Did you know that nearly 40% of evangelicals believe “mercy killing” for someone who’s suffering is morally permissible?
That fact raises another question: How many Christians today understand the Bible’s perspective on suffering?
Few people have the credibility to address issues as poignant as suffering and the value of human life like Joni Eareckson Tada. Fifty years ago, she broke her neck in a diving accident and was left a quadriplegic. Since then, she’s been a tireless advocate for people with disabilities and has stood against the movement that promotes suicide for disabled and disadvantaged people.
Joni and I recorded a conversation we’re airing on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly that will help you better understand why we should oppose the termination of human life for issues related to one’s perceived quality of life.
On the face of it, providing a way out of suffering for those who are in pain seems compassionate. But there is a lot beneath the surface, with ramifications across all aspects of civilized society.
Genesis 1:26 says that we are created in the image of God. Thus, each one of us reflects Him from the moment of conception until the final day of our lives.
As Focus on the Family declares in our statement on the sanctity of human life:
“We believe that human beings are created by God in His image. Therefore every person, from conception to natural death, possesses inherent dignity and immeasurable worth – including preborn children, elderly individuals, those with special needs and others marginalized by society. Christians, then, are called to defend, protect, and value all human life.”
Joni has great insight into the value of human life and great wisdom for families navigating end-of-life decisions. I appreciate the boldness with which she addresses this issue. She walks – and I use the word “walk” quite intentionally – the path of suffering every day. She also walks an ever-deepening journey with Christ every day.
You won’t want to miss our powerful conversation. Tune in on your local radio station, online, on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, via Google Podcasts, or listen on our free phone app.
I also encourage you to get Joni’s devotional A Spectacle of Glory: God’s Light Shining Through Me Every Day. We’ll send you a copy for a gift of any amount. Click here for more information.
