case study on death and dying assignment

case study on death and dying assignment

The practice of health care providers at all levels brings you into contact with people from a variety of faiths. This calls for knowledge and understanding of a diversity of faith expressions; for the purpose of this course, the focus will be on the Christian worldview.

Based on ”Case Study: End of Life Decisions,” the Christian worldview, and the worldview questions presented in the required topic study materials you will complete an ethical analysis of George’s situation and his decision from the perspective of the Christian worldview.

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Provide a 1,500-2,000-word ethical analysis while answering the following questions:

1)How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the fallenness of the world?
2)How would George interpret his suffering in light of the Christian narrative, with an emphasis on the hope of resurrection?
3)As George contemplates life with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), how would the Christian worldview inform his view about the value of his life as a person?
4)What sorts of values and considerations would the Christian worldview focus on in deliberating about whether or not George should opt for euthanasia?
5)Given the above, what options would be morally justified in the Christian worldview for George and why?
6)Based on your worldview, what decision would you make if you were in George’s situation?
Remember to support your responses with the topic study materials.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. ***An abstract is required.

Case Study on Death and Dying Assignmnt Example Paper

Grand Canyon University: PHI 413V

July 22, 2020

Case study on Death and Dying

Abstract

Death and dying is a hard topic to understand and even talk about. No matter how much you have seen death it is never easy to deal with or understand. The thoughts of dying one day are scary for individuals who are close to death and have excepted it but terrifying for those who are not ready. Many are not prepared for death. In this case study, a similar correlation happens with George a man who has a successful life going for him, a very active family man, and a great career established. He takes a fall that injuries his hip. As the doctor is examining him, he realizes George has symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a degenerative disease that affects the nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord causing him to lose all functions of his muscles. This disease causes George to worry and now starts to think of the possibilities of assisted suicide. This case reflects on comparable cases, particularly when faced with personal value and religious beliefs.

Within paper will examine the Christian worldviews on George’s interpretation of his suffering from the emphasis on the fallenness of the world and the light of hope of resurrection. It will also include George’s thoughts on his life with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and the value of his life as a person from a Christian worldview. Focusing on the values and considerations from a Christian worldview and the thoughts on George choosing for euthanasia as an outcome. Considerations on what is morally acceptable in the Christian worldview for this situation and the writers personal opinions on the decisions that would be made based on the writer’s worldview.

George’s Explanation of Suffering on the Fallenness of the World       

Looking through a Christian viewpoint, death is often thought of as the resurrection. George is feeling grief within this case study. He shows fear and dismay from the knowledge that he will lose the function of his body. Leaving him to depend on others throughout his life for basic ever day functions, this loss will cause him to also lose his dignity and independence that he had. George has also been informed on the life stain for this disease that has him depressed. George is experiencing grief. According to Kübler-Ross (2014), the stages of grief include denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Each person does not go through each stage in order many times even stages are skipped. (Kübler-Ross, 2014) In the case study, George looks to be in the stages of bargaining and depression. This leads him to have thoughts about euthanasia. It seems he feels like a fallen man and his world has come to an end.

Christian teachings are strongly linked to and associated with the fall of death and life (Shelly & Miller 2006). Romans 5:12-19 states that “therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and thus death came to all men, for all have sinned.” The world started with Adam and Eve. Their sins from the beginning have led to sin now as well. Because of sin, there is death in life. Separately from death, illness, disease, and suffering are costs that come from the fall from God’s glory. If George were to look at his case from the outside, he would be able to better understand that his illness is just God’s will. God controls everything, he controls who gets sick, and who remains well.

George’s Explanation of Suffering on the Hope of Resurrection.

The Christian view of the hope of the resurrection is that sins is forgiven. God let Jesus die on the cross for our sins given each of us a chance for salvation and eternal life with God if we believe in him.  With Jesus’s sacrifice, we can restore a relationship with God and walk alongside him and shine his glory. This sacrifice allows us to not only have a relationship with God but provides joy and forgiveness for sin and temptation.

In the case study and the information that was given on George’s condition would be viewed as a part of God’s will. Many times, God tends to test other’s faith with challenges. This allows for their faith to strengthen and some turn against God. In this case, George should definitely turn to God and seek his grace. This illness is not a consequence it is just what God’s plans are for George. Instead, George is contemplating euthanasia as a possible way out of his suffering. The Bible does not condone the taking of one’s own life or euthanasia. God forbids murder (Exodus 20:13). Euthanasia, the destruction of another person’s life even to end their suffering is a form of murder. (Mitchell, 2016)

George’s Life Value According to the Christian Worldview

The Christian view is that every human no matter what has a value in God’s eyes. Even those who have sinned God values them. God made each person in his image, and values each of our lives. Each person must value their life as well. George’s life was a gift from God. However, he does have an illness that he has been given an expiration date on his life that does not give him the right to take his own life. Each life is precious and as stated in the bible we should treat our bodies as temples. Life was given but God, and he can take it away if he chooses. George has to first accept his diagnosis and understand it, and he needs to repair his relationship with God. Every human deserves their dignity and respect. Every human life matters and has value, and each person should have the goal of eternal life in heaven with God. George should value his life and even though he may need to depend on another person he can remain to keep his dignity as a believer in God and a fighter of his condition.

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The Christian Worldview on the Values and Considerations of Euthanasia

God loves every person no matter their race, color, ethnicity, gender, age, abilities, and disabilities. The Christian view is that God created each of us in his image to believe in his and have faith in him. Each human especially a believer of God can shine his light through them self’s on others. But perhaps the most powerful Christian argument against euthanasia is that death is not the end. (Saunders, 2020) Euthanasia is only a way out of this world, but not the right way. In the Christian eye, it is wrong and not a just decision. God decides when it is our time. However, those who do not know God euthanasia is not a ‘merciful release’ at all. It may rather be propelling them towards a judgment for which they are unprepared for. (Saunders, 2020) God has the power over each human life and only he has the right to take it away. George is compilating this decision as he is suffering from hearing his diagnosis. He needs to seek God’s love and comfort during this hard time. It can open George’s eyes to his value in this world. George still has a purpose in this life.

Christian View of Moral Options for George

There are several moral options that George could make that would be acceptable in the Christian view. George could consider withdrawing or withholding treatment for his condition. As George is grieving, he could reach out to a pastor for spiritual help in this case.  He could also take this time to get closer to God and his family. Being told you only have so long to live can be hard. However, no one should live just for their expiration date. Every person should fight to live every day and past that date if possible. As George has just received this terrible news, he could look into support groups or ALS groups that have individuals who are suffering from this disease. This would allow people who understand the condition and where George is on his thoughts of life and death. As hard as this can be George must think about his death and what advance directives he will want. Many individuals don’t talk about it, or they avoid it leaving the family to choose what the family member would want. As these decisions can be hard for George to make it could be something he could talk with his family and even his pastor with if needed.

The Writer’s Personal View if in George’s Situation

This case study was very hard for the writer to read, due to it hit personally as a family member was diagnosed with ALS as well and passed away. Honestly, this diagnosis is hard to understand why God would give this to a person. No one should have to go through this terrible disease that tragically changes someone’s life. As a Christian, I would have to lean on my church family and family at home. I would take this time to reach out to God and try to understand that he is the decision-maker, all-powerful, and the savior. I would not want euthanasia; however, I also would not want my family to have to care for me in everything I do until I passed. This disease can truly breakdown every function of someone. I know my family could not live if they didn’t care for me. I would try to make the decisions for my end of life, as I would not want my family to have to do that. Living for my family and get myself ready for life eternally with God would be my goal during this time.

Conclusion

This case study was one that many individuals and family sadly experience. ALS is a terrible disease that can act quickly and sometimes slow by does not have a definite cure for. As George is diagnosed with this disease, he questions his life value and wonders about euthanasia. George is a man, father, husband, son, and community individual who not only who is needed but will be missed by his family. George needs to accept his diagnosis, find God, and take this time to be with his family. He needs to value himself even though he is going to pass, and he knows that his family needs him, and he should want to live just as long as God will allow him. God only gives us what we can handle in life.

 

case study on death and dying assignment References

Kübler-Ross, E. (2014). On death and dying: What the dying have to teach doctors, nurses, clergy & their own families. New York: Scribner. case study on death and dying assignment

Mitchell, D. E. (2016, January 22). Is Euthanasia a Biblical Solution to Terminal Illness or Suffering? Retrieved from https://answersingenesis.org/sanctity-of-life/euthanasia/biblical-solution-terminal-illness-or-suffering/

Saunders, P., Dr. (2020). Euthanasia Biblical Perspective. Retrieved from http://www.cmdfa.org.au/public/euthanasia-biblical-perspective, case study on death and dying assignment.

Shelly, J. A., & Miller, A. B. (2006). Called to care: A Christian worldview for nursing (2nd ed.). Available from http://gcumedia.com/digital-resources/intervarsity-press/2006/called-to-care_a-christian-worldview-for-nursing_ebook_2e.php case study on death and dying assignment