Religious Ethics and Active Euthanasia in a Pluralistic Society

A descriptive typology of religious perspectives on legalized euthanasia—political advocacy, individual conscience, silence, embedded opposition, and formal public opposition—is set out and the normative basis for these perspectives is examined through the themes of sovereignty, stewardship, and the self.

Abstract

This article sets out a descriptive typology of religious perspectives on legalized euthanasia--political advocacy, individual conscience, silence, embedded opposition, and formal public opposition--and then examines the normative basis for these perspectives through the themes of sovereignty, stewardship, and the self. It also explores the public relevance of these religious perspectives for debates over legalized euthanasia, particularly in the realm of public policy. Ironically, the moral discourse of religious traditions on euthanasia may gain public relevance at the expense of its religious content. Nonetheless, religious traditions can provide a context of ultimacy and meaning to this debate, which is a condition for genuine pluralism. A table setting out the views of various denominations with regard to euthanasia is included.