This two-part series addresses the issue of euthanasia from a Christian perspective. In part one, we will discuss definitions and contrast the Christian world view with the prevailing ideologies in our society that have engendered the push for euthanasia. In the next issue, we will discuss the ramifications of these disparate perspectives, examine the related issues of quality of life and autonomy, and conclude with thoughts about what each of us can do. What Euthanasia is and isn't In a war of ideologies, the first casualties are the definitions of the terms used.
Euphemisms abound when people resort to deceit in attempting to convince others.
What is generally meant by the term euthanasia is mercy killing - the deliberate ending of a person's life to reduce their suffering. These are noble sounding words that literally mean that someone can request that a doctor kill him. In the terminology battle, the proponents of euthanasia are seeking to redefine what is now known as a form of homicide and call it acceptable medical practice. The debate is very much an ethical one. Natural death, which results from illness or degenerative processes, is the antithesis of mercy killing.