EXPAND CHRISTIAN HOSPICE

The Washington Post recently carried an article by Peter Whoriskey entitled, "As More hospices enroll patients who aren't dying, questions about lethal doses arise". See http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/storyline/wp/2014/08/21/as-more-hospices-enroll-patients-who-arent-dying-questions-about-lethal-doses-arise/?

I want to bring this situation to your attention -- whether real or feared. It is that natural outcome of increasing societal acceptance of euthanasia. The old and disabled become afraid of what motives and intentions lie behind the treatment they receive. Many of us old stalwarts in the pro-Life movement have been warning that once the sanctity of human life cultural ethic is abandoned, the weakest and frailest of society would be in increasing peril. That is where we have come to; imposed death and fear of imposed death are now a reality. 

Welcome to the brave new world of the 21st Century.

The need for more orthodox Christian hospices have become a necessity to counter a culture of death that pervades many secular institutions.[1] We need to see an expansion of Christian centers of excellence for continuing and end of life care.  People must rest assured in the knowledge that they or their loved one's will receive care as though it was Christ himself being cared for.

Christian staff of these hospices must operate by this standard of care for all residents because that is the standard Christ gave: "Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me."[2] Christian and non-Christian alike would be welcome into these life affirming, Christ-centered care. Evangelical denominations and Catholic dioceses must cooperate to ensure an expanded blanket of Christian hospice care covers the landscape. 

The hostility of Obamacare being faced by American Christian institutions must only instigate a redouble efforts for life-affirming care -- even in the face of withering opposition of Obamacare or state policies that are anti-life. Our witness for the natural, God-given dignity of all human life can stand in sharp contrast to the prevailing culture of death and its disdain for the vulnerable. 

Remember, a candle burns brighter the darker it gets. Stand firm for Christ. Stand firm for the value and dignity of every human life. Expand the reach of Christian hospice.

Mark
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[1] My definition of the word "orthodox" or "orthodoxy" is the same as G.K. Chesterton's in his book of the same name: "When the word "orthodoxy" is used here it means the Apostles' Creed, as understood by everyone calling himself a Christian until a very short time ago and the general historical conduct of those who held such a creed."
[2] Matthew 25.40.