Interpretation of Suffering and the Fallenness of the World

Interpretation of Suffering and the Falleness of the World
When it comes to decisions about end-of-life, different people seek guidance not only from the existing medical resources but also from spiritual and religious resources. This is particularly important because death and dying or end-of-life situations are difficult for patients and their families, and they need help in finding the meaning of life. According to Choudry et al. (2018), in end-of-life decisions, patients turn to their spirituality and religious beliefs to ensure their die peacefully. Healthcare professionals have to understand how patients from different religious worldviews perceive death and dying and ensure that patients maintain their religious values even in death. This paper discusses how George, who is suffering from a terminal illness, will make decisions about his end of life from a Christian worldview.
Christians believe that sickness and suffering are a result of the fall of man after the original sin. According to Hall et al. (2018), Christians believe that suffering began when sin became part of human creation. Further, they believe that people who are suffering can be redeemed from suffering by God, and as such, they persevere and pray to God to rescue them from suffering. Based on this worldview, George would interpret his suffering as a result of the original sin and fallenness of man. He would view his suffering as something he has to go through because when man fell from God’s grace and perfection, he was condemned to a life of suffering. In addition, by believing that he can be redeemed by God from his suffering, George would focus on getting into God’s grace and asking God to rescue him from his suffering. In the Christian worldview, being rescued from suffering can occur either through death or healing. Whatever the case, George would believe that through his suffering, he will experience God’s love and return to His good graces. As Hall et al. (2018) indicate, suffering is viewed by Christian as a way of drawing them and others closer to God and saving them from the original sin. George would believe that his suffering would bring him and his family closer to God, thus allowing them to be saved from sin.
Interpretation of Suffering and the Hope of Resurrection
In the Christian worldview, there is a belief in resurrection and life after death. Hall et al. (2018) reveal that Christians believe in bodily resurrection as the ideal end state where they live in a redeemed world, free of suffering. This belief helps Christians cope with death and dying because they believe they will resurrect and live a better life in the afterlife, just like Jesus Christ resurrected from death and went to be with God. Based on this Christian worldview, George would interpret his suffering as his journey towards death and eventual resurrection. He would be hopeful that even though he has suffered in this life, he will live free of suffering after he has been resurrected. However, George would be forced to assess his life to establish whether he has lived a good life as a Christian. According to Choudry et al. (2018), Christians believe that at their resurrection, they will either receive eternal salvation or be condemned to eternal damnat...