The Breathe Of Life
The news lately has been flooded with the Terri Schiavo saga. Its not the first time. This issue has been at the national forefront for at least a year now as far as I can remember it. During which all those involved have been on an emotional roller coaster. Many people have formed their opinion about this ordeal based on what they have heard. Some have said that Michael Schiavo is an abusive opportunistic husband that just wants to kill his wife for selfish reasons. He has often portrayed himself as the only one that is doing what Terri would have wanted. The family in nearly every case has been viewed as the family that just can't come to grips with the truth. The truth being that Terry is dead already and will never recover. With that said I would like to now ask you to forget about all of that.
The definition of life as we know it is the real issue at hand in this situation. How we answer it reveals alot about how we value life and how far we are willing to go to preserve it. Is a person alive if they have an unassisted heartbeat? Would mechanical hearts and pacemakers qualify? Is a person alive simply by breathing? What criteria should we use? The Bible says that God breathed the breath of life into man and he became a living soul. The soul isn't the mechanical workings of the body. It is the life of the person. It is who they are when stripped away of everything else. The soul can't be measured scientifically. It can't be seen or readily identified, but I think we can all recognize when it isn't there.
My opinion is that Terri Schiavo is doing way to much on her own to be considered dead already. I also think that science alone can't be used to properly evaluate the opposing argument. Science hasn't proven itself to be infallible. I also disregard what Terri Schiavo may or may not have said about how she would want to live or die. Not out of disrespect for her, but simply because that is hearsay and not enough to end the life of someone. We all have said things and later changed our mind.
The Breathe Of Life is to be greatly valued. The soul is not to be forgotten. We cannot allow ourselves to define life just based on a series of responses or lack thereof.
The definition of life as we know it is the real issue at hand in this situation. How we answer it reveals alot about how we value life and how far we are willing to go to preserve it. Is a person alive if they have an unassisted heartbeat? Would mechanical hearts and pacemakers qualify? Is a person alive simply by breathing? What criteria should we use? The Bible says that God breathed the breath of life into man and he became a living soul. The soul isn't the mechanical workings of the body. It is the life of the person. It is who they are when stripped away of everything else. The soul can't be measured scientifically. It can't be seen or readily identified, but I think we can all recognize when it isn't there.
My opinion is that Terri Schiavo is doing way to much on her own to be considered dead already. I also think that science alone can't be used to properly evaluate the opposing argument. Science hasn't proven itself to be infallible. I also disregard what Terri Schiavo may or may not have said about how she would want to live or die. Not out of disrespect for her, but simply because that is hearsay and not enough to end the life of someone. We all have said things and later changed our mind.
The Breathe Of Life is to be greatly valued. The soul is not to be forgotten. We cannot allow ourselves to define life just based on a series of responses or lack thereof.
posted by Ben at 8:34 PM
4 Comments:
I've been really thinking about this lately and arguing with myself about what I would do. If it were me in Terri's situation knowing only what I know now, I wouldn't want to live. But at the same time, she shouldn't have to die because she is a burden on someone else. I don't think people understand life enough to judge the difference. I think it's rather arrogant to think that we (general) believe it is up to us to choose life or death for someone.
The wisest thing I have heard anyone on TV say about this whole thing is President Bush saying that it is better to err on the side of life.
I found your blog randomly and wanted to comment. I agree- if we aren't sure whether SHE would want to live (although I believe she would) then we should indeed err on the side of life. It breaks my heart that she probably won't get that chance.
Yes, this is a terribly sad situation, and with all the heated political attention, I don't see how any one wins here.
One thing that is extremly difficult to do is to be intentional in our deliberations on this matter. We must be very careful not to bear false witness against either side.
At this stage it appears that she will soon be in the nearer presence of God, for which, I offer this prayer.
Almighty God, whose peace passes all understanding, we pray that when you deem it time, you will free your servant from all earthly cares, pardon her sins, release her from pain and suffering and grant she may come to dwell with all your saints in everlasting joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered: Accept our prayers on behalf of your servant Terri, and grant her an entrance into the land of light and joy, in the fellowship of Your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Most merciful God, Whose wisdom is beyond our understanding: Deal graciously with her family in their grief. Surround them with Your love, that they may not be overwhelmed by their loss, but have confidence in Your goodness, and strength to meet the days to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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