An Act of God - Summary
An act of God? Euthanasia, "either painlessly putting to death or failing to prevent death from natural causes in cases of terminal illness or irreversible coma", the term comes from the Greek expression "euthanatos" which means "good death". Now, this short definition has been at the centre of very heated debates for many years, all over the world, surrounded by religious, ethical and practical considerations. Doctors, politicians, religious leaders, lawyers, and general public argue over the legislation that would allow or forbid euthanasia. This act is permitted only in: Netherlands, Belgium and the state of Oregon in the United States. The ethics of euthanasia raises a number of agonizing moral dilemmas: is it ever right to end the life of a terminally ill patient who is undergoing severe pain and suffering? , under what circumstances can euthanasia be justifiable, if at all? , is there a moral difference between killing someone and letting them die? At the heart of these arguments are the different ideas that people have about the meaning and value of human existence. Should human beings have the right to decide on issues of life and death? All countries are struggling to draft ethical and practical laws governing euthanasia, seeking a practical way for dealing with above mentioned questions. However, the answers of existing philosophical and religious faiths to these questions are different. It should be noticed that in contrast to countries which have secular governments: in most Islamic countries the laws and regulations regarding such subjects as euthanasia are based upon Islamic views. We will discuss the: Religious arguments. According to other religions who are against this act because: Euthanasia is against the word and will of God , Euthanasia weakens society's respect for the sanctity of life , Suffering may have value , Voluntary euthanasia is the start of a slippery slope that leads to involuntary euthanasia