Euthanasia and Medically Assisted Suicide: Contributions from Different Religious Traditions
Type de matériel :
19
This paper starts by outlining the general topic of death in society, as it raises universal questions: Who are we? Where are we going? Currently, in Western society, several models of death exist, derived from the past 50 years of history. Our study describes several of these models: “traditional” death at home, “sterile” death in a hospital, the emergence of palliative care, the incredible progress of biomedicine, and the need for the absolute autonomy of the patient. In this plural context, religions also express themselves in a plural manner. The author examines Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism. First, he considers their common views on several themes, such as the uniqueness of people, the importance of doctors, and the preciousness of any life. This study shows that religious traditions are generally averse to euthanasia or assisted suicide, even if some traditions adopt a more nuanced approach. The article concludes with further questions. How should we go from an attitude of absolute control to accepting a life that can face its limits? How can we face our limits without falling into meaninglessness or the impossibility of living?
Réseaux sociaux