how does the natural law theory make roman catholics disagree with euthansia?

Question

what is the link?? is it something to do with morals?

Answer 1

As Christians, we believe that human life is a sacred gift from God to be cherished and respected because every human being is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26).

In heeding God’s command, "Thou shall not kill" (Exodus 20:13), we recognize that we cannot end of our lives or the lives of others as we please. We must respect and protect the dignity of human from the moment of conception to the moment of natural death.

Both euthanasia and assisted suicide violate God's commandment not to kill.

Euthanasia occurs when a doctor or medical staff person administers a lethal dose of medication with the intention of killing the patient.

Assisted suicide occurs when a doctor or medical staff person prescribes a lethal amount of medication with the intent of helping a person commit suicide. The patient then takes the dose or turns the switch.

We also recognize the need for the proper management of pain. Modern medicine provides effective treatments for pain that guarantees that no one will suffer a painful death. No one needs to escape pain by seeking death.

Suicidal wishes among the terminally ill are due to treatable depression similar to that of other suicidal people. If we address their pain, depression and other problems, then there is generally no more talk of suicide.

Repercussions of Assisted Suicide
+ The patient seriously, possibly completely, damages his or her relationship with God.
+ Anyone assisting a suicide gravely endangers his or her spiritual, psychological, and emotional well-being including family members and medical professionals.
+ Corruption of the medical profession: whose ethical code calls on physicians to serve life and never to kill. The American Medical Association, the American Nurses Association, the American Psychiatric Association, and dozens of other medical groups argue that the power to assist in taking patients’ lives is "a power that most health-care professionals do not want and could not control.”
+ Society will more and more disregards the dignity of human life.

Possible Corruptions
+ Exploitation of the marginalized: The poor, the elderly, minorities, those who lack health insurance would be the first to feel pressure to die.
+ Cost control: Patients with long term or expensive illnesses and considered economic liabilities would be encouraged die.
+ Rebirth of historical prejudices: Many able-bodied people, including some physicians, say they would "rather be dead than disabled." Such prejudices could easily lead families, physicians, and society to encourage death for people who are depressed and emotionally vulnerable as they adjust to life with a serious illness or disability.

Jesus uttered the words of faith that continue to inspire and to guide the Church’s teaching in this mystery of Christian death: "This is why the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again" (John 10:17).

For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, sections 2270 and following: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt3sect2chpt2art5.htm#2270
http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac0897.asp

With love in Christ.

Answer 2

Roman Catholics have a particular understanding of natural law that is based on the writings of theologians such as St Augustine and St Thomas Aquinas. I couldn't say exactly how this influences their understanding of euthanasia. But it certainly isn't always a helpful concept. It leads to a lot of bizarre thinking around sex. (Masturbation is wrong, because it is sex that doesn't lead to pregnancy. Ditto any protected sex. St Thomas Aquinas wrote that gay sex was worse than rape, because at least heterosexual rape could get the woman pregnant).

You could certainly ask your local Roman Catholic priest about it. They have to take courses on philosophy in seminary. (Yes, it does have to do with morality, otherwise I can't help you with the link. Sorry). I can tell you that Roman Catholicism teaches something called "consistent life ethic" meaning that life should not be terminated between conception and natural death. This is why they are against both abortion and the death penalty. (Strangely, RC politicians who support abortion always get in trouble, but the ones who support the death penalty don't...)

Answer 3

You are thinking in the frame of the philosopher Augustinus, right? I'm not sure. A natural law is destilled from events that happen in a natural environment.

Proof against euthanesia could be found in the fact that only a very limited number of species kills its own kind...
Then again, a mother sheep for example will expell her weakest lamb if she feels that she cannot take care of all her lambs... Same with euthanesia.

imho there are pros and cons to be found ;)

Answer 4

As someone else has said that there are pros and cons about euthanasia.
In my opinion a person should be given that right to chose, especially if he/she has a terminal illness that can not be cured and causes them unbearable pain

Answer 5

i think it might be more to do with the idea that catholics believe only God can give/take life so we should not interfere with gods plan by carrying out euthanasia.