Starter quiz
- In the UK, euthanasia is illegal, but doctors may ______ treatment in certain cases.
- 'withdraw' ✓
- The “slippery slope” argument supports the legalisation of euthanasia.
- True
- False ✓
- Partially true
-
- Passive euthanasia involves taking deliberate action to cause a patient’s death.
- True
- False ✓
- Partially true
-
- Which of the following explains the difference between active and passive euthanasia?
- Active euthanasia is legal, while passive euthanasia is illegal.
- Active involves deliberate action to end life, passive means allowing death. ✓
- Passive euthanasia is more controversial than active euthanasia.
-
- What is a common argument in favour of legalising euthanasia?
- It allows people to avoid unnecessary pain and suffering. ✓
- It could lead to abuse of vulnerable people.
- It is against the Hippocratic Oath for doctors.
-
- Which religious belief is often used to argue against euthanasia?
- the idea that suffering can have spiritual meaning ✓
- the belief that personal choice is the most important value
- the argument that euthanasia should be available to all who want it
-
Exit quiz
- The Catholic Church allows euthanasia in extreme cases.
- True
- False ✓
- Partially true
-
- Some Christians support euthanasia based on Jesus’ teaching of love and compassion.
- True ✓
- False
- Partially true
-
- What is the Christian concept that life is a gift from God and must be protected?
- the sanctity of life ✓
- the quality of life
- the doctrine of free will
-
- What type of care offers pain relief and emotional support instead of euthanasia?
- palliative care ✓
- respite care
- assisted suicide
-
- What is the purpose of a living will?
- to request euthanasia
- to ensure a person’s medical treatment wishes are followed ✓
- to prevent families from making medical decisions
-
- How might some Liberal Christians justify euthanasia?
- by arguing that all suffering should be avoided at any cost
- by believing that suffering has value
- by applying situation ethics, prioritising love and compassion ✓
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Worksheet
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- The Bible teaches that life is sacred and that Christians should show love.
- Some believe enduring suffering can bring people closer to God.
- Most Christians oppose euthanasia but accept withdrawing treatment if it prolongs suffering.
- Liberal Anglicans may use situation ethics to support active euthanasia.
- Hospices provide palliative care, and a living will outlines a person’s wishes for medical treatment.
Common misconception
All Christians completely oppose euthanasia.
While many Christian strongly oppose euthanasia, some take a more compassionate approach, considering quality of life and situation ethics. Some may support assisted dying in certain circumstances, though this remains a minority view.
Keywords
Euthanasia - intentionally ending a person's life to relieve suffering, either by causing death or allowing it to occur
Hospice - a place where people with terminal illnesses receive palliative care
Living will - a legal document that outlines a person’s wishes for medical treatment if they cannot communicate
Palliative care - medical treatment that aims to relieve pain and improve quality of life
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