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 study materials 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:
- How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the fallenness of the world?
- How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the hope of resurrection?
- 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?
- What sorts of values and considerations would the Christian worldview focus on in deliberating about whether or not George should opt for euthanasia?
- Given the above, what options would be morally justified in the Christian worldview for George and why?
- Based on your worldview, what decision would you make if you were in George’s situation?
Remember to support your responses with the topic study materials.
Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide. An abstract is required.
This assignment uses a rubric.You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite.
1. Bioethics: A Primer for Christians
Read Chapters 6 and 12 in Bioethics: A Primer for Christians.
http://gcumedia.com/digital-resources/wm-b-eerdmans-publishing-co/2013/bioethics_a-primer-for-christians_ebook_3e.php2. Called to Care: A Christian Worldview for Nursing
Read Chapters 10-12 in Called to Care: A Christian Worldview for Nursing.
http://gcumedia.com/digital-resources/intervarsity-press/2006/called-to-care_a-christian-worldview-for-nursing_ebook_2e.php
3. Defining Death: Medical, Legal and Ethical Issues in the Determination of Death
Read the Introduction and Chapters 1-3 of “Defining Death: Medical, Legal and Ethical Issues in the Determination of Death” by the President’s Commission for the Study of Ethical Problems in Medicine and Biomedical and Behavioral Research (1984).
https://repository.library.georgetown.edu/bitstream/handle/10822/559345/defining_death.pdf?sequence=1
Rubric
- 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. 12%
- 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. 12%
- 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.12%
- 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. 12%
- 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. 12%
- Reflection hypothesis of which personal choices would be make if faced with ALS based on personal worldview is clear, relevant, and insightful. 10%
- Thesis is comprehensive and contains the essence of the paper. Thesis statement makes the purpose of the paper clear. 7%
- Clear and convincing argument presents a persuasive claim in a distinctive and compelling manner. All sources are authoritative. 8%
- Writer is clearly in command of standard, written, academic English. 5%
- All format elements are correct.5%
- Sources are completely and correctly documented, as appropriate to assignment and style, and format is free of error. 5%
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction:
In this ethical analysis, we will examine George’s situation and his decision from the perspective of the Christian worldview. We will draw insights from the Christian narrative, exploring how George would interpret his suffering in light of the fallenness of the world and the hope of resurrection. Additionally, we will consider how the Christian worldview would inform George’s view about the value of his life as a person with ALS. We will delve into the values and considerations that the Christian worldview focuses on when deliberating euthanasia and explore morally justified options for George. Finally, we will provide a personal reflection on what decision we would make in George’s situation based on our own worldview.
Answer:
1. How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the fallenness of the world?
George would interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative by understanding that the fallenness of the world, resulting from the original sin, is the source of his suffering. According to the Christian worldview, humanity’s disobedience to God introduced sin and brokenness into the world. The effects of this fallenness include physical and emotional suffering. George would likely perceive his ALS diagnosis as a consequence of the fallen state of the world, a manifestation of the brokenness and imperfections that exist due to sin.
2. How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the hope of resurrection?
From the perspective of the Christian narrative, George would interpret his suffering with an emphasis on the hope of resurrection. The Christian worldview teaches that through Christ’s death and resurrection, believers can have hope for eternal life. George, as a Christian, would find comfort and meaning in the belief that his suffering in this life is temporary and will be overcome by the promise of resurrection and eternal life in the presence of God. This hope of resurrection would provide George with the strength to endure his suffering and find purpose in his circumstances.
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?
The Christian worldview would inform George’s view about the value of his life as a person with ALS by emphasizing the inherent worth and dignity of every human being. According to the Christian belief in the imago Dei (the image of God), every individual possesses intrinsic value because they are created in the likeness of God. Regardless of George’s physical condition or abilities, the Christian worldview would affirm that his life has inherent worth and meaning. George’s worth as a person would not be diminished by his illness, but rather, his suffering would be seen as an opportunity for growth, dependency on God, and the expression of faith.
4. What sorts of values and considerations would the Christian worldview focus on in deliberating about whether or not George should opt for euthanasia?
In deliberating about euthanasia, the Christian worldview would prioritize values such as the sanctity of life, the belief in God as the giver and taker of life, and the understanding that suffering can have redemptive purposes. The Christian perspective would emphasize the importance of preserving life and seeking medical interventions and palliative care to alleviate suffering whenever possible. Deliberations would involve considering the moral implications of intentionally hastening death and the belief that God has ultimate authority over life and death.
5. Given the above, what options would be morally justified in the Christian worldview for George and why?
In the Christian worldview, morally justified options for George would include:
a) Seeking medical treatments and palliative care: The Christian worldview values medical interventions and compassionate care to alleviate suffering while respecting the sanctity of life.
b) Engaging in supportive spiritual practices: George could find solace in prayer, seeking comfort and strength from his relationship with God and the community of faith.
c) Embracing the opportunity for personal growth and spiritual transformation: The Christian worldview encourages individuals to find meaning in their suffering, trusting in God’s redemptive purposes and relying on His grace to navigate difficult circumstances.
d) Receiving support from loved ones and the faith community: George can find encouragement, support, and love from family, friends, and the church, creating a network of care to help him maintain a sense of purpose and dignity in the midst of his illness.
6. Based on your worldview, what decision would you make if you were in George’s situation?
As a medical professor, I do not hold a professional medical opinion on this matter. However, based on a worldview that values the sanctity of life and the belief in God’s redemptive purposes, I would consider pursuing medical treatments, receiving palliative care, and engaging in spiritual practices for comfort and strength. I would also seek support from loved ones and the faith community to navigate the challenges of living with ALS, with a focus on finding meaning and purpose in my circumstances. Ultimately, the decision would be deeply personal and influenced by individual beliefs and values.
