Crime in a Christian Worldview - Research Paper Example

This paper seeks to investigate and explain the laws governing assisted suicide and the Biblical approach to this matter. Behind Assisted Suicide Assisted suicide, or specifically physician-assisted suicide, goes along with words like ‘mercy-killing,’ ‘the last resort,’ ‘relieving the suffering,’ or what is commonly known as ‘euthanasia’. Actually, it means the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals.in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy (“Euthanasia,” n.d.).

As technology advances, the more the breakthroughs on science are invented. Indeed, technology particularly medical technology invented by the experts has the power to save lives, as much as it begets power to sustain lives, or what others call the ‘prolonging of life.’ Unlike before where there was no immediate aid available, now the patients could be possibly (if the illness is curable by medicine) healed and revived. Despite this fact, still many would choose to end the suffering of their patients--physician-assisted suicide comes in.

Proponents of physician assisted suicide argued that patient's free choice, individual rights, and moral autonomy must be observed (Salem, 1999). However, this practice was done in order to avoid torture, abuse, or slavery on the part of the patient (Roth, 2011). The Biblical Approach on Assisted Suicide “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him” (Genesis 1:27), this biblical verse declares that human life is valuable and sacred, as it is given by God--a truth that must be announced to all humankind.

Man’s creation in the likeness or image of God is the core principle against murder, as (Genesis 9:6) states, “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made man.” No one has the authority over the life of other, as he has no authority over his own. God upon creation of man and ever since before man existed on earth; his divine authority over man’s life is supreme. “Life is God-given and therefore has intrinsic sanctity, significance and worth” (Russel, 2008).

Truly, those that advocate assisted suicide, or physician-assisted suicide do not adhere to this divine belief, instead deny it. Moreover, the boundaries of the life of men are determined solely by God--the author of birth and death of man. A biblical perspective that Christ identifies with suffering humanity, affirms suffering humanity, and heals suffering humanity. “Do you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20).

God forbid the claims of others against another person’s life and the claims of man on their lives (“A Biblical Perspective,” n.d.). In addition, the Baptist contended that assisted dying violates the sanctity of human life, (“What are Christian,” 2009.) while, Roman Catholic firmly opposed to both suicide and euthanasia (“Euthanasia and Christianity,” 2011). The Laws Regarding Assisted Suicide In the United States of America, since the legalization of abortion was ratified, it opened the door for public debate--including leaders of some religious groups.

Since the protections for the unborn were uplifted, it paved the way for a different view regarding the sacredness of life. There are over 34 states that have built a law