I've heard a lot recently of Dignitas. The swiss clinic where people go to die. And I've listened to a lot of excuses being made that people should have a right to choose to take their own life. Much of this is based on the idea of compassion, and dying with dignity, without being a burden on society and family. The clinic has assisted 840 suicides.
People will always take this option to take their own lives, but legalising it is wrong. Further, the laws that are now being persued so that prosecution cannot be made against those who assist those who wish to take their own life, will open the doors for further abuse of the weak and vulnerable. Not only by friends and family, but those in the medical profession, who see euthansia as a way out of suffering. It will be a law to ease their conscience.
It is worth remembering that prior to the holocaust, it is reported that the Nazis legalized volutary euthanasia killing thousands of mentally ill patients. Also, the Dutch commenced with assisted suicide to voluntary euthanisa and now a doctor can kill a patient without their consent.
In order to win sympathy for their cause, supporters of euthanasia highlight the agony of suffering, the lack of quality of life and purpose, and also portray euthanasia as being a very brave choice. They have a different outlook to those who choose to overcome suffering in the correct way. They do not possess faith.
I am concerned for those who whilst suffering from severe depression, may succumb to the thought of assisted suicide and be talked into taking this option. Also those who think they are a burden, and the elderly who may have choice taken away from them. Society has a distorted view of caring. Legalisation of euthanasia will distort that view even further.
I am concerned for those who whilst suffering from severe depression, may succumb to the thought of assisted suicide and be talked into taking this option. Also those who think they are a burden, and the elderly who may have choice taken away from them. Society has a distorted view of caring. Legalisation of euthanasia will distort that view even further.
I also think that there is a side to suffering which gives us the opportunity to look within ourselves, to realize things about our lives, and to make peace with God. Dignity and Grace results from the bravery of doing this. Something beautiful can come out of darkness. The soul could be robbed of that. Killing someone, out of what we believe is compassion, is a cover up for convenience for some. What could be considered as compassion will be used as the ultimate excuse for many misdemeanours.
Dignitas was also recently approached by the wife of a dying patient, who decided she did not want to live without her husband. They were prepared to assist her. The incident was remanticized, when in reality this person was mearly fearful.
Dignitas was also recently approached by the wife of a dying patient, who decided she did not want to live without her husband. They were prepared to assist her. The incident was remanticized, when in reality this person was mearly fearful.
Dignitas are also being investigated for giving a lethal dose to a healthy person. This is evidence that the organisation and some of its supporters believe that assisted suicide should not just be confined to the terminally ill or severely disabled.
The founder, Ludwig Minelli, blames monotheistic religions, particularly christianity for the prohibition against suicide. He has written "what if there is no God" Suicide should be an option for those who do not believe
The Daily Mail reported earlier this year that the Dignitas facility was pioneering new suicide methods apart from drugs. In March, the Mail said that a helium-filled plastic bag is put over a client's head until he suffocates. Juerg Vollenweider, deputy head of the Zurich Oberland Crown Prosecution, confirmed that Dignitas used the new method for the first time on February 18.
In contrast, I recently came across the ministry of Nick Vujicic, a young man who has no arms and legs, but works as an inspirational speaker. From the video below, I will say, So here is bravery. And here is his beauty. A reason for living. After you watch him for a while you see past the obvious. He has a wonderful smile.
But at 8 years old he wanted to take his own life. He saw no purpose, and believed that God had abandoned him. Watching him, one may say that he is like a circus sideshow, that he uses his disability to bring out emotional reactions. He does make fun of himself. But this man, has a love about him that chooses not to focus on himself, but chooses to help others see that it is not impossible to overcome severe disability and dissapointments, and have a purposeful life. He has faith. He also admits he still hopes that God may grow him arms and legs. He does not deny he would like that. He does not deny that God can do anything. Despite his infirmities. He chooses life. It could not have been easy for him or his family.
The finality of his bodily life will end like everyone elses at an appointed time. Some of us will die painless deaths, others will not. Some people die in terrible accidents.
In the meantime, true freedom can come whilst we are still here. We can learn to overcome our resentments and dissapointments in life, and our sufferings. The way is to have faith in God, Be Still, and to realize the example of Christ and the suffering he endured. He was resurrected.
I also think we must try and overcome to the end of our days. The gift of time has been given to us. We must not cut it short. This is Bravery to me. Because, like Nick Vujicic I think it really matters how you finish.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MslbhDZoniYAnd the words of Terry Waite..................
I have to confess that in this bleakest moment of despair, I did think that death might be preferable to the life I was enduring. After all, within the grim walls of that Beirut block, my own failing body had become yet another place of torment. The end of my life, I mused, might be a merciful release.
But then the power of the human spirit prevailed - and Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1204861/I-longed-death-dungeons-Beirut--Im-proof-life.html#ixzz0OEQhGGQh
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