Title: Christian Views of Euthanasia - ReligionFacts
Headings: Christian Views of Euthanasia
Christian Views of Euthanasia
What does Christianity teach about euthanasia?
Suicide in the Christian Bible
Suicide in Christian History
Modern Christian Views on Suicide
Anglican Views on Suicide and Euthanasia
Greek Orthodox Views on Suicide and Euthanasia
Article Info

Content: In 1783, the Scottish philosopher David Hume wrote an unpublished essay called "On Suicide," in which he challenged each of Thomas Aquinas' arguments and concluded that suicide "may be free of imputation of guilt and blame." On the other hand, Immanuel Kant wrote in 1785, "To annihilate the subject of morality in one's person is to root out the existence of morality itself from the world as far as one can, even though morality is an end in itself. Consequently, disposing of oneself as a mere means to some discretionary end is debasing humanity in one's person." { 4}
Modern Christian Views on Suicide
A BBC Religion and Ethics feature on euthanasia summarizes the Christian view as follows: Christians are mostly against euthanasia. The arguments are usually based on the beliefs that life is given by God, and that human beings are made in God's image. Some churches also emphasise the importance of not interfering with the natural process of death. { 5} Following are specific statements from some Christian denominations on the subjects of euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide. Anglican Views on Suicide and Euthanasia
The Times Online summarizes a 2005 declaration by the Archbishop of Canterbury, head of the Anglican Communion, on euthanasia: The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, insists today that human and ethical reasons mean that the Church of England can never soften its line on euthanasia.