In this second Sunday School session on death and dying, we turn our attention to the ethical questions Christians face at the end of life. Building on the theological foundations laid previously, this lesson focuses on practical decision-making in medical settings and the moral challenges that arise when life-prolonging interventions, suffering, dignity, and human limits come into view.
Drawing on Scripture, Christian theology, and decades of experience in medical and military chaplaincy, the discussion explores how Christians can think clearly and faithfully about issues such as autonomy, dignity, quality of life, and responsibility toward family and caregivers. We examine how ethical reasoning is shaped by the Christian conviction that every person bears the image of God (imago Dei), and why this belief matters deeply when difficult decisions must be made.
The discussion also introduces common frameworks used in healthcare ethics—such as patient self-determination, surrogate decision-making, and the four-quadrant model—not as replacements for faith, but as tools that can help Christians navigate complex medical realities with wisdom, humility, and compassion. Throughout, the emphasis remains on approaching death not as a purely technical or individual matter, but as a moment that calls for prayerful discernment, relational care, and trust in God’s sovereignty over life and death.