What Different Religions Have to Say on Euthanasia

The question of the legality of euthanasia has never been thoroughly settled and the controversy threatens to rage on for many more years. Euthanasia is most difficult to settle in the aspect of ethics and morality, which, in reality is the major deterrent to its legalization. If morality objects, then there is no way that legislation can have it passed.

It goes without saying of course that morality is tied to religion. The moral objections to euthanasia stem from the viewpoint of the major religious traditions of the world. One such major tradition that has been strong in its opposition is Christianity.

Christian faith is of course founded on scriptural text. The Bible in the Book of Exodus details the story of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments. One of these commandments explicitly orders, "Thou shall not kill." This has been understood as a clear, divine law against any form of killing. It has been counter argued however that this Biblical reference has been hugely misinterpreted. The Ten Commandments were primarily handed down for the regulation of Hebrew community life. The rule not to kill was God's instruction for Hebrews to preserve the lives of their fellow Hebrews in the community to ensure the group's continued peaceful existence. Then again, Christianity adheres to these Commandments. God's law is for everyone. In this sense, euthanasia, which is still a form of killing, is regarded as a sin, whether it be voluntary or non-voluntary.