Euthanasia, defined as the intentional death of a terminally ill person to prevent their suffering, is one of the most intense and complex bioethical debates of our time. As a believer, you may wonder: What does the Bible really say about euthanasia? Are there clear positions within Christianity? What do the most influential theologians think about this sensitive issue, and what are the biblical arguments that support these positions?
Below, you'll find a comprehensive analysis of the biblical approach to euthanasia, the interpretation of key passages, the official positions of Catholics, Protestants, and Evangelicals, and the contributions of renowned theologians. This journey will help you understand how the Christian faith responds to one of the deepest moral dilemmas of modernity.
Does the Bible mention euthanasia? Biblical principles on life and death
First, it's important to clarify that the Bible does not explicitly mention euthanasia as we understand it today. You won't find accounts of "assisted dying" or specific terms in Scripture. However, the fundamental principles and values that run through the Bible have historically been applied by the Church to the debate over euthanasia.
The biblical message about life and death is overwhelming: life is a sacred gift from God , and only He has ultimate authority over when it begins and ends. On numerous occasions, the biblical text condemns homicide and suicide and calls for caring for the vulnerable and suffering.
Old Testament: The sacredness of life
In the Old Testament , human life is considered sacred because it is the direct work of God. The famous commandment "You shall not kill" (Exodus 20:13) is the ethical foundation upon which doctrines about respect for life have been built. Traditionally, this precept has been understood as a prohibition against taking innocent life under any circumstances, including actions motivated by compassion.
Deuteronomy 32:39 declares, “I kill and I give life,” reaffirming God’s absolute sovereignty over existence. Ecclesiastes 8:8 , meanwhile, states, “No man has authority over the day of death.” The account in Job 30:23 also reflects that only God determines the final moment.
Historical accounts are equally illustrative. For example, when the gravely wounded King Saul asks to be killed to avoid being taken prisoner, his armor-bearer refuses (1 Samuel 31:4). Later, a soldier confesses to David that he killed Saul to "end his suffering," but David condemns him for killing God's anointed (2 Samuel 1:9-16). This story has traditionally been interpreted as a biblical rejection of any form of euthanasia or assisted suicide.
New Testament: The Value of Life and Christian Hope
The New Testament makes no direct reference to euthanasia, but it reaffirms essential principles. Jesus reaffirms the commandment “not to kill” (Matthew 19:18). Paul, in his Letter to the Romans, says: “Whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord” (Romans 14:8), emphasizing that life and death belong to God.
Another relevant biblical argument is provided by 1 Corinthians 6:19: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit… and that you are not your own?”, recalling that human life is not an individual possession, but a gift that is administered before God.
Throughout his ministry, Jesus always showed compassion for the sick, but he never suggested ending the life of those who suffered; on the contrary, he healed and accompanied them. Suffering, although mysterious and difficult, is presented in the New Testament as a reality that can have a purpose (Romans 5:3-4; James 1:2-4), but deliberately shortening one's life is never justified.
Hebrews 9:27 teaches that death has a time predetermined by God: “It is appointed for men to die once, and after this comes judgment.” Finally, Revelation promises that God will wipe away every tear, and there will be no more death or pain (Revelation 21:4), which gives the believer hope in the midst of suffering.
Official position of the Catholic Church on euthanasia
The Catholic Church maintains a categorical position: euthanasia, in any form, is a morally unacceptable act. This position is supported by both traditional doctrine and contemporary official documents.
Key documents and official doctrine
In the Declaration Iura et Bona (1980), the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith reaffirmed that euthanasia is “a grave violation of God’s law.” This doctrine was confirmed by Saint John Paul II in his encyclical Evangelium Vitae (1995): “Euthanasia is a grave violation of God’s law, insofar as it is the deliberate and morally unacceptable killing of a human person.”
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (number 2277) is forceful: “Whatever the motives and the means, direct euthanasia consists in putting an end to the life of disabled, sick, or dying persons. It is morally unacceptable… it constitutes a homicide gravely contrary to the dignity of the human person and respect for the living God, his Creator.”
Differentiation between euthanasia and refusal of disproportionate treatments
The Church clearly distinguishes between active euthanasia (causing death) and acceptance of a natural end (ceasing disproportionate or useless treatments). Refusing therapeutic overzealousness, or administering painkillers even if they may indirectly shorten life, is permissible if the intention is to alleviate pain and not cause death.
The Samaritanus Bonus Charter (2020) reaffirms this distinction and promotes palliative care, considering that true compassion is to accompany and relieve pain, not to eliminate those who suffer.
Catholic Conclusion
In short, for Catholicism, euthanasia is a grave sin , and no human law can legitimize an act that the Church considers a "crime" against human dignity and the sovereignty of God. Allowing someone to die in peace when there is no medical hope is permitted, and the use of painkillers is supported, but direct action to end life is never.
Vision of the Protestant churches: consensus, diversity and nuances
Mainstream Protestantism shares with Catholicism the defense of the sanctity of life and the rejection of active euthanasia. However, due to its decentralized structure, there are notable differences between denominations and regions.
Majority position
Most mainline Protestant churches (Anglicans, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Methodists, Baptists) hold that human life is a gift from God and that only He can decide its end. They have issued official statements against euthanasia and assisted suicide. For example, the Episcopal Church stated in 1991 that deliberately causing the death of a human being to alleviate suffering is “morally wrong and unacceptable.”
The Southern Baptist Convention and the Assemblies of God have publicly rejected euthanasia, defending the Christian duty to communion and alleviate pain without actively shortening life.
Nuances and internal diversity
Some liberal Protestant churches are showing greater openness to discussing euthanasia. For example, the United Church of Christ supports the freedom of conscience of terminally ill patients and their right to decide their own end. The Church of England rejects active euthanasia but accepts passive euthanasia under strict medical and ethical criteria. In Canada, the United Church has begun to show some acceptance of assisted suicide following its legalization, always as a last resort and with ethical oversight.
However, these progressive approaches are exceptions. The traditional Protestant consensus remains the rejection of active euthanasia, promoting instead palliative care and spiritual guidance.
Position of the evangelical churches: uncompromising defense of life
Evangelical churches , which focus on biblical authority and the value of life from a conservative perspective, maintain one of the strongest stances against euthanasia.
Theological arguments
Evangelicals affirm that life has intrinsic value , even in suffering, because every person is created in the image of God. The National Association of Evangelicals has stated that there are no circumstances that justify euthanasia; human dignity prohibits actively causing someone's death.
Churches such as the Assemblies of God , Seventh-day Adventists , and Evangelical Baptists consider euthanasia and assisted suicide to be sins equivalent to homicide or suicide, and promote laws to prohibit such practices.
Emphasis on accompaniment
The evangelical movement insists that the correct response is to accompany the sick, pray for wisdom, and trust in God until the natural end. There are fears that the legalization of euthanasia will lead to a social devaluation of the lives of the elderly, the disabled, and the vulnerable.
Evangelical conclusion
Evangelical Christianity, therefore, flatly rejects euthanasia and promotes a culture of care, compassion, and respect for life, in line with the biblical message and Christian tradition.
Opinions of renowned Christian theologians: arguments against and in favor
Theologians against euthanasia
The dominant position among Christian theologians is the rejection of euthanasia . As early as the 5th century, Saint Augustine held that it is not permissible to kill another, even out of compassion. Saint Thomas Aquinas argued that life is a good given by God, not available to human discretion.
In the 20th century, figures such as Dietrich Bonhoeffer and John Paul II denounced euthanasia as a "perversion of mercy," defending the value of suffering and the importance of accompaniment to the natural end. Evangelical theologians such as John Stott and Stanley Hauerwas insist that euthanasia betrays the Christian vocation to care for the vulnerable and accompany those in pain.
Theologians in favor of euthanasia in extreme circumstances
A minority of Christian theologians maintains that, in cases of extreme and irreversible suffering, voluntary euthanasia could be an act of compassion and dignity. Swiss Catholic theologian Hans Küng defended the possibility of a "death with dignity," arguing that God-given responsible freedom could include the decision about one's own death. Anglican Archbishop Desmond Tutu even supported the right to assisted dying for terminally ill patients, invoking the values of compassion and justice.
However, even these theologians propose strict conditions : voluntary consent, terminal illness, absence of palliative alternatives, and rigorous ethical oversight. These positions generate intense debate and remain exceptional within the Christian world.
Conclusions: Christian consensus and contemporary dilemmas
Analyzing biblical texts and historical teachings, mainstream Christianity concludes that euthanasia is not morally acceptable . The Bible, both the Old and New Testaments, presents life as an inviolable divine gift and rejects the deliberate act of shortening life. The three main branches of Christianity—Catholics, Protestants, and Evangelicals—agree in condemning euthanasia, promoting companionship, the relief of suffering, and respect for God's will.
Although there are some Christian voices that appeal to compassion and personal autonomy to justify euthanasia in extreme circumstances, these opinions remain minority and controversial.
Ultimately, the Christian faith calls us to defend life, even in the midst of suffering, and to trust in divine providence. The question remains open for individual and collective discernment: how can we live authentic compassion and respect for human dignity when facing the mystery of suffering and death?
What do you think is the most faithful Christian response to Jesus' message regarding euthanasia in our current times? I invite you to share your opinion and contribute to this important debate.
