Responding to Euthanasia, Ten Steps to Respect Life

1. Use a topical Bible help (available in study Bible, paperbacks, and computer software) to look up God's opinion concerning the sanctity of life.
2. Take an adult Sunday School hour to discuss the sanctity of life and how it relates to death. What would each person do if they had responsibility for a terminally ill loved one? What would each do faced personally with terminal illness?
3. Call a local convalescent hospital or retirement home. Spend one afternoon visiting with residents, just being friendly.
4. Call a local care facility for the profoundly retarded and handicapped. Interview someone who works with the clients. Ask that person how he or she feels about the clients and their quality of life.
5. Talk to your pastor about euthanasia. Why does he believe what he does? How does he counsel people in crisis situations?
6. Talk to another religious leader (Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, etc.). What are their views concerning euthanasia? How might their views be affected by their theology?
7. Talk with your family about your own convictions regarding euthanasia. What are steps you can take to see that your wishes are respected if you are unable to make decisions for yourself?
8. Talk with your personal physician. Ask him or her to explain his or her beliefs about euthanasia and how that might affect your care. Does he think quality of life is very important? Does she think age should mitigate medical intervention?
9. Make a two column list including all of the reasons for suicide in one column, and all of the reasons against suicide in the second column. How does this reflect a biblical view of life and death?
10. Write a one page letter to the editor of your local newspaper expressing your convictions regarding euthanasia.