James Thornton

About the author: James Thornton is a Roman Catholic priest. He has written articles for the New American, a magazine published by the constitutionalist organization the John Birch Society.

According to the teachings of most traditional Christian groups, noble and compassionate intentions can never justify an immoral act such as euthanasia. Proponents argue that the purpose of euthanasia is to ease suffering and pain. However, God created pain for a specific purpose. Pain reminds Christians of their dependence on God and it reconnects them with their spirituality. To end a life prematurely is to assume the role of God and ignore his teachings and plan. Euthanasia is wrong and is contrary to Christian beliefs regardless of circumstance or justification.

One of the symptoms of a society in the grips of moral crisis is a...