Death and Dying: Case Analysis
After reading the "Case Study: End-of-Life Decisions" document (or one provided by your
instructor) and topic Resources, respond to the following, using only citations from the case
and topic Resources:
1. Based on the case and topic Resources, in 300-400 words, how might the individual(s)
interpret their suffering in light of the Christian view of the fallen world and the hope
of resurrection?
According to the biblical story, sin has both spiritual and physical
consequences. This means that disobedience to God's word has grave
implications for the soul and the body. The story of Adam and Eve's
disobedience is a clear example. As a result of their sin, they were punished
with sickness, struggle, and ultimately death. It is important to note that God
did not initially intend these consequences. Instead, they were a result of
humanity's disobedience.
When individuals are confronted with afflictions like ALS or other illnesses,
it's natural for them to grapple with a range of emotions, including questioning
God's intentions. However, it's vital to remember that these conditions are not
punishments for specific wrongdoings. Instead, they are reminders of the
inherent imperfection of humanity. No matter the trials one faces, it's crucial to
seek solace in the unwavering goodness of God and His ongoing purpose for
humanity.
From a Christian worldview, the story of Adam and Eve's disobedience and its
consequences is just one example of the pervasive impact of sin on humanity.
However, the good news is that, through Jesus Christ, believers have hope for
eternal life beyond this present world. The promise of resurrection is central to
the Christian faith and provides a profound source of comfort in the face of
death and suffering.
As George faces the physical and emotional challenges of ALS, he can take
comfort in the fact that his suffering is only temporary. In the Christian
worldview, death is not the end but a transition to eternal life. The resurrection
of Jesus is the ultimate demonstration of God's power over death, and it
promises what is to come for those who believe in Him.
As George seeks to honor God through his illness, he can draw strength from
the hope of resurrection. This hope can sustain him through even the most
difficult moments and provide him with a sense of purpose as he seeks to make
the most of the time he has left. By living out his faith in the face of adversity,
George can serve as a witness to the transformative power of God's love and
grace. In this way, his suffering can testify to Christians' hope in Christ and
© 2024. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
, 2
inspire others who may be facing their own struggles.
2. Based on the case and topic Resources, in 300-400 words, as the individual(s) must
contemplate life with their dilemma, how would the Christian worldview inform
their view about the value of life as a person?
George is a man who has been diagnosed with ALS, a degenerative and
incurable disease that affects the nervous system. As George tries to come to
terms with the reality of his condition, he finds himself questioning the value of
his life. He wonders what his purpose is and how he can find solace and hope
despite his illness.
As a Christian, one's worldview is shaped by the belief that every human being
is created in God's image and is intrinsically valuable, irrespective of their
achievements or circumstances. This means George's life has inherent worth
and dignity, regardless of his physical abilities or limitations. As a Christian,
one would view George's condition through compassion and empathy,
recognizing his pain and suffering and seeking to support him in any way
possible. One would also encourage George to find solace and hope in his faith,
knowing that God has a plan and a purpose for his life, even in the face of his
illness. Ultimately, one would seek to honor and glorify God in how they
approach George's situation, recognizing that every human life is precious and
deserving of respect and dignity.
As a Christian, I believe every human being is created in God's likeness. This
teaching can provide George with comfort and purpose, even in the face of his
illness. It can help him understand that his worth is not defined by his physical
abilities or limitations but rather by the fact that he is made in God's image. I
would remind George that his primary purpose as a Christian is to honor and
glorify God in all he does. He can embrace his illness as an opportunity to grow
closer to God and give Him the glory. By doing so, he can find meaning and
purpose in his suffering and use it to bring glory to God.
As George faces the challenges and uncertainties that come with his illness, I
would encourage him to remain steadfast in his faith. I would remind him that
God has a plan and a purpose for his life and that he can trust Him to see him
through his struggles and trials. George can use his condition to highlight the
true worth and significance of every human life, regardless of the
circumstances. He can find hope and comfort in his faith and the knowledge
that he is not alone in his struggles.
3. Based on the case and topic Resources, in 300-400 words, how does the concept of
suffering in a Christian worldview inform their deliberations about the choices they
will make?
After reading the "Case Study: End-of-Life Decisions" document (or one provided by your
instructor) and topic Resources, respond to the following, using only citations from the case
and topic Resources:
1. Based on the case and topic Resources, in 300-400 words, how might the individual(s)
interpret their suffering in light of the Christian view of the fallen world and the hope
of resurrection?
According to the biblical story, sin has both spiritual and physical
consequences. This means that disobedience to God's word has grave
implications for the soul and the body. The story of Adam and Eve's
disobedience is a clear example. As a result of their sin, they were punished
with sickness, struggle, and ultimately death. It is important to note that God
did not initially intend these consequences. Instead, they were a result of
humanity's disobedience.
When individuals are confronted with afflictions like ALS or other illnesses,
it's natural for them to grapple with a range of emotions, including questioning
God's intentions. However, it's vital to remember that these conditions are not
punishments for specific wrongdoings. Instead, they are reminders of the
inherent imperfection of humanity. No matter the trials one faces, it's crucial to
seek solace in the unwavering goodness of God and His ongoing purpose for
humanity.
From a Christian worldview, the story of Adam and Eve's disobedience and its
consequences is just one example of the pervasive impact of sin on humanity.
However, the good news is that, through Jesus Christ, believers have hope for
eternal life beyond this present world. The promise of resurrection is central to
the Christian faith and provides a profound source of comfort in the face of
death and suffering.
As George faces the physical and emotional challenges of ALS, he can take
comfort in the fact that his suffering is only temporary. In the Christian
worldview, death is not the end but a transition to eternal life. The resurrection
of Jesus is the ultimate demonstration of God's power over death, and it
promises what is to come for those who believe in Him.
As George seeks to honor God through his illness, he can draw strength from
the hope of resurrection. This hope can sustain him through even the most
difficult moments and provide him with a sense of purpose as he seeks to make
the most of the time he has left. By living out his faith in the face of adversity,
George can serve as a witness to the transformative power of God's love and
grace. In this way, his suffering can testify to Christians' hope in Christ and
© 2024. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
, 2
inspire others who may be facing their own struggles.
2. Based on the case and topic Resources, in 300-400 words, as the individual(s) must
contemplate life with their dilemma, how would the Christian worldview inform
their view about the value of life as a person?
George is a man who has been diagnosed with ALS, a degenerative and
incurable disease that affects the nervous system. As George tries to come to
terms with the reality of his condition, he finds himself questioning the value of
his life. He wonders what his purpose is and how he can find solace and hope
despite his illness.
As a Christian, one's worldview is shaped by the belief that every human being
is created in God's image and is intrinsically valuable, irrespective of their
achievements or circumstances. This means George's life has inherent worth
and dignity, regardless of his physical abilities or limitations. As a Christian,
one would view George's condition through compassion and empathy,
recognizing his pain and suffering and seeking to support him in any way
possible. One would also encourage George to find solace and hope in his faith,
knowing that God has a plan and a purpose for his life, even in the face of his
illness. Ultimately, one would seek to honor and glorify God in how they
approach George's situation, recognizing that every human life is precious and
deserving of respect and dignity.
As a Christian, I believe every human being is created in God's likeness. This
teaching can provide George with comfort and purpose, even in the face of his
illness. It can help him understand that his worth is not defined by his physical
abilities or limitations but rather by the fact that he is made in God's image. I
would remind George that his primary purpose as a Christian is to honor and
glorify God in all he does. He can embrace his illness as an opportunity to grow
closer to God and give Him the glory. By doing so, he can find meaning and
purpose in his suffering and use it to bring glory to God.
As George faces the challenges and uncertainties that come with his illness, I
would encourage him to remain steadfast in his faith. I would remind him that
God has a plan and a purpose for his life and that he can trust Him to see him
through his struggles and trials. George can use his condition to highlight the
true worth and significance of every human life, regardless of the
circumstances. He can find hope and comfort in his faith and the knowledge
that he is not alone in his struggles.
3. Based on the case and topic Resources, in 300-400 words, how does the concept of
suffering in a Christian worldview inform their deliberations about the choices they
will make?
