SECOND SESSION

Text

• Student Notes #3: "What is Wrong with Physician Assisted Suicide"
• Student Notes #4: "What does God say about suffering"
• Student Notes #5: "Principles Governing Medical Decisions"

Scripture

• 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
• Romans 8:28-39
• Romans 5:1-14

Objectives

• To understand man's stewardship over life: food, water and pain relief.
• To recognize the dangers of physician assisted suicide.
• To share the Christian response to pain and suffering and identifying ways a Christian can respond to the suffering of themselves and others.
• To become aware of principles regarding the withdrawal of life support.

WELCOME/PRAYER

Welcome students and open with prayer. Take a moment to introduce newcomers. Be sure any new members of the group have the student notes from the last session.

Note: Be sure to save 10 minutes at the end of the session for the discussion of Student Note #5 "Principles Governing Medical Treatment Decisions."

DISCUSSION

Briefly review the last session. Invite participants to share any reactions or insights gained during the week as a result of the first session of the course.

SHOW SEGMENT II OF VIDEO

Video Instructions: Turn on the video where you left off from Session 1. View approximately 5 minutes turning off the video after Dr. Schneiderman's comment, "I have no doubt that if physicians are given the legal permission to use euthanasia, they will use it."

You may want to set the stage for the next segment of "The Right To Kill" video they are about to view. Introduce your students to Krista Ecklund, a young woman who will share her dramatic and heartrending battle with depression and her many suicide attempts that started when she was only 16. Remind the students of the ballet dancer with cancer and the young man who requested suicide after breaking up with his girlfriend shown in the first session.

DISCUSSION

Ask the class:

• Should Krista, the ballet dancer or the heart broken young man have been able to obtain a lethal injection?

• Why? Why not? If you were Krista's friend what would you do?

• Would you fear your doctor if euthanasia or physician assisted suicide was legalized?

Hand out Student Note #3: "What is Wrong With Physician Assisted Suicide?"

DISCUSSION

As Christians we need to seek our Lord's wisdom in making medical decisions. As we learned in Session 1, God is the author of life and we are the stewards. We do not have absolute power over our lives. However we also know that for some, death will come quickly and others may find suffering. There is never an obligation for a Christian to suffer without pain killing drugs (analgesics). Steps are being taken to remedy the lack of training of doctors in the field of pain control. Consultations with pain specialists may be indicated in cases of difficult pain management.

Hand out Student Note #4: "What Does His Word Say About Suffering?".

1. Have a member of the class READ 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

   Discuss: What does His Word say about suffering at the end of life?

2. Have a member of the class READ Romans 8:28-39.

   Discuss: What assurance does the Lord give us during times of suffering?

3. Have a member of the class READ Romans 5:1-14.

   Discuss: As Christians how may our approach to these life decisions bear witness to the Lord in us?

Hand out Student Note #5: "Principles Governing Medical Treatment Decisions."

These principles reflect a Biblical response to the sanctity of human life regardless of the individuals age or capabilities. They are designed to be a guideline when making difficult end of life decisions regarding medical treatment. Stress the importance of respecting all human life, including those who can no longer function in an active role in society. Each person should be treated with respect and loving care, which includes providing as much comfort humanly possible through the provision for basic needs, food and water, and effective pain management.

Read aloud to the class all the principles on the handout and discuss how these principles relate to the scriptures studied today on suffering and those studied last week on the sanctity of life.

Stress the importance of the next session. Explain to the students they will be given the opportunity to work through actual case studies where they can apply these Biblical life principles.

CLOSING MOMENT

Invite all to join hands in a circle. Ask everyone to include those among you who are suffering physical, mental, or emotional pain. Pray for families, friends, and care givers of those who suffer.