Monday, October 11, 2010

Lutheran and Christian euthanasia discussion and resources

The topic of Euthanasia pops up in the media and in political circles.

Originally euthanasia simply meant 'good death', however the term currently is understood by many to mean 'a deliberate intervention undertaken with the express intention of ending a life, to relieve intractable suffering' (House of Lords select committee on Medical ethics).

The topic is emotional, because a person's suffering is often the reason given for supporting euthanasia.
There is also confusion on what is euthanasia and what is not euthanasia, eg. withdrawing life support from a person, is not considered euthanasia.

Following are some resources to help you and others understand the euthanasia debate and discussion
LUTHERAN RESOURCES AND LINKS
Lutheran Church of Australia CTICR statement
Lutheran Church of Australia CSBQ discussion paper
Various articles and teachings from the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
Death and dieing: a social statement of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Ethics and suffering from healing to relief by Dr Richard C Eyer Concordia University Mequon
Lutheran's for life (usa) resources and links
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Church

OTHER RELIGIOUS RESOURCES AND LINKS
Statements from various religious bodies relating to Euthanasia
Christian views on Euthanasia and suicide
Religious facts: Euthanasia and Christianity
Christian Life Resources
Beliefnet

OTHER
A summary of the debate from the editor of The Australian

if you wish to suggest any other resources please leave a comment or email me