GOD’S ASSISTANT
Austria’s parliament has legalized assisted suicide with strict conditions. It is not the first country to do so as it joins Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and some states in the US. Although it has yet to reach the level of introduction in our country, it might only be a matter of time in the way that same-sex marriage, divorce, and abortion have become. And don’t think that our being a dominantly conservative Catholic country will make sure that will never happen as Spain has preceded Austria.
For the record, euthanasia is only allowed for “humane” reasons for severe cases and the patients must be fully aware when signing their consent. The case for it is not just for them though as terminal illness also takes a toll on the family emotionally, mentally, and financially. With the law on assisted suicide, the loved one can die in “dignity” on his/her terms and those left behind can pick up the pieces and move on.
With the sixth commandment in mind, it would be easy to assume that the evangelical community would be unified against it. But after seeing how some believers can raise a fist bump quoting bible verses, I have been cured of that naiveté. Anyway, I came across an article where the cancer victim is a “life-long Christian” who is for euthanasia. (For the sake of argument, let us assume that she is a genuine believer.) The author makes for a very convincing case that it is almost insensitive to make the ill go on suffering. But that’s the thing---it is not we who are making them go on suffering. It is the illness and the body battling each other until God’s appointed time. It is life. As we are not life, we cannot make the decision as to when to end it. As JESUS is Life, only He can do that.
The writer goes on to say, “I think when you look at a personal experience, governing doctrines from a church don’t seem to matter nearly as much….I’ve felt God’s presence through this experience.” And that’s just it---it’s all about feelings, not what Scripture says. She does not cite a single verse for a biblical defense. It is the same governing “I feel…I feel…” thinking that is making same-sex marriage and abortion palpable even to evangelicals. It’s anecdotal. Even science doesn’t accept that as evidence. Saying yes to assisted suicide is an affront to God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. We are not only trying to be God’s assistants, but we are usurping Him.
The author mentions how she has “found comfort in this law” and how her “faith is probably stronger than it’s ever been.” No, my dear sister in Christ. The greatest comfort is in the Word. Let us remember how, in the midst of great pain, fear, and suffering, God has promised to walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death. His presence is our best source of comfort until our body gives up the fight to fulfill our predetermined days on earth and bring us home. There, we will find our faith to be strongest than it’s ever been.
Austria’s parliament has legalized assisted suicide with strict conditions. It is not the first country to do so as it joins Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Spain, and some states in the US. Although it has yet to reach the level of introduction in our country, it might only be a matter of time in the way that same-sex marriage, divorce, and abortion have become. And don’t think that our being a dominantly conservative Catholic country will make sure that will never happen as Spain has preceded Austria.
For the record, euthanasia is only allowed for “humane” reasons for severe cases and the patients must be fully aware when signing their consent. The case for it is not just for them though as terminal illness also takes a toll on the family emotionally, mentally, and financially. With the law on assisted suicide, the loved one can die in “dignity” on his/her terms and those left behind can pick up the pieces and move on.
With the sixth commandment in mind, it would be easy to assume that the evangelical community would be unified against it. But after seeing how some believers can raise a fist bump quoting bible verses, I have been cured of that naiveté. Anyway, I came across an article where the cancer victim is a “life-long Christian” who is for euthanasia. (For the sake of argument, let us assume that she is a genuine believer.) The author makes for a very convincing case that it is almost insensitive to make the ill go on suffering. But that’s the thing---it is not we who are making them go on suffering. It is the illness and the body battling each other until God’s appointed time. It is life. As we are not life, we cannot make the decision as to when to end it. As JESUS is Life, only He can do that.
The writer goes on to say, “I think when you look at a personal experience, governing doctrines from a church don’t seem to matter nearly as much….I’ve felt God’s presence through this experience.” And that’s just it---it’s all about feelings, not what Scripture says. She does not cite a single verse for a biblical defense. It is the same governing “I feel…I feel…” thinking that is making same-sex marriage and abortion palpable even to evangelicals. It’s anecdotal. Even science doesn’t accept that as evidence. Saying yes to assisted suicide is an affront to God’s sovereignty and faithfulness. We are not only trying to be God’s assistants, but we are usurping Him.
The author mentions how she has “found comfort in this law” and how her “faith is probably stronger than it’s ever been.” No, my dear sister in Christ. The greatest comfort is in the Word. Let us remember how, in the midst of great pain, fear, and suffering, God has promised to walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death. His presence is our best source of comfort until our body gives up the fight to fulfill our predetermined days on earth and bring us home. There, we will find our faith to be strongest than it’s ever been.