New Developments in End-of-Life Teaching for Roman Catholic Healthcare: The Implications of Samaritanus Bonus (“The Good Samaritan”)

2021 ◽  
pp. 104990912110343
Author(s):  
Michael J. Redinger ◽  
Jason T. Eberl
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
Roman Catholic ◽  
New Developments ◽  
Good Samaritan ◽  
Catholic Healthcare

Hospice ministry as apologetics

2014 ◽  
Vol 111 (3) ◽  
pp. 287-291
Author(s):  
Alice Tremaine
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
Terminal Illness ◽  
Hospice Care ◽  
Problem Of Evil ◽  
Good Samaritan ◽  
Spiritual Crisis ◽  
The Problem Of Evil ◽  
History Of ◽  
Modern Context ◽  
Christian Apologetics

The objective of this article is to present the act of compassion—particularly compassion at the end of life through hospice care—as an appropriate response to the problem of evil. A thesis of the article is that the end of life presents opportunities for engaging in practical Christian apologetics, such as emulating God’s compassion for those who suffer and acknowledging God’s presence in the midst of suffering and evil. The article begins by discussing the history of hospice care, from its medieval beginnings to its modern context, as well as the potential spiritual crisis that is brought on by terminal illness. I contend that practical gestures of compassion are appropriate responses to evil and suffering, and ways of proclaiming God’s existence and message. In order to support this thesis, I draw from commentary from John Swinton and Marcus Borg, as well as Jesus’ parables and contemporary stories. I conclude the article by asserting that God is revealed in the act of compassion and also seen in those who are suffering. The article calls for a response based on Jesus’ commandment in the “Good Samaritan parable” to “go and do likewise.”

Intense Activity: 1965–1990

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Günther Gassmann
Keyword(s):  
Social Action ◽  
Catholic Church ◽  
Roman Catholic ◽  
Roman Catholic Church ◽  
Second Vatican Council ◽  
New Developments ◽  
Vatican Council ◽  
Church And Society ◽  
Intense Activity ◽  
Holistic Vision

This chapter explains that 1965–1990 was a highly intensive period of ecumenical action and reflection. A new and very active partner had entered the ecumenical scene, namely the Roman Catholic Church, following the Second Vatican Council. There were also significant new developments in social action and theological reflection and a number of outstanding events. A radical, holistic vision of mission emerged and prompted critical reaction from the evangelical Lausanne Movement. Ecumenical theological studies under the auspices of Faith and Order on common faith, sacraments, and unity drew much attention, especially in relation to the most widely distributed and discussed ecumenical document thus far: Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry (BEM) of 1982. New perspectives on the community of women and men in church and society were also developed.

Terri Schiavo and the use of artificial nutrition and fluids: Insights from the Catholic tradition on end-of-life care

2006 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOHN J. PARIS
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
End Of Life Care ◽  
Historical Memory ◽  
Roman Catholic ◽  
Feeding Tube ◽  
Artificial Nutrition ◽  
Life Care ◽  
Sanctity Of Life ◽  
Rational Discourse ◽  
Catholic Tradition

The recent events surrounding the case of Terri Schiavo have highlighted the moral implications of end-of-life care. Among the issues raised by Terri's parents against the withdrawal of her feeding tube was that doing so would be “euthanasia” and, as such, would violate their daughter's Roman Catholic religious beliefs. The emotionally charged rhetoric and the political posturing in this case drowned out both rational discourse and historical memory. Politicians and even a few bishops and cardinals were quick to join the parents in denouncing the removal of Terri Schiavo's feeding tube as “euthanasia” or “murder.” However, the interpretation of the Catholic position on the sanctity of life that led to that moral judgment is not in line with the centuries-long Catholic position on end-of-life care.

Gewissensentscheidung am Lebensende?

2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (3) ◽  
pp. 267-282
Author(s):  
Georg Dietlein
Keyword(s):  
End Of Life ◽  
Catholic Church ◽  
Assisted Suicide ◽  
Roman Catholic ◽  
Roman Catholic Church

Conscience is a sharp weapon against totalitarianism and injustice. A decision of conscience is to be respected, but the importance of a decision of conscience must not be devalued by abusing conscience for every personal conviction. At the end of life, in particular, the wish to “help” someone die (assisted suicide) is often referred to as a decision of conscience – both by doctors and relatives. According to the unambiguous teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, such a decision of conscience remains objectively wrong, even if the suicide assistant in individual cases acts with minor (or even no) moral guilt. A decision does not become correct by basing this decision on conscience. Moreover, every person is required to examine and purify conscience – also on the basis of the teaching of Church, which the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has impressively expanded in its letter Samaritanus bonus. Numerous practical consequences for Catholic institutions and doctors follow from this letter.

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