Death and Dying: Case Analysis How George can Interpret His Suffering in Light of the Christian View of the Fallen World and Resurrection
According to Christianity, the world is fallen because of sin. As a result, there are many imperfections experienced and they include and not limited to sin, crime, sickness and disease, immorality, and death among others.
Therefore, George can interpret his suffering as a consequence of living in a fallen world. Although he has been faithful in his vocation calling, has been a present dad, and even volunteered in the community, living in an imperfect world does not protect him from suffering aspects such as illness (Gonçalves et al., 2022). However, through his illness, he can bring some perfection to the world. For instance, his contribution to the community shows that he will enjoy reciprocated empathy and compassion. However, regardless of his current sufferings he should have hope because God has never left his sight. It is part of our calling as Christians to allow God’s work through us even if it means suffering. He can compare his suffering to the way Christ suffered regardless of living without sin (Mijatović, 2021). However, his suffering was necessary as it allowed Christians to enjoy salvation and eternal life. Instead of focusing on his current pain and future trajectory, he can focus on the purpose of his current trials and work to achieve them. By maintaining hope and staying strong regardless of his current situation, he can ensure that Christ is glorified through him. While it is evident that there is more suffering that awaits him because of the nature of his illness, he should remain steadfast in his faith and keep his hope in the resurrection (Hall et al., 2022). In the Christian worldview, death is not the end of life as they should look forward to resurrection. With this in mind, he should keep his faith and persevere in suffering just like Christ does. After death he will have a perfect body, living in a perfect body with no pain or suffering. |
How George Must Contemplate Life with Their Dilemma and the Role of Christian View in Helping Him Understand His Value as a Person
The Christian worldview would not offer euthanasia as a solution to any given life. This is because it focuses on the sanctity of life and considers euthanasia as suicide. Christianity perceives life as a gift from God from conception. Bogue et al. (2022) note that for Christians, God is the sustainer of life and as a gift, he can take it away when he wants.
Therefore, taking away life is defying God’s will to live. Additionally, the Christian worldview also focuses on imago Dei which means the image of God. This means that regardless of any shortcomings whether physical, cognitive, emotional, or psychological humans are intrinsically valuable. Therefore, suffering from a disease such as ALS does not limit the natural worth of human life (Gonçalves et al., 2022). It is also notable the Christian worldview argues that Christians are stewards of their bodies and therefore they should try to seek their end but instead care for them the best way they can. In the position of the patient with ALS, this includes going to therapy and following treatments prescribed by doctors. Christianity also focuses on the importance of growth and suffering. Notably, suffering is crucial in deepening faith and increasing reliance on God. Therefore, there is more to be gained in sickness than just suffering. Focusing on a person’s inherent worth regardless of their physical shortcomings, Christianity has been emphasizing compassion and dignity. This means that health practitioners and caretakers should offer comfort and care to patients during their illness (Londral, 2022). Additionally, they should focus on the individual’s dignity and avoid aggressive treatment that aims to prolong a person’s suffering. With this in mind, the patient is guaranteed that even in suffering they will not be alone, and they will always be taken care of. Especially in the case of this patient, it is evident that he has been active in the community and therefore reciprocity, respect, and empathy will come naturally to the people around him. |
How the Concept of Suffering in their Thoughts and Choices
Suffering in a Christian worldview is integral in decision-making for Christians. A Christian can have two perspectives and through them, they can decide on the choices they can take at any given position. One perspective on suffering is considering it as a test and refinement of themselves.
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