How the Christian Faith Views Suffering

Case Study on Death and Dying

How George Would Interpret His Suffering (with Emphasis on Fallenness of the World)

George, from the Christian perspective, might see his suffering as part of living in a fallen world. The Christian faith holds that the world is not as it should be because of humanity's original sin (Genesis 3), and because of that sin, suffering and death entered the world. This does not mean that individual suffering is a direct punishment for personal sins (as the story of Job shows) but rather that suffering, disease, and death are general consequences of humanity's fallen state. They are trials to be endured and if endured faithfully one can expect to be rewarded by God, as the book of Job also shows.

This perspective does not necessarily offer a specific reason why George has ALS from a theological point of view (the mystery of iniquity does remain), but it provides a context within which George might interpret his suffering. Despite this, Christianity also emphasizes that God can bring good out of suffering and that suffering can be redemptive. That is likely to be the main point of

For George, his suffering might be viewed as an unfortunate aspect of the human condition in a world that is not as it should be. He might see his illness as part of the broader context of suffering in a fallen world. His belief in this narrative could potentially offer him some sense of shared experience, understanding that he is not alone in his suffering, and the hope for redemption and restoration.

How George Would Interpret His Suffering (with Emphasis on Hope of Resurrection)

In light of the Christian faith and with an emphasis on the hope of resurrection, George could interpret his suffering in a way that transcends his current situation. Christians believe in the hope of resurrection, stemming from the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is central to their faith (1 Corinthians 15). They believe that death is not the end but a transition to eternity—and that the body will be resurrected to rejoin the soul at the end of time.

Accordingly, George may view his suffering and the prospect of his death in light of this promise of resurrection and eternal life with God (so long as he maintains his faith and keeps God’s commandments). This does not mean that his current suffering is diminished, but rather that it is set within a larger context of hope and future restoration. George may find comfort in knowing that his physical condition is temporary and that he will one day be free from the suffering caused by ALS. He can also reason that everyone must die, and that death is the debt that all must pay for sin. He would likely look to a glorious union with God as his ultimate end instead of focusing on the temporary treasures of the here and now.

The Christian hope of resurrection also extends beyond the individual to the restoration of the whole creation (Romans 8:19-23). George might take solace in the belief that he will participate in this future resurrection where there will be no more suffering, pain, or disease. This could give him a greater sense of communality with others at a time when he might feel separate from them due to his diagnosis.

Plus, the Christian concept of "resurrection bodies" (1 Corinthians 15:42-44) may provide George with some additional comfort. This concept proposes that, upon resurrection, believers will be given new, glorified bodies, free from disease and decay. This could offer George a significant source of hope, knowing that his battle with ALS is not eternal, and there is a future where he will no longer be afflicted with this disease.

How the Christian Worldview Informs about the Value of Life as a Person

From a Christian perspective, George's life holds value because he is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). As a person, his intrinsic worth is independent of his physical health, capabilities, looks, skills, or accomplishments. His value as a person does not diminish due to his diagnosis with ALS. His value is linked forever to the fact that he is made in God’s image, with reason and will of his own to decide to do good or evil, as he chooses.

The Christian faith affirms the sanctity of life, and this extends to all stages and conditions of life, including those with severe and debilitating diseases like ALS. His life has purpose and meaning, even in suffering, because he can merit grace for himself and for others by offering his sufferings to God and making sacrifices and uniting them to the suffering that Christ endured to redeem the fallen. In this sense, Christians believe that suffering can be redemptive or transformative, drawing one closer to God and developing greater love and compassion towards others who suffer.

The Christian worldview also places great emphasis on community and interdependence, recognizing the need for care, support, and love for those who are suffering. That is why the Apostles Creed affirms the “communion of saints”—it is a real spiritual community, in which everyone can play a part to help strengthen the community as a whole through prayer and sacrifice. In this sense, George's condition could be seen as a call to his community to express the love of Christ through their care and support and a call to him to strengthen others through his own good example and good will.

In terms of autonomy, Christianity affirms free will but it also emphasizes submission to the will of God and the 10 Commandments according to biblical teachings. Therefore, while George has autonomy in making decisions about his life, he would also consider what aligns with his faith and the principles of his Christian worldview.

Opting for Euthanasia?

In the Christian worldview, several key values and considerations are pertinent in deliberating the matter of euthanasia, including sanctity of life, the meaning and value of suffering, God’s sovereignty, and God’s law (Torr, 2000). For instance, Christians uphold the sanctity of life, viewing every human life as sacred and invaluable, being created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This belief extends to all stages and conditions of life, not solely to those that are healthy or able-bodied. Thus, voluntary euthanasia, which intentionally ends life, is often viewed as contravening the sanctity of life.

The Christian worldview also holds that suffering can have a purpose and that it can lead to spiritual growth and maturity, empathy for others, and a deeper relationship with God (Orr and Meilaende, 2004). Therefore, George's struggle with ALS could be seen not as pointless suffering, but as a journey with spiritual implications.

Likewise, the belief in God's sovereignty—that is, God as the author and giver of life who determines the time and manner of death—is another consideration. This often leads to the belief that human beings should not usurp what is fundamentally God's prerogative. Plus, the 10 Commandments teach that one should not kill—one’s self or others. Therefore, Christians should consider euthanasia as morally wrong based on biblical teachings and principles that prohibit killing (Exodus 20:13).

Morally Justified Options

In the Christian worldview, the options that could be morally justified for George, given his diagnosis of ALS, might include palliative care, continued medical treatment, advanced care planning, and a spiritual plan to embrace suffering (Anderson, 2015; Orr, 2001). Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and suffering, rather than curing the disease. It is intended to improve quality of life for patients facing serious illness. Palliative care is generally supported by Christian ethics as it upholds the value of life, demonstrates love and compassion, and respects God's sovereignty over life and death. George could also continue receiving any treatments that might slow the progression of the disease or alleviate symptoms. This option affirms life's sanctity and aligns with the Christian ethic of caring for one's health. George might also consider developing an advanced care plan or living will. This document would express his wishes for medical treatment if he becomes unable to make decisions for himself. Such planning can be seen as a responsible act of stewardship over one's life and death, so long as the directives respect the sanctity of life.

Likewise, engaging in spiritual practices, seeking pastoral care, or becoming more involved with his faith community could help George navigate his emotional and spiritual struggles related to his disease (Roberts, 2017). This could also include discussions with a spiritual advisor or trusted religious figure about the meaning of suffering and hope for the resurrection. While certainly difficult, another morally acceptable response within the Christian worldview could be to accept and embrace the suffering associated with ALS. This does not mean passively resigning oneself to pain, but recognizing the potential spiritual value in suffering and seeking to grow through the experience.