difference between causing death & allowing death!
D.
No
compassion/mercy. No respect for God’s sovereignty.
IV. What’s further down the
slippery slope – Mt. 7:20
A.
Involuntary
Euthanasia. People put to death
w/o their consent.
B.
Euthanasia
for Psychological problems – even
in bad cases of depression.
C.
Euthanasia
for mentally retarded babies – already
being done via abortion.
Conclusion:
A.
Active
Euthanasia is the unlawful taking of a human being’s life.