Euthanasia is once again at the forefront of public debate in the UK, with parliamentary discussions about the legality of assisted dying on the horizon. It’s a topic that naturally stirs deep emotions and raises ethical questions, particularly about autonomy, suffering, and the dignity of human life. As Christian parents, youth and children’s ministry leaders, and pastors, who are committed to raising children in the faith, this issue presents an important moment of reflection: How are we helping our children and young people think biblically about life, death, and human dignity?
Why This Matters for Our Children and Young People
Our children and young people are constantly encountering secular perspectives on life and death. In schools, media, and peer discussions, they are often told that autonomy—the right to determine their own lives, including how and when they end—holds the highest value. Euthanasia is frequently framed as an act of mercy, compassion, and dignity, but these messages often neglect the deeper moral and spiritual implications.
This secular worldview stands in stark contrast to biblical teaching. Genesis 1:27 tells us that humans are made in the image of God, and this divine imprint gives every person intrinsic value, irrespective of their abilities, age, circumstances, or health. Psalm 139:13-16 describes God’s intimate involvement in the creation of life, knitting each person together in the womb, and numbering our days before they come to be.
If we are not intentionally teaching these biblical truths, culture will shape their views for us. In an age where self-determination is celebrated, it becomes easy for young people to see euthanasia through the lens of individual rights rather than God’s sovereignty over life and death.
Biblical and Theological Foundations for Life and Death
As parents and church leaders, we must shape the theological framework through which children and young people view ethical issues. We need to offer a perspective that speaks into issues of life and death with clarity, hope, and truth. Here are a few practical steps to consider:
1. Start by Teaching the Sanctity of Life Early
It’s never too early to teach our children that every human life is valuable because it is created by God. From the youngest age, children can learn that God is the giver of life. We need to emphasise the reality of God as Creator and Sustainer of life. Acts 17:25 reminds us that God “gives all men life and breath and everything else.” Life is not ours to manipulate; it is God’s gift to steward.
As children grow older, these conversations can deepen by talking about what it means for a person to be made in God’s image and why that gives each life worth. Help them understand that our value comes from God’s design, not our personal capabilities or independence.
2. Have Open and Honest Conversations About Suffering
One of the most difficult aspects of the euthanasia debate is the issue of suffering. Secular culture often presents euthanasia as a compassionate response to suffering, offering people the chance to end their pain on their own terms. As Christians, we understand that suffering, while painful, is part of our fallen world. Yet, the Bible teaches that suffering is not without purpose.
Help the children see how the Bible talks about suffering. Romans 8:18 reminds us that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Encourage them to ask questions about why suffering exists and what God’s purpose might be in allowing it. Teach them that Jesus Himself suffered on our behalf and that, as His followers, we may also face suffering in this life. But remind them that our hope is not in avoiding pain, but in the promise of eternal life with God.
Encourage your children to be compassionate toward those who suffer, while also understanding that life’s value remains, even in the midst of pain.
3. Equip Them to Engage Thoughtfully
Young People need to be equipped to regularly think critically and biblically about what they hear in relation to the assisted dying debate. You can do this by asking questions that help them reflect on the cultural messages they receive. For example, when they hear arguments in favour of euthanasia, ask: “What does the Bible say about the value of life? How does Jesus call us to respond to suffering?” Encourage them to approach these conversations with grace and truth, always pointing back to the gospel and the hope of eternal life in Christ.
Additionally, equip yourself as a parent or ministry leader with resources that explore Christian ethics. These can help you feel more confident in leading these conversations with your children and young people.
4. Engage with Compassion and Truth
To teach young people to think biblically about euthanasia, we must strike a balance between compassion and truth. Secular arguments in favour of euthanasia often appeal to compassion, claiming that it is unkind to prolong suffering. While the Bible calls us to be deeply compassionate toward those who suffer, our compassion must be grounded in truth.
True Christlike compassion does not mean ending a life prematurely but walking alongside those who suffer, offering the hope of Christ and the promise of eternity with Him.
5. Model These Conversations in the Home and Church
One of the best ways to teach children how to think biblically about ethical issues is to model it in your own life. Talk openly about what the Bible says regarding life and death and share how your faith shapes your views on these topics. If they see you wrestling with these questions in light of Scripture, they will learn to do the same.
Churches also have a vital role to play in equipping parents and young people. Are there opportunities in your church to have discussions about ethical issues like euthanasia? As a church community, we must work together to ensure that we are raising children and young people who are prepared to navigate these challenging topics with a firm grasp on biblical truth.
Conclusion
We cannot afford to let the next generation drift away from a biblical understanding of life and death. The conversations we have today will shape how our children navigate these issues tomorrow. Let’s make sure we’re equipping them not only with knowledge, but with a gospel-centred hope in Christ.
The debate over euthanasia is not going away, and as Christians, we cannot afford to be silent or ill-prepared. Our children and young people are growing up in a culture that increasingly rejects biblical ethics in favour of personal autonomy and secular compassion. Now is the time to teach them to think biblically and theologically about life and death, suffering, and hope, so that they can stand firm in their faith and offer a countercultural witness to the sanctity of life.
