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Each of us has the right to die with dignity - and no-one has the right to take that decision from us.
This is a relatively simple subject.
First, we define our terms:
• an individual commits suicide when they
take their own life
• an individual who decides to end their
own life but requires assistance to do so
undergoes euthanasia (also known as
assisted suicide).
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"Euthanasia" has been used in the past to describe the killing of individuals by
others who consider them less worthy human beings, because of their race, mental or physical defects or
other reason. This is, of course, immoral and unacceptable.
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In both cases, the individual has decided that their life is not worth living and that it is less harmful to them to die than to live.
The difference is that individuals contemplating suicide are usually physically well but beset by problems that they feel they cannot resolve, while those considering euthanasia are suffering from incurable medical conditions that severely restrict their lives and may impose intolerable pain.
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Believers tell you that killing people is wrong because God condemns it. But the Jewish / Christian / Muslim God does not condemn all killing and he often encourages people to kill others. The reality is that religious morality places no value on human life - only on obedience to God.
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6.10a Who decides?
Morality tells us that we have the right to choose the time and manner of our death if our life becomes intolerable.
Problems arise, however, when others, who have a different perspective, claim that there are alternative solutions and the individual's situation can be improved. Preventing death and improving the quality of life for others is also moral.
There is therefore a conflict between those
who want to die and those who want to save their lives. Both have morality on their side.
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Are atheists immoral?
Religion makes a strong claim to morality - only God and faith,
apparently, keep us moral.
It's a nice idea, but it's false. Religious morality is frequently harmful; only humanist values
guarantee a truly ethical approach to life.
6.1: Defining morality
What's good for us?
6.2: God's morals
... leave much to be desired
6.3: Morals and ethics
From the abstract to the actual
6.4: Sex: what is it good for?
Whatever you want it to be
6.5: God and sex
Confusion and control
6.6: Sex: a broad spectrum
Tastes vary
6.7: Sex: Tell the children
Educate and protect
6.8: Abortion
An ethical approach
6.9: Humane justice
The death penalty is immoral
6.10: Suicide and euthanasia
Dying with dignity
6.11: Recreational drugs
A moral issue?
6.12: Do good...
... for goodness' sake
6.13: Summary
Finished this chapter? Move on to
Chapter 7
Beyond Religion
How do you live when you realize that religion is false?
Do you descend into despair? Lead a life of crime and
depravity?
The opposite, actually. Atheists appear more likely to live
moral, happy lives than those who are stuck in superstition.
Not sure what you're looking for?
If there's a word that you don't recognize, it might be defined
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If there's a topic you're looking for, check the Search box at
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If there's something you want to ask, send an
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We can't guarantee an answer, but we'll do our best.
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But at the end of the day, it is up to the individual concerned to decide what they will do. While others have the right - and the obligation - to help those contemplating suicide see alternatives that may keep them alive, no-one has the right to prevent to an individual from ending their life at a time and in a manner of their own choosing.
A true moral code not only allows, but insists, that
each of us has the right to die with dignity - and no-one has the right to take that decision from us.
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If God existed, he would...
admire the beauty of a universe that he did not create
recognize that eternity is meaningless
deny both heaven and hell
disown all men and women who speak in his name
denounce the harm caused by religious "morality"
help the human race to thrive without him
If God existed, he would be an atheist.
What is the difference between science and faith?
science is certain of nothing and requires proof of everything
faith is certain of everything and requires proof of nothing
Which do you trust?
"I know there is no God"
or
"I believe there is no God"
???
Check the answer
wear the Scarlet letter
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