Home昔日真理報2015年 真理報文章2015 年 3 月【特稿】關於安樂死的基督教立場

【特稿】關於安樂死的基督教立場

 

加拿大高等法院於 2015 年 2 月 6 日作出裁決,判現有禁止醫生輔助病人自殺的刑事法違憲,並給於國會一年期限修改法例,此判決並不是關乎病危者或傷重病人不繼續接受治療而自然死亡的問題,而是讓醫生有合法權利為病人注射致死毒物,結束病人生命。2 月 9 日溫哥華《都市報》記者就此議題採訪了溫哥華信友堂洪予健牧師,以下是洪牧師的回應:

醫生輔助自殺合法就是人們通常所說的安樂死。對於安樂死的議題,盡管加國各教會對此不一定有一致的回應,但站在基督教以《聖經》為本的立場上,我們對加國最高法院的這個判決感到悲哀。基督教的信仰就是神藉著《聖經》向我們說了話,我們必須懷著敬畏的心來領受的,我們所做的不能以自己的意思代表上帝,這是基督徒要成為上帝的兒女所必須具備的條件。

我們所理解的安樂死,就是當病人對自己的病情感到徹底絕望,或臨終極度衰竭且個人感到非常痛苦之時,請求醫生協助,平靜無痛苦地離開人世。必須指出,無論手法如何,這些都是需要醫生採取主動結束患者生命的。從大公教會所領受的以《聖經》為本的信仰來看,我們的態度是非常明確的,堅決反對這樣的安樂死。

安樂死的一個理據就是,這種死亡是病患為免受痛苦,自己自願的。盡管如此,讓醫生主動地結束另一個人的生命,仍然違背了《聖經》"十誡" 中 "不可殺人" 的誡命。因為我們的生命是神給的,按照神的形象所造,由此須向上帝負責,不可自行處理。醫生的職業是崇高的,他只是醫病救人,他沒有另外一項責任,可以去幫助殺人。對醫生而言這是 "犯了流人血的罪",也由此模糊了醫生職業的神聖和獨特性。人即使是犯了在上帝誡命中的死罪,也要通過嚴謹的程序和審定,才能按照律法處置。沒有人能以帝王或者領袖的身份去取消另外一個人的生命,生命權是公民天賦的權利。所以持正統信仰的基督徒認為:當罪犯殺了人,也是要以命抵命的(創世紀九章六節)。

在此我們強調的是神賜人生命的尊貴,此尊貴性在於神的掌管,任何人都無權結束自己的生命。人的真自由用於表達生命的尊貴,而不是用於毀滅生命。盡管在人的文化認知中,《聖經》中神的吩咐不合人的心意,但是我們相信人的認知有限,且帶著罪性,常常改變,唯有上帝的話是永不過時,無可置疑。信靠順服是基督徒今生永世的福分。

我們反對安樂死,並不表示要不顧一切地強行維持病患的生命。假定病患渾身插滿管子,只能靠著外部的設備維生,我們也不堅持做勉強的維持。這種適可而止的治療方式,不屬於安樂死,是可以接受的。但是,絕對不能給患者註射任何藥劑,讓患者加速死亡,這個界限非常分明。我們最擔心的是出現安樂死合法化後的 "滑坡效應",大家知道有些病患或年長者,當對自己的康復絕望的時候,甚至連家人都感到無力回天的時候,可能會因為法律的許可,而作出不智的選擇。更可能因著或不忍拖累兒女家人,或不願背負白占寶貴醫療資源的壓力,而 "自願" 選擇 "安樂死"。但最可怕的是,醫生對安樂死執行權的濫用。

荷蘭是最早通過允許安樂死的國家,他們的報告顯示,1990 年荷蘭約 130,000 的死亡人數中,有將近 6,000 個案例是沒有取得患者明確要求而被進行安樂死的(1),這種前車之鑒,一定要引起我們的高度關註。

來源
(1) Wesley Smith, "Going Dutch," National Review Online (Dec. 18, 2000).

備註:Canada's top court rules doctors can help kill patients; overturns assisted suicide law
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/breaking-canadas-top-court-rules-doctors-can-help-kill-patients

此判決很易被人濫用,對老弱及殘障人士做成的威脅最大,另外,在人權及醫療服務的名義下,醫生若本著良知拒絕提供此類「醫療服務」,有可能會受到?學會紀律處分或撿控。判決所意味的後果嚴重,請即上網簽署請願書,請求國會使用但書條款暫緩此裁決的執行。(請按 Sign a petition urging Canada's Parliament to stop assisted suicide here!).

 

      聖經金句 (Bible Verses)

喜樂 Joy

喜樂的心乃是良藥;憂傷的靈使骨枯乾。箴言 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22

然而,我要因耶和華歡欣,因救我的 神喜樂。哈巴谷書 3:18
yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:18

要常常喜樂,不住的禱告,凡事謝恩。帖撒羅尼迦前書 5:16-17
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

饒恕 Forgiveness

主啊,你本為良善,樂意饒恕人,有豐盛的慈愛賜給凡求告你的人。詩篇 86:5
You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Psalm 86:5

你不要說:“我要以惡報惡”;要等候耶和華,他必拯救你。箴言 20:22
Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the LORD, and he will avenge you. Proverbs 6:14

你們饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必饒恕你們的過犯;馬太福音 6:14
For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. Matthew 6:14

你們不饒恕人的過犯,你們的天父也必不饒恕你們的過犯。馬太福音 6:15
But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:15

你們各人若不從心裡饒恕你的弟兄,我天父也要這樣待你們了。馬太福音 18:35
This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart. Matthew 18:35

謙卑 Humility

敬畏耶和華是智慧的訓誨;尊榮以前,必有謙卑。箴言 15:33
Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the LORD, and humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33

敬畏耶和華心存謙卑,就得富有、尊榮、生命為賞賜。箴言 22:4
Humility is the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4

凡事不可結黨,不可貪圖虛浮的榮耀;只要存心謙卑,各人看別人比自己強。腓立比書 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Philippians 2:3

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

驕傲 Pride

驕傲來,羞恥也來;謙遜人卻有智慧。箴言 11:2
When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

驕傲只啟爭競;聽勸言的,卻有智慧。箴言 13:10
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. Proverbs 13:10

驕傲在敗壞以先;狂心在跌倒之前。箴言 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Proverbs 16:18

但他賜更多的恩典,所以經上說:神阻擋驕傲的人,賜恩給謙卑的人。雅各書 4:6
But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” James 4:6

忍耐 Patience

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

並且你們要為我的名,被眾人恨惡,惟有忍耐到底的,必然得救。馬可福音 13:13
Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. Mark 13:13

不但如此,就是在患難中也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance. Romans 5:3

我們行善,不可喪志;若不灰心,到了時候就要收成加拉太書 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

你們也當忍耐,堅固你們的心,因為主來的日子近了。雅各書 5:8
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:8

溫柔 Meekness

回答柔和,使怒消退;言語暴戾,觸動怒氣。箴言 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

溫柔的人有福了,因為他們必承受地土。馬太福音 5:5
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

用溫柔勸戒那抵擋的人;或者 神給他們悔改的心,可以明白真道。提摩太後書 2:25
Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:25

只要以裡面存著長久溫柔、安靜的心為妝飾;這在 神面前是極寶貴的。彼得前書 3:4
Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. 1 Peter 3:4

嫉妒 Envy

不要為作惡的心懷不平,也不要向那行不義的生出嫉妒。詩篇 37:1
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong. Psalm 37:1

心中安靜是肉體的生命;嫉妒是骨中的朽爛。箴言 14:30
A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 14:30

在何處有嫉妒、紛爭,就在何處有擾亂和各樣的壞事。雅各書 3:16
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. James 3:16

生氣 Anger

當止住怒氣,離棄忿怒;不要心懷不平,以致作惡。詩篇 37:8
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. Psalm 37:8

好生氣的人,不可與他結交;暴怒的人,不可與他來往。箴言 22:24
Do not make friends with a hot-tempered person, do not associate with one easily angered. Proverbs 22:24

愚妄人怒氣全發;智慧人忍氣含怒。箴言 29:11
Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11

生氣卻不要犯罪.不可含怒到日落。以弗所書 4:26
In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry. Ephesians 4:26

我親愛的弟兄們,這是你們所知道的,但你們各人要快快的聽,慢慢的說,慢慢的動怒,因為人的怒氣並不成就 神的義。雅各書 1:19,20
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. James 1:19,20

災難 Calamity

謹守口與舌的、就保守自己免受災難。箴言 21:23
Those who guard their mouths and their tongues keep themselves from calamity. Proverbs 21:23

民要攻打民、國要攻打國、多處必有地震、饑荒.這都是災難的起頭。馬可福音 13:8
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. Mark 13:8

憂愁 Worry

你們不要憂愁、因靠耶和華而得的喜樂是你們的力量。尼希米記 8:10
Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10

主雖使人憂愁, 還要照他諸般的慈愛發憐憫。耶利米哀歌 3:32
Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. Lamentations 3:32

凡勞苦擔重擔的人,可以到我這裡來,我就使你們得安息。馬太福音 11:28
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

我留下平安給你們、我將我的平安賜給你們.我所賜的、不像世人所賜的.你們心裏不要憂愁、也不要膽怯。約翰福音 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

應當一無掛慮,只要凡事藉著禱告、祈求和感謝,將你們所要的告訴神。神所賜出人意外的平安,必在基督耶穌裡,保守你們的心懷意念。腓立比書 4:6,7
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6,7

因此, 你們是大有喜樂, 但如今, 在百般的試煉中暫時憂愁。彼得前書 1:6
In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 1 Peter 1:6

患難 Trouble, Suffering

義人多有苦難,但耶和華救他脫離這一切。詩篇 34:19
The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all. Psalm 34:19

神是我們的避難所,是我們的力量,是我們在患難中隨時的幫助!詩篇 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

耶和華本為善,在患難的日子為人的保障,並且認得那些投靠他的人。那鴻書 1:7
The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7

為義受逼迫的人有福了,因為天國是他們的。馬太福音 5:10
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10

不但如此,就是在患難中,也是歡歡喜喜的。因為知道患難生忍耐。羅馬書 5:3
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; Romans 5:3

我想現在的苦楚,若比將來要顯於我們的榮耀,就不足介意了。羅馬書 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18

因為你們蒙恩,不但得以信服基督,並要為他受苦。腓立比書 1:29
For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him. Philippians 1:29

Go to top