Can Christians “pull the plug” on a dying loved one? Is euthanasia biblical? A conversation with Jackson McNeece

Jackson McNeece and Dr. Mark Turman discuss the bioethics of euthanasia, why our culture has begun to accept physician-assisted suicide, and what the Bible says about “pulling the plug” on people on life support. 

 

Show notes: 

 

Jackson McNeece begins by explaining biomedical ethics, giving the state of the modern debate and culture’s view on euthanasia, and how Christians should react (2:52). 

They move to define terms like physician-assisted suicide, active and passive euthanasia, and “letting die” (10:10). They talk about why people are choosing physician-assisted suicide in such large numbers (20:44). 

Then, they discuss “brain death” and persistent vegetative states, comas, heroic measures, life support, and how to treat people with these conditions (26:45). 

They talk about biblical dualistic versus holistic views on the soul and body, and why it's important to talk to loved ones about death and dying (36:43). If the holistic view is correct, how should we treat comatose patients? Can Christians ever “pull the plug” on a dying loved one (41:42)? 

They end by considering why the disabled community is so against physician-assisted suicide and why Christians should never take their own lives (56:39). 

 

Resources and further reading:

 

• “What does the Bible say about euthanasia?” Dr. Jim Denison
• “What does the Bible say about suicide?” Dr. Jim Denison
• “6 topics in biomedical ethics every Christian should be concerned about” Jackson McNeece
• “No Other Options: Newly revealed documents depict a Canadian euthanasia regime that efficiently ushers the vulnerable to a “beautiful” death.” Alexander Raikin
• “Will Euthanasia Be Secular or Sacred?” Ross Douthat
• “What Euthanasia Has Done to Canada” Ross Douthat
• “Having suicidal thoughts? Call or text 988” Mark Legg

 

About the host

 

Mark Turman, DMin, is the executive director of Denison Forum. He received his DMin from Truett at Baylor and previously served as lead pastor of Crosspoint Church. 

 

About the guest 

 

Jackson McNeece is a Master of Divinity student from Oklahoma City, OK. In May of 2021, Jackson graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Medical Humanities. Throughout his studies at Baylor, he developed an intense curiosity for medical ethics, particularly within a healthcare setting. While studying at Duke Divinity, Jackson hopes to continue to cultivate his fascination with medical ethics, learn to ground medical ethics within a theological context, and develop an understanding of what it means to serve in a pastoral capacity in medicine.