The Bible And The Teachings Of Jesus - 1491 Words

What is suggested in the Bible and the teachings of Jesus? Whilst the bible does not specifically mention euthanasia, it does address closely related topics. Euthanasia is essentially killing out of mercy, hence the name ‘mercy killing’. The bible tells us that we are not to murder (Exodus 20:13) and any form of taking a life is seen as killing. It says that we die when God chooses us to, and to murder is an attempt to deny God his right of appointing death. Therefore, ‘mercy killing’ is going against God’s will and is a sin. The sixth commandment is â€Å"You shall not murder†, and that justifies what is previously said. However, in the beatitudes, it says â€Å"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy†. If we show mercy by killing,†¦show more content†¦If anyone destroys God s temple, God will destroy him. For God s temple is holy, and you are that temple.† (1 Cor 3:16-17). God has created us, and has power over all of us, and we must not destroy God’s creati on. However, there is nothing in the bible that tells us we must do absolutely all we can to keep someone alive. We are under no obligation to prolong the life of someone who is suffering, and instead we should support the person in the process of dying and make them comfortable. We should not hasten death, even if a government allows it. Whilst it would then be morally acceptable on a human level, it is still in defiance of God, and as is said in the Acts 5:29, â€Å"We are to obey God, rather than men.† As Jesus said, â€Å"love one another as I have loved you†, we must always care for each other, and in the process of death is is most important to support the person, and not hasten it. The bible says to obey God, and not to murder, whilst Jesus says to love each other. Therefore, Euthanasia would be considered a sin, from what is said in the bible, but passive euthanasia would be acceptable. What does the Church teach about this issue? The Catholic Church has addressed the issue of euthanasia, and is strongly against the practice. This is evident in the teachings of the church, and through the Catechisms of the Catholic Church. They define euthanasia as, â€Å"an act or omission which, of itself or by