What shall we do with Norman? An experiment in communal discernment

Area of Science:

• Christian Ethics
• Medical Ethics
• Theology

Background:

• A group of Christian friends grappled with the ethical dilemma of assisting a terminally ill individual.
• The case involved a seventy-nine-year-old friend, Norman, facing end-of-life decisions.

Observation:

• The friends experienced profound moral ambiguity regarding their potential involvement in Norman's death.
• Communal discernment was employed to clarify their responsibilities.

Findings:

• The discernment process revealed a responsibility to help Norman live according to his Christian faith and baptismal vows.
• This involved embracing a life conformed to Christian beliefs about life and death, rather than imposing a chosen end.

Implications:

• The study highlights the importance of communal discernment in navigating complex end-of-life ethical decisions within a faith context.
• It emphasizes a theological perspective on life, autonomy, and purpose, centering on faith rather than self-determination.