mnphysicist
13th May 2005, 05:27 AM
I just found this forum, and have been spending way too much time here lurking. Wow, much to be learned, and with that, here is perhaps a controversial situation that has bothered me personally.
In many cases, technology is available to either cure, extend life, or provide palliative care only. However, such technology creates a huge burden, sometimes on the individual, and usually much more so on society. As a result, at least here in the US, we are transitioning more and more to rationed health care, either by private ins cos or by the govt. If we look at the parable of the Samaritan, imho soceity is becoming more and more like the priest that passed by on the other side of the road.
As individual Christians, most of us do not have the financial resources to provide such care, yet God is pretty explicit about the sanctity of life. Are we as individuals going against God's will by not taking every step in order to preserve life. Do we buy a new car, rather than giving $20,000 to the brother in Christ who's life may be extended as a result, and instead, choose the car, and let the disease take its course. Our societal background would suggest we let nature take its course, but in all seriousness, is this really what scriptures calls us to do? Remember the Samaritan not only helped the man at the road, he also paid for his care at the inn, rather than leaving him to die.
If we look at the recent tragedy with the lady in FL, what if the financial resources were not there to provide for her care? Would the body of believers step forward to absorb those costs? While one could say its the responsibility of govt, all one has to do is look at the decline in covered procedures for Medicare and Medicaid, and realize thats not going to be a viable solution for very much longer and in some cases, it is not even so today. If we go further, and look at the higher costs involved for the critically ill, effectively gov't is taking a stance that euthanasia through neglect is ok.
Going back again to the parable, I'm pretty sure that is not in accordance with God's will. Yet by the same token, our selfish nature, including soceity, a body of belivers, and as individuals will not step up to the plate. Are we effectively taking that stance as well?
To my understanding, I don't think scripture defines a line as to where that judgement can be made. Eg, as long as our personal comfort is not affected, we should preserve life; if it is, we can go on the other side of the road and still be within the will of God. Or, can we take the worlds view of death with dignity, low cost palliative care only, and still be within the will of God. Or, do we put human life above everything else, to remain within the will of God?
Personally I'd rather not burden individuals, the Church, or, society with keeping me alive if I'm at that stage, yet I am conflicted, as that stance also seems to be in contradiction to the will of God.
I'm searching for answers and guidance, ideally backed with scriptural references. I realize this is not simple by any means, but it has bothered me for a long time since my neighbor passed away. He had cancer, but due to being old, and having few financial resources, many procedures and treatments were not available to him. Some due to health care rationing in Medicare, other due to the fact that no one, not even a brother in Christ was able to take him for treatments all the time, and at 87 in ill health, he was unable to drive himself on many days.
I'll fess up right here... I walked on the other side of the road, except when it was convenient. If it was a weekend, sure I'd help. If it meant taking a day of vacation to do so, I'd be on the shoulder. There were also those in the church that helped out as well.... but trying not to be judgemental, or to justify my actions, even they took the other side it it was inconvenient. In retrospect, this is outside of the will of God, and plain and simple is sin.
Thankfully we do have Grace through Christ, yet Jesus commands us to follow him. With the advances in medical technology, following His call becomes more and more difficult all the time, especially when we have society and govt taking a stance in opposition. At least thats my perception.
Lastly, I'm a newbie here.... grew up in the Lutheran church, grew discontent with what I considered to be liberalization of the faith (even less content today) but am exceedingly encouraged by what I have read on the forums. Way cool stuff....
Any scriptural guidance would be much appreciated. Perhaps it just to rely on God's grace, perhaps there is some indepth commentary. Its a difficult one for me to come to terms with.
Ron
In many cases, technology is available to either cure, extend life, or provide palliative care only. However, such technology creates a huge burden, sometimes on the individual, and usually much more so on society. As a result, at least here in the US, we are transitioning more and more to rationed health care, either by private ins cos or by the govt. If we look at the parable of the Samaritan, imho soceity is becoming more and more like the priest that passed by on the other side of the road.
As individual Christians, most of us do not have the financial resources to provide such care, yet God is pretty explicit about the sanctity of life. Are we as individuals going against God's will by not taking every step in order to preserve life. Do we buy a new car, rather than giving $20,000 to the brother in Christ who's life may be extended as a result, and instead, choose the car, and let the disease take its course. Our societal background would suggest we let nature take its course, but in all seriousness, is this really what scriptures calls us to do? Remember the Samaritan not only helped the man at the road, he also paid for his care at the inn, rather than leaving him to die.
If we look at the recent tragedy with the lady in FL, what if the financial resources were not there to provide for her care? Would the body of believers step forward to absorb those costs? While one could say its the responsibility of govt, all one has to do is look at the decline in covered procedures for Medicare and Medicaid, and realize thats not going to be a viable solution for very much longer and in some cases, it is not even so today. If we go further, and look at the higher costs involved for the critically ill, effectively gov't is taking a stance that euthanasia through neglect is ok.
Going back again to the parable, I'm pretty sure that is not in accordance with God's will. Yet by the same token, our selfish nature, including soceity, a body of belivers, and as individuals will not step up to the plate. Are we effectively taking that stance as well?
To my understanding, I don't think scripture defines a line as to where that judgement can be made. Eg, as long as our personal comfort is not affected, we should preserve life; if it is, we can go on the other side of the road and still be within the will of God. Or, can we take the worlds view of death with dignity, low cost palliative care only, and still be within the will of God. Or, do we put human life above everything else, to remain within the will of God?
Personally I'd rather not burden individuals, the Church, or, society with keeping me alive if I'm at that stage, yet I am conflicted, as that stance also seems to be in contradiction to the will of God.
I'm searching for answers and guidance, ideally backed with scriptural references. I realize this is not simple by any means, but it has bothered me for a long time since my neighbor passed away. He had cancer, but due to being old, and having few financial resources, many procedures and treatments were not available to him. Some due to health care rationing in Medicare, other due to the fact that no one, not even a brother in Christ was able to take him for treatments all the time, and at 87 in ill health, he was unable to drive himself on many days.
I'll fess up right here... I walked on the other side of the road, except when it was convenient. If it was a weekend, sure I'd help. If it meant taking a day of vacation to do so, I'd be on the shoulder. There were also those in the church that helped out as well.... but trying not to be judgemental, or to justify my actions, even they took the other side it it was inconvenient. In retrospect, this is outside of the will of God, and plain and simple is sin.
Thankfully we do have Grace through Christ, yet Jesus commands us to follow him. With the advances in medical technology, following His call becomes more and more difficult all the time, especially when we have society and govt taking a stance in opposition. At least thats my perception.
Lastly, I'm a newbie here.... grew up in the Lutheran church, grew discontent with what I considered to be liberalization of the faith (even less content today) but am exceedingly encouraged by what I have read on the forums. Way cool stuff....
Any scriptural guidance would be much appreciated. Perhaps it just to rely on God's grace, perhaps there is some indepth commentary. Its a difficult one for me to come to terms with.
Ron