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Killing, karma and caring: euthanasia in Buddhism and Christianity
Journal of Medical Ethics
|October 1, 1995
Summary
This study compares Buddhist and Christian views on euthanasia, finding both religions oppose it. They reject justifications based on outcomes and uphold the sanctity of life, prohibiting intentional harm.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Comparative Religion
- Medical Ethics
Background:
- The 1993 Global Ethic declaration highlighted interfaith moral agreement but omitted medical ethics.
- Euthanasia remains a contentious issue across diverse cultural and religious contexts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine Buddhist and Christian perspectives on euthanasia.
- To identify common ethical grounds for opposition to euthanasia in these traditions.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of theological and ethical doctrines.
- Examination of religious texts and ethical frameworks concerning life and death.
Main Results:
- Both Buddhist and Christian traditions oppose euthanasia.
- Shared reasons for opposition include rejection of consequentialist ethics.
- A common 'sanctity of life' principle prohibits intentional termination of life.
Conclusions:
- Despite theological and cultural differences, Buddhism and Christianity share fundamental ethical objections to euthanasia.
- The principle of the sanctity of life provides a basis for opposing intentional killing in both religions.