5.
THE QUESTIONS WAS: Which of the following does the
Church NOT condemn as a grave evil?
A.
suicide
B.
assisted suicide
C.
autopsies
THE
ANSWER IS
C
Autopsies
can be permitted for legal or scientific research.
However, suicide is the murder of a human
being made in the image of God. We do not own our bodies. God does. Suicide is
telling God we dont trust His word that He has a higher purpose for us. Its a
rejection of his love and His generous gift of salvation to those who suffer
with His sake.
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CATECHISM EXCERPTS
Euthanasia
2276 Those whose lives are
diminished or weakened deserve special respect. Sick or handicapped persons
should be helped to lead lives as normal as possible.
2277 Whatever its motives and means, direct
euthanasia consists in putting an end to the lives of handicapped, sick, or
dying persons. It is morally unacceptable.
Thus an act or omission which, of itself or by
intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering constitutes a murder
gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and to the respect due to
the living God, his Creator. The error of judgment into which one can fall in
good faith does not change the nature of this murderous act, which must always
be forbidden and excluded.
2278 Discontinuing
medical procedures that are burdensome, dangerous, extraordinary, or
disproportionate to the expected outcome can be legitimate; it is the refusal
of "over-zealous" treatment. Here one does not will to cause death;
one's inability to impede it is merely accepted. The decisions should be made
by the patient if he is competent and able or, if not, by those legally
entitled to act for the patient, whose reasonable will and legitimate interests
must always be respected.
2279 Even if death is thought
imminent, the ordinary care owed to a sick person cannot be legitimately
interrupted. The use of painkillers to alleviate the sufferings of the dying,
even at the risk of shortening their days, can be morally in conformity with
human dignity if death is not willed as either an end or a means, but only
foreseen and tolerated as inevitable Palliative care is a special form of
disinterested charity. As such it should be encouraged.
Suicide
2280 Everyone is responsible for
his life before God who has given it to him. It is God who remains the
sovereign Master of life. We are obliged to accept life gratefully and preserve
it for his honor and the salvation of our souls. We are stewards, not owners,
of the life God has entrusted to us. It is not ours to dispose of.
2281 Suicide contradicts the
natural inclination of the human being to preserve and perpetuate his life. It
is gravely contrary to the just love of self. It likewise offends love of
neighbor because it unjustly breaks the ties of solidarity with family, nation,
and other human societies to which we continue to have obligations. Suicide is
contrary to love for the living God.
2282 If suicide is committed with
the intention of setting an example, especially to the young, it also takes on
the gravity of scandal. Voluntary co-operation in suicide is contrary to the
moral law.
Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or
grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility
of the one committing suicide.
2283 We should not despair of the
eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to
him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church
prays for persons who have taken their own lives.
Autopsies
2301 Autopsies can be morally
permitted for legal inquests or scientific research. The free gift of organs
after death is legitimate and can be meritorious.
The Church permits cremation, provided that it
does not demonstrate a denial of faith in the resurrection of the body.
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