Requesting one's own death

[ThinkingSapien]

ThinkingSapien;9446207:

Hmmmm…this concept of allowing some one to self terminate has returned. Please refer to my earlier responses on this.

Hmmmmm… Terminating one’s self is *kernel *to the issue being discussed. The thread title is ‘Requesting one’s death’ yes? Which is in essence - terminating one’s self. Methinks we need to get to the nitty gritty of the value of Human life, whether the said life is in pain or not.

I probably should have emphasized the word “allowing” since that word and it’s reoccurring synonyms (ex: permit) and antonyms are what is making the question carry little meaning with me.

 

[Nimzovik]

May I suggest you restate your actual question?

 

[ThinkingSapien]

May I suggest you restate your actual question?

The original question, in Message #1, was one of how others would react in the scenario described. The scenario was that a terminally ill person in severe pain without autonomy requesting his life be ended to escape his torment.

 

[Nimzovik]

Methinks ideally I would like to see said person handle the issue in a manner that a Catholic would knowing the value of redemptive suffering.

 

[po18guy]

So does all suffering have a redemptive value to you or only certain types of suffering? If the latter then how do you distinguish between the two?

Physically, all suffering remains suffering. Spiritually and emotionally, we can bear suffering for no purpose (negative purpose), or bear it for a positive purpose. Those who are members of the Body of Christ experience the most Christ-like life through suffering. Some even desire to suffer, since the experience of life is enhanced via suffering, and the promised reward is so great. Yet, it requires faith, inasmuch as we must place our hope in the validity of the promises.

As to faith, the best definition ever written is Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”

 

[zippy2006]

I’m trying to understand this view of suffering being a gift.

From a natural point of view, suffering is pointless and abhorrent. It is only through faith and the cross that suffering is given meaning. Without faith, you would be mistaken to see suffering as meaningful.

Yet suffering is not sought out, it is accepted in obedience. We try to accept God’s will, but this does not mean fear or aversion are absent.

Matthew 26:39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.”

 

[Counterpoint]

I’ve come across a real life scenario.

There’s a person, Catholic, that is of deteriorating health. He’s contemplating his own death, gathering family to take care of his will, and doing other things to prepare for death.

Because of the direction in which he health is going he is concerned with finding himself trapped in his own body experiencing nothing but pain. Pain management with this person has failed due to reactions to pain medication. In preparing for this scenario he’s made a coded message asking that one of his friends be ready to help him die if his life reaches the point of being only pain.

How would you react to this scenario?

I probably take it as it comes. But this is easier said than done.

 

[Aloysium]

The original question, in Message #1, was one of how others would react in the scenario described. The scenario was that a terminally ill person in severe pain without autonomy requesting his life be ended to escape his torment.

These matters are best managed in the moment. One deals with the problem at hand.

Your friend feels scared, hopeless and powerless.
If you wish to help, hear him out, share with him, his suffering.
Being there with him, he will know he is not alone and that he is loved.
He may wish to talk about fears, anger and disappointments, which can be very difficult to hear.
If you can get through it, you will certainly find it a benefit to yourself as well as to your friend.

With experience in these matters it becomes clear that a basic principle of oncology is that people should not needlessly suffer.
One of the side-effects of pain medication is that it may, not by much, hasten a death that is inevitable.
To give an overdose, i.e. more than what the person needs to control the pain would be in most cases considered malpractice.

Some people are given the grace to live the experience of their last moments to its fullest: to be with Christ on the Cross. Usually we are unconscious and simply and slowly drift away.

All this temporal suffering ends and we are reborn to the fullness of eternal life.