Doty.Melissa.PHI413.Wk 4. DeathandDying
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Death and Dying Case Study
Melissa Doty
Grand Canyon University
PHI 413 Ethical and Spiritual Decision Making in Health Care
Dr. Steven Ledbetter
October 29, 2023
Death and Dying Case Study
As we age we expect that we will have health issues and may need to work harder at
trying to stay healthy and fit.
As we age there are higher chances of being diagnosed with
diseases, but for the most part,
we expect we can live with them until we are prepared to pass
away.
No one can really prepare to go to the doctor and get diagnosed with a terminal illness.
For many of us, dying early due to a terminal illness was never in the retirement plan. The case
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study was a great example of bringing to our attention how quickly life can change and our entire
outlook on life will change with it.
Christian Worldview
Fallenness of the World
In Christian worldview the fallenness of the world focuses on that suffering is caused by
our own bad decisions and sins.
George may be taking time to reflect on his life to consider
some of the things he has done as a human that were so wrongful and sinful to deserve the
terminal diagnosis of ALS. He may be trying to justify this diagnosis by adding up the sum of his
sins to see if they would equal the sum of acquiring this disease.
If the numbers do not add up in
Georgee’s mind then he can sum it up to the quality of the whole world right now and that he
will take one for the team, for all the sins of the world.
Hope of Resurrection
As George continues to process through his news of his diagnosis and inevitable
prognosis, he can take some time and reflect on the hope of resurrection to help him come to
peace with the outcome. If George takes time to reflect on the hope of resurrection, once he has
worked through accepting his diagnosis, he can find comfort in the fact that in his beliefs the
Messiah will come again to this Earth and join the heaven with Earth and everyone will be
rejoined together once again in eternal happiness and bliss. With this thought process George can
find comfort that he will be reunited with his family and all of his loved ones and he will no
longer be in pain.
Christianity on Human Life
In true Christian beliefs, they believe that all human life has value from the moment of
conception until they take their last breath.
God has a plan for each individual and it is our job to
fulfill these works and spread His name.
Even though George has been diagnosed with a
terminal illness, he still has value, his life is still valuable, it just depends on George himself to
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decide what he can do while he is still here to work the words and mission of the Lord. There is a
saying that is frequently used, “God only gives us what we can handle.”.
George was chosen for
some reason to deal with his ALS diagnosis, it is up to him to decide what he wants to do with
this information and diagnosis to continue the works of the Lord and help others while he is still
here and able to do so.
Christian Values and Euthanasia
As George processes his new information about his disease he is beginning to look at all
available options and what would be best for himself and his family.
He realizes he will be
completely reliant on others to assist him with daily activities and then eventually be on a
ventilator until his organs give out and he could end up passing with a very painful and lengthy
death. He may be considering assisted euthanasia because he doesn’t want to burden others with
his continual existence and inability to do daily activities. When George looks to the Lord for his
strength and guidance he will realize that the Lord did not give him more than he can handle and
George’s values will be tested
He will have to trust in the Lord to help him get through each
process of this disease and that there is a reason for him to be chosen for this particular
diagnosis.
God has a plan for him and he needs to continue living his life the best he can and
inspire others to do the same. Suicide or euthanasia is very much frowned upon in parts of
Europe.
Christian Moral Decisions
George ultimately will have to take time to reflect on his life, his end of life, and his
values as a Christian.
No one can make the decisions he has to make for himself sooner than
later. He is considering voluntary euthanasia because he doesn’t know what to expect or how he
will feel when it comes to the time he will no longer be able to take care of himself and is on a
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ventilator. This time will give him more time to reflect on his Christian beliefs and values. As a
Christian, George knows that suicide is considered a sin. When signing up for voluntary
euthanasia that too, under Christian beliefs, is considered suicide so it would be a sin.
Personal Reflection
As a healthcare worker we are not in a position to suggest what is right or wrong for a
patient.
In these situations, such as George, it is important to ensure full autonomy in their
healthcare decisions.
What would be best for one of his care team may not be what is best for
George and his family.
If I were put in the position that George is facing, I would go through the
grieving process as George is, and then look at all my options.
I personally like to take things on
a day by day basis.
I know the final outcome with ALS, as George does as well, but I have more
healthcare background than he does.
I would ensure all of my legal documents were in order to
ensure that my end of life care is exactly as I want it to be. At some point there has to be a
conversation with God about what is happening and then move on from this as well. George is
placed in a difficult position because he news to ensure he says his goodbyes to his local family
and then processes on through the other side when the time is right. I understand George’s views
because it is confusing and a lot to take in, and he wants to consider every possibility on the tabel
to ensure he is making the right choice for himself and his family.
Results
I am not sure what decisions I would make if I were in the position of George.
When a
patient gets a diagnosis with a grim prognosis they are immediately looking for someone else
who had the same thing.
Humans love community and being part of something more than
themselves. As another human being and as a healthcare worker, I have decided that it is not me
It is not me who wants to go out and review life throughout the city.
I think George is good to
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keep that option open and on his plate.
He may not need it, and he can use it now as an
educational tool on how ot thrive and do better.
References
Agency, M. (2014, October 14). Suicide from a Christian perspective - ERLC. Https://Erlc.com/.
https://erlc.com/resource-library/articles/suicide-from-a-christian-perspective/
ALS : Lou Gehrig’s disease. (2005). Films Media Group.
ALS Therapy Development Institute. (n.d.). ALS Therapy Development Institute.
https://www.als.net/what-is-als/?
gclid=Cj0KCQjwhfipBhCqARIsAH9msbkpjkfpvKP5EPzS3L9nUmZ40ZbsrgQn1P1e8m
Mh1QVBXwASEksfhu4aAn2oEALw_wcB
Religious Perspectives On Euthanasia. (n.d.). Saint Joseph’s University.
https://www.sju.edu/centers/icb/blog/religious-perspectives-on-euthanasia