Not something I would normally post but a compelling discussion with a man diagnosed with ALS.
Yes he is an Atheist and as such many on here will choose not to view it he does touch on the god side of things as until 10 years ago he was a Christian .
But the most interesting points are regarding his journey and his thoughts on life and death since being diagnosed 2 years ago and being told he has 3-5 years to live.
I'll try to listen later...it's always good to hear an "argument" from all perspectives.
I listened to this clip. Let me first say he has my sympathy, ALS is a horrible disease. Secondly I do believe people should be able to legally end their own suffering. Perhaps there is something in the gospels that forbids taking your own life, but I can’t recall seeing it. Perhaps it is more religious practice than religion.
For many people life becomes an ordeal and people should have a way to find relief. Having said that we don’t want to take away the chance that their problems can be fixed and the compulsion society feels to help people like that….the second heart transplant, the kid that has been bullied.
I was struck by how much this man is still being programmed by his religious beliefs. All the issues he believes in fervently flow from religion. Even his language….”I was given a gift”…by whom? That’s a religious mindset.
I was also struck by the selfishness of his philosophy. If you don’t like working…change. Well what about your kids who need food on the table. And who provides all the stuff without which your new life would be massively diminished.
So with the greatest respect for his troubles, I found nothing novel or uplifting in his views of life and death. Just a reiteration of the ‘me’ generation. In today’s world, with the communication capabilities we have even the most trite observations attract a following.