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Must Terminally Ill Christians Artificially Prolong Life?By Wayne Jackson “Is
a terminally ill Christian morally obligated to prolong his life artificially (by means of drugs or machinery)?” Life-and-death issues are some of the most difficult decisions that one may ever have to make, and this is a question
many are confronting. Since the Bible does not provide specific answers to many questions of this
nature, scriptural principles must be sought in order to assist us in making crucial decisions. Let us consider several matters: First, we are bound to acknowledge that biological life is a gift from God (Acts 17:25; 1 Timothy 6:13). No person,
therefore, ever has the arbitrary right to destroy that life—either by suicide or homicide (and that includes what is
euphemistically called “euthanasia”). Mercy-killing is wrong. One must not infringe upon divine territory. See
our work, Biblical Ethics and Modern Science. Second, it is a stark reality, taught both
by experience and the Scriptures, that death is the inevitable destiny of all men (except for those who will be alive when
Christ retums—1 Thessalonians 4:15). As a result of sin, death has passed to all men (Romans
5:12); hence, it is appointed unto man once to die (Hebrews 9:27). We may, with good health habits and sound medical procedures,
delay the grim reaper for a while, but the fact is, we all are terminal! But what does one do
if he is informed that he has terminal cancer. Suppose the physician tells you, “With chemotherapy you may be able to
live a year; without it, you will have two to three months.” Is the Christian obligated
to subject himself to sickening treatment for the sake of a few months more? Do we love this earth and dread heaven that much?
We certainly have the option of treatment, but there is nothing in the Scriptures that would require it. And what of the accident victim who is “brain-dead,” but whose bodily functions are being maintained
by sophisticated machinery? Must a Christian family maintain a loved one in a state of suspended animation for years? There
is nothing in the Bible that would demand that. Where is our hope really focused? There is something
to be said for quality of life; sometimes the best thing we can do is let a loved-one go on home to be with the Lord (2 Corinthians
5:8). www.christiancourier.com
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Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. Psa
119:67 , Finish
the following 2 sentences and click submit (This is completely anonymous): ,
As an example my answer would be: Before I was afflicted I didn't appreciate the blessings that came on a daily
basis, But now I am so grateful
for the simple pleasures and joys each day may bring.
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YOUR RESPONSE
 Before I was afflicted I...assumed I knew what God's plan for my life held. But
now I...understand that He is in control, and all will be well. Even though my life is nothing like I expected. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Before I was afflicted I... assumed I knew what was best for me.
But now I... wait for God to show me His best for me.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Before I was afflicted I...took for granted being able to have company
over for meals and singing hymns afterward, visiting the sick, and having lunch out with the ladies from church, being able
to drive and garden.
But now I... wish I would have
done more of everything. I miss it, HOWEVER I'm thankful for the things that I CAN do. I can type and send notes this
way. I appreciate, even more, the love and friendship of my sisters in Christ. And I truly appreciate my husband, who
is my good friend and never complaining caregiver. He helps me keep a sense of humor over my very frustrating Fibro-Fog
and being limited in "brain" and body.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Before I was afflicted
I...was self centred But now
I...am loving ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Before I was afflicted I...could
do almost anything on my own, But
now I...have learned to rely on God's strength alone.
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NOTE FROM THE
MAIL: I received something in the mail I tho't I'd share. An 800# for a booklet on chronic pain. The
# is 1-800-333-8874 for free
copy. -Pat Greer
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 Please, if anyone knows a Christian who has ALS who Elva
can correspond with, please send their information to me at ourhopeonline@gmail.com and I'll be sure and get the info to Elva. (See following note.) Thank you so much. ---------------------------- I
have just recently been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Obviously, it was a terrible shock to us, as we previously
had thought that I had something different. With the Lord's help we are truly trying to take one day at a time. I am surely
blessed with a marvelously supportive husband of 50 years. We have joined the local support group for ALS, and that's a positive!
Probably, I have had the disease for some four plus years. It began with me when, after three total knee replacements, I developed
a foot drop problem which through those years became increasingly worse until a year ago I was completely confined to a scooter
chair. I can not stand at all, much less walk at all. My purpose
in writing is that I would very much like to be put in contact with any Christian, especially women, that are "out there"
struggling with this horrendous disease. Can you help? Thanking
you for your service to the Lord, Elva Humphries
Please read the following
emails and if you can and are willing to help, please fill out the comment forms. Thank you for your help!
A topic I would like discussed on this page is:Ulcerative
Colitis
Help for one with FMS "A topic I would like discussed on this page
is: Women living with Fibromyalgia and how they handle it? Thank you! I appreciate this site!" Amee Eastman
HELP
FOR ONE IN PAIN? "I am in so much pain how do I find help? Where do I turn? I have had several spinal fusions and the
Dr's seem to think it is due to that. My pain seems to move. Areas on my body are tender to touch. I have been told it is
arthritis, that is possible, but nothing helps. I do not want to be hooked on drugs. I try to cope with it the best I can."
, RESPONSE FROM READER: For my chronic pain (Fibromyalia, Interstitial
cystitis and Celiac disease), I often turn to hot epsom salts baths. The heat is one element, but the epsom salts is
good to relieve soreness. I add baking soda if it seems to be too harsh on my skin and it alkalizes as well. After
soaking at least 20 minutes, I often can forget about the pain/soreness and go on about my day. .
NOTE FROM PAT: I'm so sorry you have so much pain. I'm sorry I don't know what would
help you as I'm not experienced in this. If any of you ladies with FMS, arthritis, or back surgery can offer any suggestions
we would appreciate it. You can use the comment box on the Email Us page or just send an email to ourhopeonline@gmail.com Thank you. (As always, any suggestions for medical care on this site is purely a suggestion and not necessarily recommended
by the editors. See disclaimer on About Us page. Sorry, sounds cold to have to add this, but it's something I do have to do). Thank you for writing.
(2) A topic I would like discussed on this page is: bipolar
disorder. . NOTE FROM PAT: In the archives you can find a few articles for those who have
a loved one with bipolar disorder and a couple of short articles with advice for the one who has bipolar disorder. What I
would like is for someone who is bipolar to write what it's like to live with this condition and let us know your needs. Is
there someone out there who is willing to do this? Many of us want to understand and learn how to help. If you have a family
member or friend who is bipolar I would also love to hear from you. Thank you!
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