Cardinal says: Pain killers make dying people better Xians

[Modem Butterfly]

http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=4482

Lima, Jul. 26, 2005 (CNA) - The President of the Pontifical Council for Heath Care, Cardinal Javier Lozano Barragan, recalled the Terry Schiavo case this week and said “they killed her” by denying her food and hydration.

SNIP

In today’s world, he stated, there is an abundance of euphemisms to disguise euthanasia. “The dignity of death means that this person has the capacity to reach the fullness of maturity so that upon crossing the threshold he or she does so in full consciousness, blossoming forth completely in the Lord,” the cardinal added.

He makes it sound like death is a debutante ball. I guess some euphemisms are better than others.

:evilgrin:

Death is that special time in a young person's life when their body begins to change, to blossom if you will...

He also called for advances in palliative care in order to “resolve the problems of pain and so that individuals can be more aware and more united to Christ on the cross, and thus be more conscious of the beginning of the resurrection.”

Got that folks? It's not about curtailing your suffering, it's about advancing his religion.

YIKES.

Likewise, the cardinal pointed out that “a doctor who is not a believer is always a frustrated doctor. The most advanced techniques, the most advanced medicines, are always met at the exit by the ironic laughter of death; on the other hand, the believer says no to death,” he said.

If that's true, why would any believer even go into healthcare?


Edited for snark.

[bryant69]

1. I'm not sure you read that right

I think it's more about slamming atheists. It's the old "Athiests don't believe in God, so there is no meaning to life, so why do they bother to do anything" question. I'm sure you've heard it before.

A believing docter would believe that death is not the end, and so would be able to handle the deaths of his patients a bit more easily.

As for why a believer would become a doctor (given a belief that this life is not the end, and that death isn't the worst thing that can happen to you) I would imagine it still has something to do with preventing suffering and helping people live to do what they want to with this life, and, naturally, to make a boatload of cash.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[Modem Butterfly]

3. Actually, that's how I read it

I don't think he meant that believing docs simply don't accept death
("He's pining for the fjords!"), but read literally, it's pretty funny.

Personally, I would prefer not to see a doctor who was too confidant of the afterlife...

[Swamp Rat]

2. Take your 'Jesus Pills' THX1138.

[Kingshakabobo]

4. Does seeing god after four hits of acid count (while alive)? n/t

[DBoon]

5. We are in a sense all dying from the moment of birth

Life is a preparation for death.

So, I want my morphine NOW dammit!!!

Bring me closer to god.

[Modem Butterfly]

6. Serenity NOW!