Based on the case and other topic Resources, in 300-400 words, how might the individual(s) interpret their suffering in light of the Christian view of the fallen world and the hope of resurrection?
| Death, from various perspectives, is presented as a part of the natural cycle of birth and death, while from a Biblical view, death is not a natural part of life (Hoehner, 2020). Christians mostly interpret suffering, diseases, and death from the views presented in the Bible in that God never intended his good creation to suffer or die. However, suffering and death came as a result of man rebelling and sinning against God. In this case, George is diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Although there is no known cause for ALS, it majorly occurs in late adulthood, with certain individuals having a genetic predisposition to the condition and may lead to muscle weakening and eventually death. However, the individuals in the case study, especially George and his close family, may not consider the genetic and environmental causal factors. Being Christian may hold a different interpretation of the condition. As per the Christian view, George’s diagnosis with ALS and related suffering as the progressive muscle atrophy and loss of motor capacity leading to the loss of the ability to speak, move, eat, and breathe may be interpreted as a result of the sin that has led to the world falling short of the Grace of God. The individuals being Christians may see this as a form of punishment that God has put on George due to probably acts or behaviors in his past that may be interpreted as sinful before God. Disease and suffering are further interpreted as a part of the human experience due to their sins. Based on the Bible, suffering and death are the result and outcomes of sin, and each human must suffer because they have disobeyed God’s will and sinned (Hoehner, 2020). George is certain that he will eventually grow dependent on others and die. The Christian view on resurrection and the promise of a life without pain and suffering. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to Christians signify a payment for mankind’s sins and protection from God’s punishment in the afterlife. In this case, he may be able to see his suffering as temporary and a part of his transition towards a world without suffering and without any limitations of disease. This may encourage him to forgo the considerations for possible voluntary euthanasia. |