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Approaching Death: Dying as a Way of Life
What is the proper Christian attitude toward death? What responsibility do Christians have to live their whole lives in preparation for death? In order to answer these questions, we should investigate how to cultivate the proper virtues and how to give careful thought to practical issues such as financial responsibility and living wills. Then we will consider organ donation in light of these broader questions about preparing for death. These discussions will enable us to explore important questions about accepting and refusing medical treatment—both for oneself and on behalf of others. The Christian’s Attitude toward Death Before investigating the practical ways in which Christians should prepare to die, we do well to ponder the general attitude that they should adopt toward death. Is death an enemy, a natural inevitability, or perhaps a friend? As explored in chapter 2, Scripture presents clear answers about such questions. But Christians hear not only the voice of Scripture but also the voice of the broader, unbelieving world. This latter voice communicates in both obvious and subtle ways—through television, film, books, and the opinions of medical professionals from whom the news of death often comes. Christians often find it difficult 171
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