Euthanasia, Environmental Conservation and Morality
The issues of caring for the environment and the issue of euthanasia have in recent times become a very much talked about subject in contemporary times. The reason for this debate on this subject is based on the diverse theories and notions that are prevalent in today’s society.
There are issues such as religion and theories such as Kantianism and Utilitarianism which often crop up when the issue of euthanasia and environmental conservation comes up in discussion. Religion is currently the strongest opponent of euthanasia and an emerging proponent of conservation. According to Rachels et al., (2009),the Christian position particularly has been the most vocal in its campaign against euthanasia and degradation of the environment. Christianity usually espouses several verses in the bible which are used to show that euthanasia and pollution are wrong.
In the book of Genesis man is required by God to maintain and keep the garden and the rest of creaton. This implies that it is the duty of every human being to take care of his fellow creatures including fellow humans (White, 1974). Man is instructed to develop and not destroy God’s creation as euthanasia does. The bible goes ahead to advocate strongly for care to one’s neighbor.Christianity proscribes punishment for anyone who did not care for his neighbor or mistreated his neighbor. In the book of Micah the bible spells out what is required of man towards his fellow man which is the upholding of justice and fairness, love and kindness and humility.
The practice of euthanasia definitely robs a fellow human being of a chance in life and hence is not fair. The argument by euthanasia proponents that it is an act of love and kindness in saving a loved one from suffering is unfounded as it shows the loss of trust in Gods power to heal. It also usurps the role of the creator in determining life (Rachels et al., 2009). Christianity also is agaiinst the practice of not caring for God’s creation and its effects upon the person who does it.
Lack of care for the environment has turned many of the world’s natural resource areas into barren places unfit for human use. The cutting down of forests has led to the creation of deserts which is not what the creator intended for the earth and mankind. Some victims of euthanasia usually authorize it when they are well, yet they may not wish it at the point of illness euthanasia limits the patients choices. Persons who also do euthanasia may be left with feelings of guilt as it breaks a fundamental commandment of God of not committing murder.Christianity and its ethics are important in that they tell us what to do, how to do it and when to do it.
It gives warning against pride but also discourages apathy. It bases all its arguments upon the love that we should have upon fellow humans and the rest of God’s creation which has been put in our care.
