Christians and Healthcare: How Should Christians View the End of Life?

TGC Q&A

In this first episode of TGC Q&A’s Christians and Healthcare series, Dr. Katie Butler answers the question, “How should Christians view the end of life?” She addresses:

• Framing the discussion (:42)
• Should Christians should always choose to “extend life?” (1:44)
• Thinking biblically in tumultuous situations (3:38)
• Four biblical principles for approaching end-of-life care (6:01)
• Seeking a cure, accepting death, and alleviating suffering (11:42)
• Evangelism in the ICU and palliative care (18:09)
• The difference between evangelism and ministry in the healthcare industry (21:22)
• Show compassion as a healthcare worker without becoming spiritually exhausted (25:28)
• The most fundamental method for building crucial strength to endure (28:38)

Find more from TGC on this topic:

TGC Course: End of Life Issues

When Flesh and Heart Fail: Why Believers Should Consider Advance Directives

Dr. Katie Butler’s Recommended Resources:

For healthcare professionals, referenced in episode:

• Christian Medical and Dental Association
• Medical Ethics and the Faith Factor: A Handbook for Clergy and Healthcare Professionals by Robert Orr
• Hostility to Hospitality: Spirituality and Professional Socialization within Medicineby Michael and Tracey Balboni

For everyone:

• Between Life and Death: A Gospel-Centered Guide to End-of-Life Medical Care by Kathryn Butler
• Finishing Well to the Glory of God by John Dunlop, MD
• Crossway articles on end-of-life care by Dr. Katie Butler

This episode of TGC Q&A's Christians and Healthcare series is sponsored by Remodel Health. Remodel Health is the health benefits software and consulting that helps employers save money and care better for their team. To learn how you can save an average of 35% on health benefits, visit remodelhealth.com/tgc.