Assisted Suicide: Christian compassion, convictions and wisdom for today's big issues

Talking Points

by Vaughan Roberts

Vaughan Roberts surveys the Christian worldview and seeks to apply these principles to the many complex questions surrounding assisted dying. This short book gives an overview and a starting point for constructive discussion as we seek to live in a world with different values, and love, serve and engage with the questions surrounding euthanasia.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Living, Theology, Politics, Cultural

71 pages, Perfect Paperback

First published May 1, 2017

About the author

Vaughan came to faith as he read through Matthew’s Gospel for himself as a teenager. After studying law at Cambridge University and a brief spell doing student ministry in South Africa, he moved to Oxford to study Theology at Wycliffe Hall and has lived in the city ever since. In 1991 he joined the staff of St Ebbe’s Church to lead the student ministry and since 1998 he has been Rector. He is also the Director of the Proclamation Trust, an organisation that encourages and equips Bible teachers. In his spare time Vaughan writes books and plays cricket and golf.

see also Vaughan Roberts' sister Clare Heath-Whyte

Reviews

[Alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will admit a bit of hesitancy approaching books on assisted suicide, as coming from a nursing perspective I know what end of life looks like more than most.

Vaughan Roberts book however handles the topic with grace, compassion and love. Its a short, easy to read (I did it in one sitting!) overview of the main issues around this topic both for and against. It then offers a biblical response grounded in God's love for us, our worth as creatures made in his image before entreating the reader to practical community love and care, as well as cultural engagement with this issue.

Would recommend for anyone trying to get their head around the issues involved in assisted dying, and what a biblical response looks like.

[Matthew Manchester · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this 3.5 stars. It’s good and helpful, but I was hoping for the SCRIPTURAL case to be more defined. Basically all he shared scripturally was the Imago Dei. I found his other book Transgendered to be much better than this one. However, it’s still good to read especially to understand this issue.

I think this “Talking Points” series has a lot of potential. Here’s hoping the next two books are homeruns.

[Talia]

This book is helpful in considering the issues around euthanasia. Sadly, in Qld this issue is no longer a legislative one but there is still much here for personal consideration. There is also much that we can still fight for in terms of adequate palliative care facilities.

[Cal]

i am not christian so this book didnt really resonate with me

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would be a great start for those who haven't yet spent much time thinking about the complexity of the problem. It's really just a starting point, to expose people to the discussions surrounding Assisted Suicide. I guess that's the point of this "Talking points" series, after all.

However I was probably a bit too optimistic, as I was hoping that this small book might cover some helpful depth on the issue. Nevertheless, it remains one of the toughest issues for me to think through as a Christian.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

What I loved about "Transgender" was the way in which Vaughan applied the biblical/gospel storyline (Creation/Fall/Rescue) to the issue at hand. In "Assisted Suicide", Vaughan more or less outlines the case for and the case against. For some reason this approach made it feel somewhat weaker. The issue was still wonderfully synthesised, summarised, and applied, but just not quite as incisively as in "Transgender". Still, I hope Vaughan Roberts writes many, many more books. He's great.

[Paul Hallam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and helpful introduction to the complex issue of assisted suicide. The book helpfully outlines the common reasons for assisted suicide and the reasons why Christians (and all people) should be against legislation to legalised euthanasia. I recommend this to all who would like a starting point for considering the issue.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

A concise, compassionate, empathetic, and beautiful guide to the Christian view of human value and dignity. Excellent for those looking for an introduction to the implications of the Imago Dei for bioethics. Just what one would expect from Vaughan Roberts.

The heart of the book is chapter 4: The Case Against
1 - We are designed, and therefore dignified, and also dependent on God.
2 - We are dependent on each other.
3 - Suffering is not the ultimate evil.

[Tim Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to the idea of assisted suicide from a Christian perspective. Vaughan’s writing is clear, concise, and practical. This is a needed resource that will be looked to again and again.

[D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, quick and insightful primer to the subject.

[benebean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good but just barely an intro

[Josh Long · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't learn anything, but it's a sound introduction of the conservative perspective on the topic.

[Ashton Trimble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helpful and clear, but fairly basic. A good introduction to the subject.

[Deon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good starting point for this topic.

[Adam Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

A concise but helpful introduction to the current state of debate on this difficult issue, outlining common arguments in favour and then offering a biblical response, showing God's good news about "the great value of every human life, the dignity of mutual dependence, and the sovereign love of God working in and through suffering, as seen supremely in Christ." Roberts also outlines some practical concerns, before closing with some pastoral reflections. There are extensive discussion questions at the end as well.

I didn't feel his was as good as his Talking Points book on transgender issues, and probably could have done with more on the wider context of the Bible's teaching on death and dying (as promised on the blurb!) But Roberts has still given us a valuable starting point for further reflection or group discussion.

[bec witcombe · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short helpful book on euthanasia that was a good starting point for this topic. I think I'd like to read more in depth into this topic but it was a good introduction :)

[Anna Barroso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Roberts does a good job at introducing readers to the pros and cons of assisted suicide. He introduces points to defend and to fight against the movement.