Death And The Afterlife Flashcards
(46 cards)
What do Catholics believe about death?
Death is not the end of existence; it is a transition to eternal life with God.
Jesus taught that those who believe in him would have eternal life.
How should the belief in eternal life affect Catholics’ lives?
It gives purpose and meaning to their existence and affects how they treat the dying and approach death.
Death should be seen as a way into a new form of life.
What preparations should Catholics make for death?
- Spend time with family
- Make peace with loved ones
- Arrange wills
- Plan funeral details
Preparing for death includes emotional and practical arrangements.
What does ‘preparing for death’ include for those in pain?
Seeking palliative care to reduce pain in the final stages of life.
Palliative care focuses on comfort and quality of life.
What role do the liturgies and rites of the Church play for the dying?
They provide comfort for the dying and those who have lost loved ones through prayers.
Belief in eternal life is also expressed through music and art.
What is the Catholic Church’s stance on euthanasia?
The Church rejects euthanasia and assisted suicide as appropriate ways to end life.
This is based on the belief that all human life is sacred.
Why does the Catholic Church promote hospices and palliative care?
They respect the value of every person until their natural death and provide pain relief and dignity.
Palliative care includes medication, nursing, and practical help.
What is euthanasia?
Euthanasia means a ‘good’ or ‘gentle death’ where a medical professional administers medication to end life.
It is typically for individuals suffering from serious illnesses.
What is assisted suicide?
Assisted suicide is when an individual seeks help to end their own life in a pain-free way.
Some countries have laws permitting assisted suicide.
What is palliative care?
Palliative care is care for those who are terminally ill and their families.
It focuses on providing relief from pain and improving quality of life.
True or False: The Catholic Church believes that life is a gift from God.
True.
Life should be respected from conception to natural death.
What is the principle of sanctity of life?
The principle that life is sacred and should not be ended.
Define quality of life.
The general well-being of a person.
What does the right to die entail?
The choice of people suffering from incurable diseases to end their life before reaching painful final stages.
What do Catholics believe about human life?
All human life is sacred and should be respected from conception to natural death.
What is the Catholic view on euthanasia and assisted suicide?
It goes against the sanctity of life and is considered equivalent to murder.
What is acceptable regarding life support and brain death?
It is acceptable to turn off a life support machine if medical evidence shows the patient is braindead.
Is it acceptable to withdraw food and fluids from someone in a permanent vegetative state?
No, giving food and water is a basic requirement of human dignity.
What is the argument for quality of life over sanctity of life?
Quality of life is more important if a person can live free from pain and with dignity.
How can quality of life be assessed?
Quality of life is subjective and can be difficult to measure accurately.
Fill in the blank: People should be allowed to die with dignity using good _______.
[palliative care]
True or False: A person in constant pain may be said to have a good quality of life.
False
What is a common argument for allowing a right to die?
If a person has a poor quality of life, they have a right to die.
What is the view on refusing treatment that prolongs a painful illness?
It is acceptable if the burdens of treatment outweigh the benefits.
