Religious Attitudes Towards Death And The Elderly

Question 1

Define ‘Sanctity Of Life’

Answer 1

Christian and Muslim belief that all life is a sacred gift from God.

Question 2

Define ‘Quality Of Life’

Answer 2

A measure of fulfillment.

Question 3

Define ‘Death’

Answer 3

The end of life. When the brain stops functioning.

Question 4

Define ‘Heaven’

Answer 4

A state of being with God after death.

Question 5

Define ‘Hell’

Answer 5

A state of being without God (or with the devil) after death

Question 6

Define ‘Purgatory’

Answer 6

A time of spiritual cleansing and preparation for heaven.

Question 7

Define ‘Reincarnation’

Answer 7

Being born again in another form.

Question 8

Define ‘Rebirth’

Answer 8

Continuing life in another form.

Question 9

Define ‘Ageism’

Answer 9

Prejudice and discrimination against someone because of their age.

Question 10

Define ‘Euthanasia’

Answer 10

Inducing a painless death to ease suffering.

Question 11

Define ‘Voluntary Euthanasia’

Answer 11

A person gives consent to die.

Question 12

Define ‘Non-Voluntary Euthanasia’

Answer 12

A person is unable to give consent to die.

Question 13

Define ‘Passive Euthanasia’

Answer 13

When a patient dies because the medical professionals don’t do something necessary to keeping the patient alive or when they stop doing something that is keeping the patient alive.

Question 14

Define ‘Active Euthanasia’

Answer 14

When the medical professionals, or another person, deliberately do something in order to end the patient’s life.

Question 15

Define ‘Assisted Suicide’

Answer 15

A person gives someone the means to end their own life.

Question 16

What is Dignitas?

Answer 16

A Swiss organization that helps people end their lives.

Question 17

Define ‘Hospice’

Answer 17

A place where terminally ill people go for support and finish their lives.

Question 18

Define ‘Palliative Care’

Answer 18

Care that focuses on a patient’s comfort instead of a cure.

Question 19

Define ‘Ordinary Means’

Answer 19

Someone is kept alive using drugs, care and food etc.

Question 20

Define ‘Extra-Ordinary Means’

Answer 20

Someone is kept alive on life support machines, expensive operations etc.

Question 21

Give some problems faced by the elderly.

Answer 21

Often they rely on state pensions which can lead to financial difficulties.
They may face loneliness.
Many feel undervalued.
Usually encounter health problems.
Less mobile.
Feel worthless.

Question 22

Explain Islamic views towards caring for the elderly.

Answer 22

Muslims believe that caring for your elders is your duty as their child. It is a duty second only to prayer. “Cherish the elderly as they cherished you in childhood.” - Qur’an

Question 23

Explain Christian views towards caring for the elderly.

Answer 23

Christians are taught to look after elderly and sick members of their family. “Honour your mother and father” - Bible

Question 24

Explain Catholic views towards euthanasia.

Answer 24

They believe that euthanasia is a form of murder, so goes against the 10 commandments. They believe in the sanctity of life. Also, Christ suffered on the cross, we must accept suffering.

Question 25

Explain Joseph Fletcher’s views towards euthanasia.

Answer 25

Fletcher believed that the quality of a person’s life is more important than the sanctity of life. If someone was in a great deal of pain and suffering then the most loving thing to do would be to end their life. Fletcher would agree with most cases of euthanasia but not all, he is a relativist. “Sometimes no life is better” - Joseph Fletcher

Question 26

Explain Islamic views towards euthanasia.

Answer 26

Muslims believe that euthanasia is a form of murder “Only Allah can take life”. They believe in the sanctity of life. They believe that Allah may be testing a person through suffering. Muslims disagree with euthanasia because they are banned from killing themselves “Don’t destroy yourselves, Allah will always be merciful to you” - Qur’an