▶Beauty of Life ▶Life Team ▶Beginning of Life ▶Defending Life ▶End of Life ▶Suicide ▶Further Reading
The information and links provided here are for general information. For specific concerns, we encourage you to speak with a pastor or a lay member of our Life Team or Diaconate.
Introduction
Contemplating end of life issues is never easy. When God created man, His intent was for him to live forever. Our natural inclination is to want to live and not die. However, because of Adam’s sin, we have been consigned to return to the dust of the earth, from whence we came.
The good news is that Jesus took our sin to the Cross, dying in our stead, and rose to declare us right with the Father, defeating death and giving us certain hope of everlasting life in His presence.
Who’s In Control?
Although we are baptized believers, the old Adam in us continues to fuel a desire for independence and autonomy. However, God is still in control and our faith stands firm in Him who is faithful even unto death.
Euthanasia, Physician Assisted Suicide and Medical Aid in Dying
Euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide and medical aid in dying refer to deliberate action taken to end a life with the intention of relieving suffering. As Christians, we oppose the deliberate taking of life and instead choose comfort care that relieves suffering but does not result in an earlier death. The intent is always to care and never to kill.
Help with Decision Making
Given the challenges that lie ahead as we approach end of life, it is important to plan. A Living Will is inadequate for this purpose. A much better option is a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care. The individuals selected for this important role serve as our witness to our faith as they work with health care professionals and facilities on our behalf. Once selected, it is important to express our wishes in writing. Click below for more information.
Christian Life Resources (WELS) Christian Life Resources follows the doctrine and practice of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). The mission of Christian Life Resources is to use Life and Family issues to convey the love of God to share the message of salvation in Jesus Christ.
- Durable Power of Attorney Document – Christian version
- Questions and Answers on Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide
- Ethical and Social Issues – Suicide
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod – Life Ministry
Lutherans For Life
The Mission of Lutherans For Life is to equip Lutherans to be Gospel-motivated voices for life
- End of Life Resources
- LFL Position Statements – Includes several related to end of life issues, including Determination of Death, End of Life Documents, and Euthanasia and Assisted Suicide.
Our Life Team also recommends the following:
- John T. Pless, Mercy at Life’s End, A Guide for Laity and Their Pastors (St Louis: LCMS, 2013)
- Commission on Theology and Church Relations – Life Issues
CaringInfo is a program of the National Alliance for Care at Home, providing free resources to educate and empower patients and caregivers to make decisions about serious illness and end-of-life care and services. Although its messaging does not support euthanasia, physician assisted suicide, or medical aid in dying, its membership base is so broad that it tends to have “gray areas” when interpreting end of life care and may not advocate for what is appropriate end of life care for Christians.
- What is Hospice Care?
- Choosing and Finding the right Hospice Care for you.
- How is Hospice Care Paid for?
Assisted Suicide Funding Restriction Act
Restricts federal funding for physician assisted suicide. Became law in 1997.
American College of Physicians (ACP) Position Paper
The ACP affirms a professional responsibility to improve the care of dying patients and their families. The ACP does not support the legalization of physician assisted suicide, the practice of which raises ethical, clinical and other concerns.
Provides the status of Arizona legislation related to physician assisted suicide. Both the Arizona House and Senate continue to introduce bills to legalize physician assisted suicide. We do not endorse this group in any way but include it here as a source of identifying politicians who favor assisted suicide, euthanasia, and medical aid in dying.
- Center for Arizona Policy: Center for Arizona Policy (CAP) is a nonprofit research and education organization committed to promoting and defending the foundational values of life, marriage & family, and religious freedom.