I can’t fathom a much worse position than being a parent and having a child that wants to end their own life. Then to talk to a doctor who is playing the role of Pontius Pilate; what a bitter and maddening tale. Is this how a free society has come to be defined? On the one hand I can see the argument in favor: we are being merciful. They…
I can’t fathom a much worse position than being a parent and having a child that wants to end their own life. Then to talk to a doctor who is playing the role of Pontius Pilate; what a bitter and maddening tale. Is this how a free society has come to be defined? On the one hand I can see the argument in favor: we are being merciful. They are no longer in pain. They are free to make decisions regarding their own fate. On the other I see the stark apathy. This is an easy button for the society at large. It purges us of our responsibility to the meek, the sick, and the dying. It is the small and the powerless made to feel their insignificance to the rest of us. It sure makes me ponder my own good fortune and family. There, but for the grace of God, go I.
There’s a lot of psychological literature showing that suicide is often anger not just despair, and the anger is often directed at family. There seems to be some of that in the young man’s story here. Yes he’s hurting his mother, but it seems quite deliberate.
Well said; thank you. We cease to be our brothers' keepers; we cease to do for the lesser and suffering among us; and it is now OK to do that. God loves a grateful heart; and but for the grace of God, as you point out, there we could all be. Take care.
I can’t fathom a much worse position than being a parent and having a child that wants to end their own life. Then to talk to a doctor who is playing the role of Pontius Pilate; what a bitter and maddening tale. Is this how a free society has come to be defined? On the one hand I can see the argument in favor: we are being merciful. They are no longer in pain. They are free to make decisions regarding their own fate. On the other I see the stark apathy. This is an easy button for the society at large. It purges us of our responsibility to the meek, the sick, and the dying. It is the small and the powerless made to feel their insignificance to the rest of us. It sure makes me ponder my own good fortune and family. There, but for the grace of God, go I.
There’s a lot of psychological literature showing that suicide is often anger not just despair, and the anger is often directed at family. There seems to be some of that in the young man’s story here. Yes he’s hurting his mother, but it seems quite deliberate.
Well said; thank you. We cease to be our brothers' keepers; we cease to do for the lesser and suffering among us; and it is now OK to do that. God loves a grateful heart; and but for the grace of God, as you point out, there we could all be. Take care.