Case Study: End of Life Decisions

Introduction

Nurses encounter a myriad of patients from different faiths. For that reason, nurses in all health facilities have to ensure that they are accustomed to patient's faiths. Many cultures have strong religious beliefs. Nurses often find it difficult to know all of those beliefs. People have different perspectives about life. In fact, today, they mix their cultural and religious beliefs to come up with perspectives that they believe in. in today's society, it is difficult for patients to conform to their health care providers suggestions regarding treatment because of their beliefs. For example, the case study "end of life decisions" presents a case of George who has the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which will kill him slowly. End of life is a most crucial stage, whereby if an individual approaches it, they have to be concerned about a myriad of ethical issues. Some of these issues would include human dignity, beneficence, informed consent, integrity, and totality. The purpose of this paper is to complete an ethical analysis of George's situation and decisions from the Christian worldview perspective.

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The Interpretation of George's Suffering in Light of the Fallenness of the World

George would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative with an emphasis on the fallenness of the world by having a communion with God. In the beginning of the world when God made Adam and Eve, they both sinned and fell out communion with God. Euthanasia is a sin against God and when George opts for it, he will fall out of communion with God because he did not choose and obey God's word. When Christians choose to follow the path of the Lord, they walk in constant fellowship with him. When George decides to go for euthanasia, he will be separating himself with the world. Euthanasia is always an option of ending suffering, but since the Bible discourages people against taking their life, Georg should not allow himself to be separated from the main purpose that was there in life. In 1st Corinthians (15:26), the scripture says that death is an enemy and that life is a sacred gift from God (Genesis 2:7) and if ever given an option to choose between life and death, we should chose life (Deuteronomy 30:19). Christians believe that people become sick so they can become closer to God and understand the suffering of Jesus Christ. George should not allow himself to be separated from the world by choosing Euthanasia. In Christianity, there is a belief that when we die, they will go to the heavenly home where they will be with God. In the scriptures, God affirms, "that you may love the LORD your God, that you may obey His voice, and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and the length of your days; and that you may dwell in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them" (Deutronomy 30:20). What this means is that George should draw conclusions from the story of Adam who fell out of communion with God because he chose to disobey his commands.

The Interpretation of George's Suffering in Light of the Hope of the Resurrection

George would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative with an emphasis on the hope of resurrection by looking into his relationship with God. Christian's spirituality is always rooted in their relationship with God and the way he sent his son Jesus Christ to come and die for us. When Jesus died for our sins, he gave new meaning to sickness, suffering, and dying. In light of the Christian narrative, George would know that physician-assisted suicide is a direct contradiction to the Christian belief of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. On his days on earth, Jesus endured suffering in the form of emotional, spiritual, and psychological suffering. Through this time, he trusted in God because he knew that he had good plans for him. George would interpret this by feeling Jesus' fear of pain and suffering and understand it in his experience. Terminal medical conditions can change a person's perspective on everything. Despite the suffering that Jesus endured, he maintains dignity and serenity and freely surrenders to whatever will occur. George should emulate Jesus behavior and just wait for whatever will come. In Christianity, a person's faith recognizes the resurrection. George has to interpret his suffering by heeding into Jesus message of being unafraid of suffering and death. He should believe that there is eternal life and he will go to heaven to be with God.

Christian Worldview of George's Condition

As George contemplates life with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the Christian worldview would inform his view about the value of his life as a person by informing him that life is sacred. Life itself is a gift from God. In the book of Acts (17:25), the scripture says that God gives life and breath to all things. Also, in the book of Job (7:6) the bible says that our lives are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, but a shadow (1 Chron. 29:15), of few days (Job 14:1), faster than a runner and quicker than an eagle diving after prey (Job 9:25-26) and as a handbreadth (Psa. 39:5). All these scriptures show how life is sacred. The Christian worldview would indicate that the sacred nature of life disallows man to take life or destroy it (Worldview, 2017). Christians would advise George that life is a precious commodity, which should be preserved regardless of what happens. The Lord has the right to dictate how humans should live their lives. The Bible proclaims that we should live to serve our maker until the day we die. In the book of Isaiah (43:7), the Lord says that we were created with a purpose, which is to glorify God. Christians would inform George that since life is valuable, we have to serve the lord until the day we die. According to the Christian worldview, life is precious and we should value it as we prepare for eternity.

The Values and Considerations of the Christian Worldview on Euthanasia

The values and considerations that the Christian worldview would focus on in deliberating about whether or not George should opt for euthanasia are many. Foremost, the articulation of Christian values is always the most important. clears up one's very own basic leadership process on explicit issues. The degree to which there should be enactment, for example, on various dubious issues which are of worry for Christians is something to be considered. An unmistakable enunciation of these standards will likewise empower other Christian associations what's more, holy places comprehend the essential standards of the vision and in this way grasp the purposes behind choices about explicit issues. They will be better prepared to partake in this service. The more extensive network will likewise be better ready to comprehend the method of reasoning behind Christian reasoning and make a judgment with respect to whether they see any an incentive in them for social connections by and large. An example of a value is faith, which means to have a relationship with God. Another is hope, which is a conviction that God is always present. The other important value is peace, which talks about the positive well-being of an individual.

Moral Justification of George's Situation in the Christian Worldview

Given the above, the options that would be morally justified in the Christian worldview for George would be to endure the suffering until the day that he will succumb to the illness. The reason is that God created us for purpose. To serve him and spread his gospel while on earth until the day that we will die and go be with him in heaven. On earth, as Christians, we have to have a spiritual purpose. We have to identify with the teachings of Christ to be able to live a fulfilling life (Worldview, 2017). In this worldview, Christians should focus on their values, fear, and autonomy. Regarding life, there is intrinsic and extrinsic importance and value to human life. Particularly, concerning the intrinsic value, it is wise to preserve it because we were created in God's image and likeness. In essence, we humans are like God, as we possess qualities such as rationality and morality. We are indebted to serve God until the day we die through his will. Concerning fear, Christians should fear indignity, which Jesus Christ tells us that we should preserve human dignity in the scriptures (Worldview, 2017). Besides, there is the fear of dependence, where we should not dictate what happens to us during the end of life process. Regarding autonomy, Christians should not have the right to decide what happens with their life. What all this means is that in the Christian worldview, people should let the will of the Lord be done and not make any decisions regarding their life and death. Christians trust that confidence is an imperative social esteem that is grounded in the unwaveringness of God. God is dependable, most importantly, to his own inclination as in he doesn't change as far as his promise to cherish, kindness, equity and sympathy. God is additionally reliable as far as his relationship to individuals. God's adoration is consistent and keeps going forever and through it individuals are called to a reaction of confidence. Dependability to God isn't just an individual issue, it is a focal social incentive for Christians. The chance to practice confidence in love and everyday life is basic. While dependability in this sense can't mean dismissing the necessities of others Christians take religious freedom to be essential and, as their very own major aspect duty and devotion to society, offer the equivalent opportunity, under similar states of regard to those of different religions.

Conclusion

Overall, Christians should. Based on my Christian worldview, if I was in George's situation, I would chose life. From the Christian perspective, life is a precious gift, which everyone should embrace. From my worldview, the right thing to do is to endure suffering until the end of the life to go and be with God. If I were George, I would endure the suffering from my amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) until the day God will decide to take away my life. Through the process, I would have faith and believe that after the suffering and end of life, I will go home to be with my heavenly father. From a personal perspective, all Christians should embrace this worldview because the Lord says so in his word and it is our duty to obey him. From George's point of view, the Christian perspective would not justify his euthanasia. Overall, Christians have to believe in a God who is a creator of all living things and the one who chooses to give and take away life. There are various religious perspectives on euthanasia, yet from a scriptural point of view, God has made us objective and volitional creatures. All things considered we have a God-give mind and will through which we are to experience our lives by decision and not pressure. We are responsible to God for our choices. While decision is great, we have to qualify it with a comprehension and valuation for opportunity, reliance and life. Most importantly, nurses should ensure that they respect their patient's cultural beliefs when making medical decisions.

Reference

Worldview, (2017) Helping you better understand the world's cultures and beliefs systems. Retrieved from http://www.worldviewu.org/