An Integrative Christian Bioethical Framework: Case Analysis of Pothoven and Lambert

Death is an inevitable fact of life, and euthanasia is often an option to end suffering. This study seeks to explore Christian ethical considerations of euthanasia through the case studies of Noa Pothoven, a depressive teenager, and Vincent Lambert, a quadriplegic patient. The need for this research arises from the growing public debate about euthanasia and its significance to reaffirming the Christian ethical perspective on the issue. The methodology used is a qualitative analysis of the Pothoven and Lambert cases, with a biblical and theological basis to understand euthanasia from the perspective of the Christian faith. The purpose of this research is to examine euthanasia through the lens of the sanctity of life, the sovereignty of God, and the value of suffering, including providing ethical enlightenment for Christians in dealing with the complexity of this problem. The results of the research show that the Christian perspective rejects active and involuntary euthanasia because it violates the sixth commandment (you shall not kill) and ignores the sanctity of life. However, natural passive euthanasia is acceptable in irreversible conditions after maximum medical efforts. Finally, the findings of this research also encourage an ethical awareness of praxis to preserve life and provide spiritual and emotional support for those who suffer and survive.

Authors

Publication Details

Journal
Theological Journal Kerugma
Published
2025-06-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.33856/kerugma.v8i1.486
Primary Topic
Ethics in medical practice
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

An Integrative Christian Bioethical Framework: Case Analysis of Pothoven and Lambert

Kezia Ratih Runtu, Ferdinandus Butarbutar
Theological Journal Kerugma
Ethics in medical practice
article

An Integrative Christian Bioethical Framework: Case Analysis of Pothoven and Lambert

Kezia Ratih Runtu, Ferdinandus Butarbutar
article en

Abstract

Death is an inevitable fact of life, and euthanasia is often an option to end suffering. This study seeks to explore Christian ethical considerations of euthanasia through the case studies of Noa Pothoven, a depressive teenager, and Vincent Lambert, a quadriplegic patient. The need for this research arises from the growing public debate about euthanasia and its significance to reaffirming the Christian ethical perspective on the issue. The methodology used is a qualitative analysis of the Pothoven and Lambert cases, with a biblical and theological basis to understand euthanasia from the perspective of the Christian faith. The purpose of this research is to examine euthanasia through the lens of the sanctity of life, the sovereignty of God, and the value of suffering, including providing ethical enlightenment for Christians in dealing with the complexity of this problem. The results of the research show that the Christian perspective rejects active and involuntary euthanasia because it violates the sixth commandment (you shall not kill) and ignores the sanctity of life. However, natural passive euthanasia is acceptable in irreversible conditions after maximum medical efforts. Finally, the findings of this research also encourage an ethical awareness of praxis to preserve life and provide spiritual and emotional support for those who suffer and survive.

Theological Journal KerugmaVol. 8(1)
Openalex Percentile: Top 64%
Ethics in medical practice
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