Medical Science and Death Ethics

 

by Mihran Kulhanjian

 

 

Medical science and death ethics are important topics for Christians because they involve questions about life, suffering, morality, and faith in God. Human life is sacred because every person is created in the image of God. We were created by God, for God.  Because of this, medical decisions are not only scientific matters but also spiritual and moral responsibilities. A Christian seeks God first for wisdom, knowledge, understanding and discernment. Death ethics refers to the principles and decisions surrounding dying, medical treatment, and end-of-life care. We look to God’s Word and draw our knowledge and direction from the Holy Spirit and prayer when making decisions about healthcare and death.

 

Medical science has greatly improved human life through discoveries such as vaccines, antibiotics, surgery, and modern treatments for diseases. We support medical science because knowledge and healing is from God. “I am the Lord who heals you” (Exodus 15:2). In the Bible, Luke, one of Jesus’ disciples, was a physician, showing that medicine has long been respected in Christian tradition. Jesus healed thousands of people during His ministry. Hospitals and healthcare institutions, including medical missionaries were often founded by committed believers because it is the work of God in man (the Holy Spirit) to be compassionate and to care for and heal the sick.

 

However, medical science must be guided by ethics. Scientific progress should respect human dignity and God’s commandments. Some medical practices are evil and against God’s plan. For example, the issue of abortion.  Life begins at conception and that unborn children are valuable in God’s eyes. Children are created by God as a gift to us. When we destroy (murder) a baby in the womb, we are destroying life as God has created life—we are the destroying the image of God. Other Christians may have different views in difficult situations involving the mother’s health or severe medical complications, but the overall focus remains on protecting life whenever possible. (If you want to know more about the issues of abortion read the essay on abortion in this section under “Is Abortion Murder.”)

 

Another ethical issue is euthanasia, sometimes called assisted dying. Euthanasia as with abortion is a sin because God has authority over life and death not man. Intentionally ending a person’s life, even to relieve suffering, goes against the commandment “You shall not kill.” Christians often emphasize the importance of palliative care, which focuses on comfort, pain relief, and emotional support for dying patients. Instead of ending life, Christians believe people should receive compassionate care and dignity during their final days.

 

Christians also face ethical questions about life support and extraordinary medical treatment. Some illnesses reach a stage where recovery seems impossible, and machines may only prolong the dying process. Many Christian ethicists believe it is acceptable to refuse extraordinary or burdensome treatment if there is no reasonable hope of recovery. Only through prayer will we find God’s answer. Every situation is different. This does not mean giving up on life; rather, it means allowing death to occur naturally while continuing to provide comfort and care. Again, relying on the Holy Spirit will guide us to the answer of what we must do. The intention is important in Christian ethics. There is a moral difference between intentionally causing death and accepting that death cannot be prevented in this life.

 

Organ donation is another topic discussed in Christian medical ethics. Most Christian denominations support organ donation as an act of love and generosity because it can save lives. Donating organs after death is often viewed as a selfless sacrifice that reflects Jesus’ teaching to love others. However, Christians also believe that organs must be donated ethically and with respect for the dignity of the donor and recipient.

 

Advances in genetics and biotechnology have created new moral questions for Christians. Genetic engineering, cloning, and stem cell research are examples of areas where Christians may disagree. Some Christians support scientific research that helps cure diseases, while others worry that certain experiments could destroy human embryos or interfere too much with God’s design for life. Christians generally believe science should be used responsibly and never treat human beings as objects or products.  Again, we must rely on the Holy Spirit to true regarding these different issues. Science can get complicated.

 

Death itself is understood differently in Christianity than in many secular worldviews. As a Christian, we know that death is not the end of existence but a transition into eternal life with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and the saints before us, or eternity in hell with pain and suffering separated from God. Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, sin and death have been overcome. Jesus came and destroyed the works of the devil. This is why true Christians have hope and comfort during illness and grief.  We have faith and believe in the accomplished work of Jesus Christ. While death is often painful and sad, we trust in the Lord, and He brings peace and eternal salvation.

 

Prayer, faith, and community are also important parts of medical ethics for Christians. Families often pray for wisdom when making healthcare decisions. Churches may support sick individuals through visits, counseling, and spiritual encouragement. Many Christians believe that faith and medicine can work together rather than oppose each other. Doctors may provide treatment and manage symptoms, while God provides spiritual strength and healing.  God is he healer. Doctors cannot heal; they can administer treatments but healing comes from God.

 

Summing Up

 

Medical science and death ethics have to do with the value of life, compassion, and about all trust in God. Christians generally support medicine and healthcare while also insisting that science must follow moral principles. Ethical issues such as abortion (sin), euthanasia (sin), life support, and genetic research require careful thought and prayer. Ultimately, Christians believe every human life has dignity and that even in death, there is hope through faith in God and the promise of eternal life with Him in heaven and in the new earth, the new Jerusalem.